HO! HO! HO! …ALREADY?
By: Margaret Stegner
Halloween is barely behind us, and Christmas is already front and center in the minds of retailers. Oh, I know that Christmas has been in the stores for a month already. Some stores even put out Christmas decorations at the end of SEPTEMBER! Yikes! I can’t even begin to think about Halloween until mid-October! Then, I have to figure out our Thanksgiving plans, plus there are a couple of birthdays thrown in the November mix! (Hint, Hint Kids…and don’t forget to remind Dad!) Along about December 1st I turn my thoughts to Christmas. Then on the 15th I start seriously thinking about it, and by the 23rd I am totally focused on it!
Yes, it is true. I can be a ‘last minute’ kind of person when it comes to getting ready for Christmas, but I do truly love the season! One of my favorite things is receiving those Christmas letters from our friends! As a matter of fact, I am a bit disappointed when I open a card and don’t find a letter! I love getting an update on our friends’ kids and grandkids, plus hearing about all their wonderful adventures of the past year. Sometimes there is sad news, and I am always grateful they have chosen to share those parts of their lives with us, too. Christmas letters are an important way to stay connected to those we may not have the opportunity to see often.
There is one thing that I especially enjoy about a Christmas letter…photos! I love seeing all kinds of photos…pets, kids, vacations, rocks! (Yes rocks. I have 5 rock gardens!) Most of all I love seeing family photos! I know when I put together our family Christmas letter, I scour through my many pictures to find the perfect family photo to include. There’s just one problem…I don’t have many photos of all five of us, and the ones I do have are quickly done ‘selfies’ in which some of us look a little disheveled! I am certainly grateful to have them, but I am not sure I want to share them with the world, or my friends!
I spoke to Alyssa to see if she had any suggestions on how to get that perfect family photo for the Christmas letter.
Q. I need a nice photo to include in my family Christmas letter. What are my options?
A. Working with a professional photographer is your best bet. They are experienced in helping you get the photo you want.
Q. I don’t really need a lot of photos, and we are all so busy during this time of year. We don’t really have a lot of time for an appointment to get professional photos done.
A. I know how busy this time of year is. That is why I offer a ‘Holiday Mini” session. It only takes about 20 minutes, and you will get at least six (6) professionally edited photos.
Q. Twenty minutes! It seems a little rushed. Can you really get nice photos in that short amount of time?
A. Absolutely! It doesn’t sound like a lot of time, but you’d be surprised at what we can accomplish. I set things up in advance so when you arrive, we are ready to work.
Q. …And it isn’t rushed?
A. Not at all. It’s really a lot of fun and it’s great for the kids, too. We keep the tone light and happy. We do traditional poses, and some really fun ones. It’s easy for the kids to stay focused since it’s only 20 minutes. You get some great photos, and still have time to do what you need to do!
Q. Oh, but it’s the middle of November. Isn’t that too late to get them for Christmas?
A. No! If you can schedule them to be taken on or before December 3, I can get them to you in time for your Christmas letter. Of course, if you’re having cards printed, I can’t guarantee that time frame, but you should have plenty of time to get them done. Orders from my site usually arrive in less than 2 weeks. Oh, and don’t forget prints make wonderful Christmas gifts.
Q. That sounds great! How do I schedule a Mini Holiday session?
A. Message or call me at (614) 216-0062 or send me an email at Alyssa@DreamShotsMedia.net. Don’t forget to include your name and the best way and time for me to contact you. I look forward to helping you celebrate the season by getting you a picture worthy of the family Christmas letter!
Everyone’s got a dream and it’s my dream to capture your memories!
Contact Alyssa for more information on booking a session:
