Why Christmas Is the Easiest Time for Extended Family Photos (When Done Right)

There’s something about the holiday season that feels both magical and a little chaotic, right? The house is full of laughter and guests, while the kids are enjoying their yearly quota of sugar in one week. On the calendar, you’ve been intentional to say no where needed, and are enjoying fully the YESes of the season. 

And somewhere in the middle of all of that, you might be thinking, “This would be the perfect time to get photos with everyone together… but I cannot possibly plan one more thing.”
Mama, that’s exactly where a full-service photographer steps in and lifts the weight off your shoulders.

Let me show you what that actually looks like — especially if your extended family is gathering in Kansas City this Christmas.

I Help You Plan the Entire Session (So You Can Actually Enjoy Your People)

Whether your family is flying in from out of state or driving in from Lee’s Summit, I begin by learning who’s coming, how they’re connected, what the personalities are like, and what sentimental details matter to you. From there, I guide you through every step so you feel prepared rather than overwhelmed.

You don’t have to coordinate schedules, wrangle ideas, or manage opinions alone. I take that planning off your plate and walk the details out with you, which makes all the difference.

We’ll start with a Design Consultation to solidify location, wardrobe, and understand what you would love to do with the final photos. 

I’ll Guide Your Location Choice

Extended family sessions thrive in spaces that feel warm, flexible, and comfortable — especially in the winter.

If you love the idea of something cozy and meaningful, we can create images in your home with the Christmas tree glowing in the background and grandparents reading to the grandkids. Those moments tend to become the photos families treasure forever.

If your home is overflowing with guests or you want something minimal and timeless, a studio session offers a calm and beautifully lit space regardless of the weather. The whole experience can be a lovely family outing, capped off with coffee or dinner out nearby as a group. 

Both options work wonderfully for extended families, and I help you choose the one that best fits your crew.

I Provide Easy Wardrobe Guidance

Holiday sessions often include ten to twenty people, and wardrobe coordination is often where my families have the most questions. That’s where I step in with my own questions to land on a cohesive wardrobe plan that’s easy for everyone to follow.

I consider your personal style, the colors in your home, and the overall mood you want your session to reflect. We chat about how you want your photos displayed, as that will affect the wardrobe choices and feel of the final images. From there, I guide you into a simple palette that photographs beautifully and feels natural — no endless group texts required. And if Aunt Sharon wants to ask me any questions about what to wear? You can refer her right to me if you want! 

The Session is All About Your Connections

The session (or just the getting there!) is the part most families worry about, which is why I LOVE making it easy for you! I gently guide groupings, poses, and storytelling moments so you’re not trying to direct anyone. I LOVE directing your crew! 

I already arrive with a plan, which includes your must-haves. In real time, I adjust order as needed to make room for shy toddlers (they just need to get comfortable in the space!), and we always capture some unexpectedly beautiful moments along the way. 

Everyone feels supported — from the shy grandchild to the chatty uncle. Your only job is to enjoy the people you love while I lead you through connective portraits. 

After the Session, I Help You Choose Artwork 

Instead of delivering a gallery and wishing you good luck, I walk with you through the process of choosing artwork. This is where extended family sessions truly shine. We can create albums for each household, framed gifts for grandparents, wall art arrangements for your home, or deeply meaningful Christmas gifts for siblings and adult children.

Everything is custom designed with intention, printed with quality, and handled for you.

We’ve already discussed these options at the Design Consultation, so you’ve already seen my Studio Menu and thought about where you want your photos in your home. Now is the fun part of choosing. By walking my families through the process, they can enjoy zero overwhelm and have heirloom products delivered right to their door. 

Why Christmas Is Actually the BEST Time for Extended Family Photos

Christmas is the one time of year when everyone is already gathered. Your kids, their cousins, grandparents, siblings — everyone is close, warm, and ready to make memories. It’s the perfect moment to pause and preserve what this season looks like for your family.

Booking during the holidays doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. When the process is guided and full-service, it actually feels simple.

You show up. You enjoy your people. I take care of everything else.

If you’re searching for a Kansas City family photographer who can beautifully and calmly guide your extended family through a Christmas session, I’d love to serve you. I specialize in full-service photography for families in Kansas City, offering both in-home holiday sessions filled with cozy, meaningful moments and studio sessions that create a clean, timeless look. Whether your whole crew is gathering in Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Leawood, Olathe, or right here in the heart of KC, I make the process easy from planning to artwork. 

If your family is finally all together this Christmas, now is the perfect time to create images you’ll cherish for decades.