Transform your Christmas family traditions into gifts with family photography sessions and printed products.
For many of us, Christmastime revolves around family and the traditions we share. Some of these traditions have been handed down through the generations and others we’ve created ourselves – either through choice or by happenstance.
Shared memories
As a family photographer, I enjoy nothing more than capturing my own little family's festive traditions. And one of the things that brings me great joy, is the four of us huddling up together during the holidays and flicking through photo albums of Christmases gone by – swapping memories, laughing and, every now and again shedding the odd tear. Seeing the changes in my boys and how much they’ve grown over the months and years never fails to amaze me and I'm always so grateful I have these moments to look back on – as without the photographs they could easily have been forgotten. For me, pictures of family Christmases hold a special place in my heart, and I love that part of my job is helping others hold onto their precious memories. I very much encourage families who are thinking about booking one of my family photography sessions to consider holding it during the festive season.
Evolving traditions
Growing up in Poland, the run-up to Christmas felt very different to the pre-Christmas weeks I’ve now grown accustomed to with my own family of four in Edinburgh. When I was a child these weeks were super hectic, and our home was a hive of activity – deep cleaning throughout, washing the windows until they sparkled and preparing oodles of tasty seasonal dishes. These days, I opt for a calmer, simpler festive season, one very much focussed on our immediate family unit, with little shared rituals and low-key activities sprinkled throughout. Many of these habits and traditions my family has lovingly forged make for wonderful photographs – and I’m sure the same can be said for your family too.
Festive photo opportunities
Decorating the house is always a fantastic family activity to photograph. It gives me the opportunity to take wide shots of your home, with your family absorbed in their individual tasks, as well as close-ups capturing expressions and tiny details of say, a cherished family heirloom, such as a beautifully decorated bauble.
If you’d like to take it a step further, I can also take pictures of you making decorations – weaving wreaths, painting ornaments or looping together colourful paper chains. In my house, a big part of the Christmas prep is baking and some of my most beloved festive photos are of my boys making and decorating gingerbread.
Lighting is a big part of what gives your home that cosy, festive feel – and not only your home but the photographs themselves. The twinkling fairy lights of the Christmas tree create a magical backdrop, whilst flickering candlelight softly illuminates faces and yuletide adornments.
Lighting is a big part of what gives your home that cosy, festive feel – and not only your home but the photographs themselves. The twinkling fairy lights of the Christmas tree create a magical backdrop, whilst flickering candlelight softly illuminates faces and yuletide adornments.
Talking of staying warm, some of the most beautiful and intimate photographs I’ve taken are of families enjoying the simple pleasures. And at this time of year, this is often curled up on the sofa in front of the fire, sipping mulled wine or hot chocolate, watching a Christmas film together – our current family favourite is Klaus! You can find more ideas for your Christmas family photo session here.
DIY photography
You’ll of course want photographs of the big day itself, and although dedicated to my job, I draw the line at working Christmas Day! In the past, I’ve shared tips on how to take professional-looking photographs of your own family. I hope these help you take full advantage of the ample photo opportunities as and when they present themselves throughout the day. In Poland, Christmas Eve is the main event – it is when the family gathers for dinner and gifts are exchanged. These days, for me, Christmas Eve is a much more sedate affair but there are still many wonderful moments when I reach for my camera, like when the boys play carols on the keyboard or arrange the mince pies and carrots underneath the Christmas tree, in excited anticipation for the arrival of Santa and his reindeer. And later, when they snuggle up in bed dressed in their festive pyjamas, reading Christmas stories together. It’s moments like these we want to hold onto forever
Gifts for loved ones
With my wider family living so far away, they’re always delighted to receive photographs of us – photographs they can easily reach for or display in their home. It is one of the inspirations behind my new gift collection. After your festive photoshoot with me, you can select which of the images you’d like to gift to loved ones and tailor the presentation to their needs and taste. Alternatively, the photography session makes a wonderful gift in itself. Perhaps surprise your family with my gift vouchers, giving you all something to look forward to in the run-up to next Christmas.
Whatever your family Christmas traditions, they’re worth remembering – and a family photography session with me will ensure they’re remembered for many years to come.
If you’d like to book, or have any questions, send me a message.
