Updated: Jan 24, 2022
It's great when families with older kids reach out to me interested in a session. So often are we focused on documenting the milestones when our children are little, that we forget about the time when they are moving into their teenage and adult years.
Photographing older children can be tricky, as they tend to want to be on their phones and into doing their own thing, rather than spending time with their parents. That is why when the mom suggested doing a few hours of mini golf I jumped at the chance. While there were still "screens" around, it was a great activity for them to do together and to have the teens interact with one another.
Kimberly Pascale is a documentary-style family photographer located in Sonoma County, CA. If you are looking for a family photographer in the area to document your family, please contact her for more information.
Like most children, Christmas was always my favorite holiday. Decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, and of course, the anticipation of the arrival of the big man himself, was always something I would look forward to all year round.
Now that I have children of my own, I look at the holiday season in a whole new light. Not only do I get to now watch my kids’ anticipation, but I also get to teach them about the traditions that I created with my family and recreate those traditions with them while creating new ones.
Family Holiday Tradition Sessions
Family Holiday Tradition Sessions are unlike any previous holiday session you've done before. Instead of doing the traditional family holiday portrait, where every picture looks the same, why not step outside of the box and do something a little different. A little more personal. Something your children are going to cherish when they're grown, something you're going to go back to every year to reminisce. Think back to your childhood. What did your family do for the holidays every year? This could look like anything depending on your family and culture. For me, my favorite tradition was always decorating the Christmas tree. Before placing the ornaments on the tree, my parents and I would discuss the history of it…where it came from, how old was it, and so on. It doesn’t matter if it was store-bought, handmade, or an heirloom that had been handed down from previous generations. Each ornament had a story behind it; in one way or another. What traditions did you have growing up? If you close your eyes can you see that moment? Do you have a picture of it? Have you started sharing those traditions with your children? How many pictures do you have of those traditions versus how many "look and smile at the camera!" pictures? Are you even in the picture?
A great example of a classic holiday tradition would be baking cookies. When it's time to bake those cookies, how excited does your family get to participate in the activity? Now think back to your last holiday photo session. How excited was your family to go take those photos? To put on uncomfortable clothes and trek out to some random location you wouldn't normally ever go to and then have to be told what to do when to smile and laugh. I would imagine they would be more excited about baking cookies where they can wear anything they want (Christmas pajamas anyone?) and be in the comfort of their own home, rather than they would get their picture taken. Am I right? What if you could have both? What if while you were baking your holiday cookies with your family, you were getting pictures documenting that moment? What if you had someone there who could take those photos for you so you could be in them with your family too. I’ll let you into a little secret…you can!
How does it work?
Family documentary sessions are the easiest sessions you and your family could ever do, and the Family Holiday Traditions Sessions are no different. There's not much planning on your part, just do what you normally do. Before your session, we will schedule a time to chat, either in person, over the phone, or via email, and we’ll discuss what childhood memories and traditions you hope to continue with your own family. We'll talk about WHY they are so important to you and WHY you want your children to share in the same experiences.
These sessions can take place either in your home or out on location, depending on the tradition. A few examples of what we can do is bake cookies, decorating or create a holiday craft such as making gingerbread houses. I also love to tag along in the hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree whether at a tree farm, the hardware store or even digging it out of the garage and getting it out of its box.
What's included in the session
Each session lasts for 2 hours with a fee of $195. A $50 non-refundable deposit will be due at booking. Included in your session fee, you will receive a minimum of 30 digital images with a print release. You will also receive $25 print credit to use towards any prints, albums, or wall art you purchase directly from me (optional). Referral bonus: if you tell a friend and they also book a session, both you and them receive $25 off your session fee (limit one, both parties must book a session and deposit paid). What are you waiting for?! Let's get you scheduled before all the spots fill up!
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My heart jumped when the Reese family told me they wanted to have their family session to be at a Christmas Tree Farm this past Christmas. I’ve been wanting to capture this special holiday tradition ever since I first started my journey into Family Documentary Photography. Family traditions will always be something you will cherish for years to come.
Here are a few of my favorite images from their session.
Christmas Tree Farm Mini-Storytelling Sessions will be available for the 2019 holiday session. Be sure to follow me on social media or subscribe to the newsletter to be kept up to date on when you can secure your spot.
What holiday family traditions are most important to you? If you're interested in a session like this with your own family, send me a message - I can't wait to chat with you!