It’s November: Here’s Your Stress-Free Plan for Christmas Photos
November sneaks up every year, and suddenly everyone’s scrambling for Christmas photos — except the couples who planned ahead. And honestly? Those are the sessions that feel the most relaxed, joyful, and true to who you are. November is the perfect time to get everything in place before the December rush hits, and it gives you room to create a session that feels intentional instead of rushed.
Here’s your step-by-step November playbook to make your Christmas photos feel effortless, cozy, and timeless.
1. Choose Outfits That Feel Like You (And Won’t Age Poorly)
Forget the overly matchy Pinterest boards — choose outfits that reflect your personality and the season. Think:
Earth tones, forest greens, wine reds
Knits, denim, layers, textures
Pieces you’d actually wear outside of photos
Neutral tones photograph beautifully in winter and won’t feel dated next year. In New England especially, layers are your best friend — not just for warmth, but for creating depth and dimension in your photos.
2. Pick a Location That Matches Your Vibe
Different couples shine in different settings. Some look magical in a tree farm. Others feel most themselves in a moody pine forest or the quiet glow of their living room.
Ask yourself:
Where do we actually feel comfortable and connected?
Some location ideas:
A Christmas tree farm
A lakeside dock at golden hour
A foggy New Hampshire forest
A cozy at-home session with twinkle lights
A snowy field or backroad
The right backdrop changes everything — it sets the tone and tells your story.
3. Bring a Few Cozy Props (But Keep It Simple)
Props should add to your moment, not distract from it. Some easy, natural options:
A favorite blanket
A thermos of hot cocoa
Lanterns or twinkle lights
Scarves, hats, and layers
A wreath or evergreen sprig
Your pets (always a yes)
Think personal, not Pinterest-perfect. Your vibe should feel lived-in, warm, and real.
4. Book Your Photographer Before December Gets Wild
December fills FAST — especially in New England once the first flurries hit and everyone wants cozy, snowy portraits. Booking in November guarantees you a good time slot and enough turnaround time for holiday cards or prints.
Plus, November light is dreamy: soft, low, and golden — perfect for warm, romantic holiday shots.
5. Consider Your Weather Plan (Because New England Is… New England)
November weather can swing wildly, so it’s smart to prepare for:
Overcast skies
Light rain or snow
Wind
Cold temperatures
What most couples don’t know? Overcast days make incredibly beautiful, cinematic holiday photos.
Cloudy light = soft skin tones + moodier backgrounds + no harsh shadows.
If the weather turns truly wild, you can pivot to:
A tree farm with covered areas
A greenhouse
Your home (cozy and underrated!)
A cabin or Airbnb session
Being flexible creates better photos — truly.
6. Plan Ahead If You Need Photos for Holiday Cards
Printers get backed up by mid-December. If you want physical cards in hand before the holidays, aim to shoot no later than the first week of December.
Shooting in November gives you:
Time to pick photos
Time to order prints/cards
Less stress overall
Your future self will thank you.
7. Don’t Forget the Little Things (They Matter)
Here are small details couples overlook:
Bringing hand warmers
Packing an extra pair of socks
Having a backup outfit
Prepping your dogs (leashes, treats)
Steaming wrinkle-prone clothing
Keeping your car warm for breaks
Comfort = better photos. Every time.
November Is the Secret to Stress-Free Christmas Photos
November gives you breathing room. It gives you extra warmth, extra daylight, and extra magic before the holiday chaos sets in. And it helps your photos feel like a memory instead of a rushed task.
If you plan now, your holiday session will feel cozy, connected, and beautifully you — not forced or frantic.
When you’re ready, I’m here to help you style, plan, and choose a location that feels like your story.
