Every year around this time I get some version of the same question from moms. Will you actually get my kids to smile? Will all of us look good, not just the kids? They can’t sit still for five minutes, how is this even going to work? And somewhere in the background there’s usually a husband who would rather do just about anything else than pose for a family photo.
Fair questions, every one of them. So instead of me telling you how holiday sessions actually go, here’s what families who’ve already had holiday photos taken had to say. Many of these are families I’ve photographed for years now, holiday season after holiday season.
On Kids Who Have Zero Patience for This
Ashley Sewell said it better than I ever could:
“Sessions with Krista feel like hanging out in a beautiful location with a good friend. She immediately puts you at ease and she understands how to work with families. My two young boys have zero patience for having their picture taken. Every session they’re running away from the camera, complaining and frowning non-stop (until the lollipop at the end, of course). We always drive away wondering if Krista was able to get anything. And sure enough, every time, she gets SO MUCH. I am blown away when I open the link to our photos and find dozens of moments she captured that bring me to tears. She is the only photographer I trust with our family’s memories, and I only wish I had found her sooner. Book a session with her today. You’ll be so glad you did.”
It’s not just toddlers either. Alysia Evans has older kids in the mix and had similar doubts going into her session:
“They’re amazing. You are a magician! These are lovely. I did not expect them to come out well with the heat and teenage resistance. I’m so pleased.”
Zero patience five year olds, resistant teenagers, doesn’t matter. That’s most sessions, not a rare exception, and it’s usually where the best photos come from.
On Everyone Looking Good, Not Just The Kids
Natalie Sive put words to the worry a lot of moms have but don’t say out loud: “I LOVE our photos Krista! Thank you for always making our family look great, even when we aren’t at our best.”
Natalie is one of a lot of families who come back year after year. Here’s what she said after the first one, back in December 2024:
“Already LOVE LOVE them. So grateful to you and thank you for gifting us the entire gallery!!!”
If you’re wondering whether one good session turns into a yearly thing, that’s basically the answer.
On The Dog-Only Crowd
Not every holiday session has kids in it. Alison Drenning booked hers for her fur-babies, and this was her reaction:
“Thanks for making us look so good (and for putting up with our crazy dogs!).”
If your “kids” have four legs, you’re just as welcome. Pets get the same patience and the same real, unposed approach as everyone else, and dedicated dog sessions are available if you’d rather they be the whole focus.
On The Session Itself Not Feeling Forced
One family summed up the in-the-moment experience:
“Grateful that Krista made our session feel so easy and laid back. It helped that Krista was patient with the kids and was able to capture all of us in our natural state. We enjoyed Krista’s vibe. I appreciated her confidence in knowing that she’d be able to get some good shots without forcing the issue.” — Esther Chai
“Without forcing the issue” is the goal every time. No stiff posing, no forced smiles, no wrangling kids for forty-five minutes. Just enough direction to get everyone in frame, then space to let the actual family show up.
More Families Who’ve Booked With Us
“They are all beautiful! Thank you for always doing such a great job.” — Erica Jenkins
“We looked through these last night and absolutely love them. Thanks for capturing such a special moment in our lives so beautifully.” — Caitlyn Milkovich
“You captured so many great moments. Truly a talent.” — Lolo Wyatt, holiday session
“We are both so thrilled with how all of the pictures turned out. You captured our family so perfectly.” — Dillon & Allison Siler, family session
“Thank you so much for our gorgeous photos! We really love them.” — Morgan Vaessen family
What to Wear for Your Session
Once you’ve got your date booked, the next question is almost always what everyone should wear, and how to actually pose without it feeling stiff. I’ve got a full guide on that here, with another coming on September 17th, be sure to check back!
PRO TIP: Holiday mini sessions, especially the fixed-date ones, tend to book out fastest because there are fewer available slots than the flexible sessions. If you know you want photos before the holidays, it’s worth grabbing your date as soon as sessions go live rather than waiting to decide.
Questions That I Get Every Holiday Season
- When should I book? As early as you can once dates are announced. Fixed-date sessions fill first, and the flexible booking windows follow shortly after.
- What if my kids (or pets) don’t cooperate on cue? Good. That’s normal, and it’s exactly what the families above are describing. One real laugh beats twenty forced smiles.
- My husband hates having his photo taken, is that going to be a problem? Not even a little. Most of the dads I photograph would rather be anywhere else when the session starts, and by the end they’re usually fine. You don’t need enthusiasm going in, just show up.
- Do you only do family sessions, or can I bring my dog too? Family sessions welcome pets as part of the group, and if your dog is really the main event, dedicated dog sessions are also available.
- Where do you shoot? Sessions are available across LA, Conejo Valley (Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills), and the South Bay (Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and nearby).
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