Holiday & Christmas Portraits in Palm Beach Gardens: How to Plan Your Session
The holidays are one of my favorite times of year to photograph families, couples, and pets. Whether you dream of a cozy Christmas scene, a snowy winter wonderland, a sparkling New Year's look, or a relaxed portrait on a South Florida beach, a little planning makes your holiday session easy, joyful, and truly yours. Here is how I help clients plan.
Step 1: Choose Your Setting
The first decision is where you would like your holiday portraits created: in my studio, in your own home, or at a favorite location.
In the Studio
My Palm Beach Gardens studio has a large variety of holiday backgrounds, from wintry snow scenes and rustic doors dressed for winter to beautiful indoor Christmas settings with trees, fireplaces, and decorations. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, you can choose the scenes you love. Many families end up photographing two or three different backgrounds in one session for more variety.
In Your Home
Your own home, decorated for the season by your tree or fireplace, creates warm, personal portraits that tell your family's story.
On Location Around Palm Beach
Our area is beautiful during the holidays. Popular choices include:
Worth Avenue in Palm Beach with its elegant Christmas trees and holiday décor
Harbourside Place in Jupiter and its festive decorations
Downtown West Palm Beach, using the urban holiday lights and decorations as a backdrop
The beach, such as Juno Beach or Palm Beach, for a relaxed South Florida holiday look
Local parks with beautiful trees and natural light
On location, we often visit a few different spots during one session so you get a variety of looks.
Step 2: Plan Your Holiday Look
Clothing sets the tone of your portraits. Some favorite ideas:
Matching pajamas for a cozy, playful Christmas morning feel
Santa hats, scarves, or fun holiday socks for a touch of whimsy
Matching or coordinated t-shirts for a casual, modern family look
Dressed-up and festive in gold, silver, black, navy, or deep red, perfect for a New Year's Eve theme, even without a holiday background
Nice everyday clothes with a scarf for a relaxed beach or park portrait
My own family has done both: one year we wore matching pajamas, and the next year matching t-shirts. It is all about what feels like you, and I would love to help you design a look that is fun and different. Please avoid busy prints, stripes, and logos so the focus stays on your faces.
Step 3: Include Your Pets
Pets are family too, and they make holiday portraits extra special.
Schedule grooming before the session so your pet looks their best.
Bring a leash, collar or harness, waste bags, favorite treats, and toys.
Bring a holiday or winter outfit if you have one, or use mine: I keep a treasure box of holiday and Christmas accessories, including scarves and hats in different sizes for pets.
Holiday portraits with pets don't have to be in the studio. Poinsettias, a garden bench, and your favorite companions can create a festive portrait right at home or outdoors.
Step 4: A Fun Idea for Big Families
When the whole family is together for the holidays, it is the perfect time for a multi-generation portrait. One of my favorite sessions started with a traditional portrait of more than fifteen family members, then smaller family groups, and at the very end everyone put on Christmas hats for a joyful, festive finale. You get a classic heirloom portrait and a fun holiday one in the same session.
Questions I Ask Before Your Session
Which holiday are we celebrating? (Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, Thanksgiving, and more)
How will you use your portraits? Wall art for your home, gifts, invitations, or sharing with family?
Who will be in the portraits: grandparents, siblings, children, pets?
What color scheme do you have in mind?
Are there props or decorations you would love to include?
How to Prepare
Book early: holiday dates fill quickly. I recommend booking at least two months before the holiday.
Men: schedule your haircut two days before the session.
Women: have hair, makeup, and nails done.
Kids: make sure they are well rested after a nap, and bring snacks.
Pets: groomed, with leash, treats, and favorite toys.
Holiday Portrait Q&A
When should I book my holiday portrait session?
As early as possible. I recommend booking at least two months before the holiday, since December dates fill quickly.
Can we photograph more than one background?
Yes. Many families choose two or three studio backgrounds in one session, or visit a few locations when we photograph outdoors.
Do you have Hanukkah backgrounds?
Yes. My studio has holiday sets for different celebrations, plus winter scenes and solid backgrounds, so everyone can choose what feels right.
Can my dog or cat be in our holiday portrait?
Absolutely. Pets are welcome in studio and on location. Please have them groomed before the session, and feel free to use my collection of holiday hats and scarves for pets.
What should we wear?
Matching pajamas, coordinated t-shirts, festive dressy colors like gold, navy, black, or deep red, or relaxed everyday clothes for the beach. I would love to help you choose before the session.
Book Your Holiday Portraits
Holiday dates go fast. Call Vasi Studio in Palm Beach Gardens at (561) 307-9875 to plan your holiday portrait session in studio, at home, or on location in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Juno Beach, and across South Florida.