Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits. See more family photos in the gallery. Contact me to book your family portrait today!
Table of Contents
Things to do With Your Family Photos
The holidays are a whirlwind of decorating, shopping, cooking, and traveling. But when the season passes, what truly lasts? Family photos.
Holiday family portraits are more than just pretty pictures — they become wall art, heirlooms, gifts, and timeless memories you’ll treasure year after year. The best part? With the right planning, they can check multiple things off your holiday to-do list while creating keepsakes your family will enjoy for decades.
1. Wall Art for a Home You Love
The number one reason many families book a holiday session is for wall art. Portraits aren’t just digital files; they’re artwork for your home.
One of the unique services I offer is custom wall art design software. This lets you see exactly how different sizes and styles of portraits will look on your actual wall space before you order. No more guessing if an 11×14 will look too small above the mantel — you’ll have a true-to-scale preview of how it fits.
Holiday sessions are the perfect excuse to refresh your home’s decor before guests arrive, creating a space that feels warm, personal, and beautifully complete.
2. Albums as a Legacy
What if you don’t have much wall space? That’s the most common concern I hear from families. My solution: albums.
Albums are tangible keepsakes that can be passed down from one generation to the next. They’re like storybooks for your family — your children can flip through them now, and one day, share them with their own kids. Unlike digital files that often get lost or forgotten, albums are timeless and intentional.
An album isn’t just about having photos; it’s about preserving your family’s story in a way that will be cherished for decades.
3. Holiday Cards That Stand Out
There’s nothing more meaningful than opening a holiday card with a portrait of your loved ones. Booking your family photos in the fall means you’ll have plenty of time to design and order cards before printing deadlines hit.
Unlike stock designs, a personalized card with your portraits stands out in the mailbox and often becomes a keepsake itself. Friends and family display them on mantels and fridges, keeping your family’s smiling faces close all season long.
4. Gifts for Loved Ones
Looking for thoughtful gift ideas? Family photos are perfect for that, too.
Grandparents and relatives especially love receiving updated portraits of your growing family. A framed print, canvas, or small keepsake album is something they’ll treasure and display with pride. For out-of-town grandparents, these gifts provide an emotional connection that goes far beyond a phone call.
Unlike typical gifts that may lose value over time, portraits become more meaningful as the years go by.
5. Digital Uses
Family photos aren’t limited to prints and albums — they also shine in the digital space.
- Add them to your holiday newsletters.
- Share year-in-review posts on social media.
- Create virtual holiday greetings for friends and family far away.
These digital uses allow your photos to spread joy near and far, helping you stay connected with loved ones no matter where they are.
Timing Is Everything
When’s the best time to book family photos for the holidays? The answer: now.
- October is ideal for booking. This allows time to plan outfits, coordinate schedules, and decide on the products you’d like (cards, albums, wall art).
- November is perfect for shooting. Sessions in early-to-mid November ensure your portraits are ready in plenty of time for cards and gifts.
Here’s the kicker: November only has four weekends — and those dates go fast. Since weekends are the easiest time for families with kids, securing your spot early guarantees you’ll have options that work for your schedule.
Conclusion & CTA
At the end of the day, family photos aren’t just pictures. They’re art that fills your home, albums that tell your story, holiday cards that spread cheer, and gifts that bring joy to loved ones. More importantly, they’re memories that live on well beyond the holiday season.
Ready to create portraits that will be treasured this year — and for years to come?
Let’s book your holiday family session today before the calendar fills up! Click HERE to schedule a consultation with me.
Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits. See more family photos in the gallery. Contact me to book your family portrait today!
