Family Photos for Holiday Cards in Melbourne Beach, Florida
Fall always seems to sneak up on people. Although fall does feel a bit different here in Florida.
One minute it’s still summer, and the next someone realizes they need a photo for the holiday card, gifts for grandparents, and maybe one updated family picture where everyone is actually looking at the camera. Or you suddenly realize that you will actually have all the kids at home and its been a VERY long time since that happened.
If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.
Fall is one of my busiest times for family sessions in Melbourne Beach, and for good reason. The weather starts to feel just a tiny bit nicer, families are thinking ahead to the holidays, and it’s a great excuse to finally update the photos you’ve been meaning to take all year.
The good news is that your session does not need to look “Christmasy” to work beautifully for holiday cards.
In fact, I usually prefer that it doesn’t.
A relaxed beach session gives you photographs you can use for your holiday card now — and still love hanging on your wall in July.
When should you book?
If you know you want family photos for holiday cards, I would not wait until the last minute.
Fall dates tend to go quickly, especially sunset sessions and weekends. And remember that a lot of weekends are filled with weddings.
You’ll also want to leave enough time after your session to receive your gallery, choose your favorites, order cards, and actually get them mailed without feeling like you’re racing the calendar.
So if holiday cards are the goal, earlier is definitely easier.
And if you’re visiting Melbourne Beach around Thanksgiving or another family gathering, that can be a great time to photograph everyone while you’re already together.
What should everyone wear?
This is usually the next question.
You do not need to dress everyone in red and green.
Unless you love red and green — then go for it.
For beach sessions, I usually recommend choosing colors that feel like your family and work well together instead of trying to make the outfits feel overly seasonal.
Soft neutrals, blues, greens, rust, cream, blush, and warmer earth tones can all look beautiful at the beach.
The goal is to coordinate, not match.
And if you’re completely stuck, start with one outfit you love and build everyone else around it.
I have a full post about what to wear for family beach photos, so if clothing is the part stressing you out, start there.
Do beach photos work for holiday cards?
Absolutely.
Actually, I think they work especially well because they feel like you.
You don’t need a fake fireplace, matching pajamas, or a Christmas tree in the background for a photo to feel special enough for a holiday card.
A beautiful photograph of your family together is enough.
Bare feet in the sand.
Kids laughing.
Everyone snuggled in close.
A gorgeous sky over the ocean.
Those images feel personal without being tied to one specific season.
And because they aren’t overly themed, you can also use them for framed prints, albums, gifts, and your walls long after the holidays are over.
What if my kids don’t cooperate?
They probably won’t the entire time.
And that is completely normal.
I am not expecting your children to stand still and smile at me perfectly for an hour.
We’ll move.
We’ll walk.
We’ll play.
We’ll take breaks.
And yes, we’ll get the everyone-looking-at-the-camera photo you probably need for your card.
But some of your favorite images may be the ones where nobody is looking at me at all.
One child is laughing.
Someone is being carried.
Your kids are running toward the water.
Those are the photographs that tend to feel the most like real life.
Sunrise or sunset?
Both can be beautiful.
The best choice usually depends on your family.
If you have little kids who are happiest first thing in the morning, sunrise can be an amazing option.
If your family functions better later in the day, sunset may make more sense.
The time of year matters too, because summer sunset sessions happen much later than winter ones.
I wrote a whole post about sunrise vs. sunset for beach photos, because this is one of the questions I get all the time.
What if it’s windy?
It probably will be at least a little windy.
That’s just part of photographing at the beach.
And honestly, a little movement can make photographs even better.
Hair blowing.
A dress catching the breeze.
Kids laughing because the wind just did something ridiculous.
I’m always watching the conditions before your session, and I’ll let you know if the wind is getting to the point where I think we need to make another plan.
You can also read more about that in my Beach Hair, Don’t Care post.
Think beyond the card
This is the part I really love.
Yes, maybe you booked the session because you needed a holiday card.
But you’re also getting a snapshot of your family exactly as they are right now.
How tall your kids are.
The missing teeth.
The way your youngest still reaches for your hand.
Your parents with all the grandkids.
The way everybody laughs together.
Those are the photographs that matter later.
The holiday card might be what gets the session on the calendar.
The memories are the part you keep.
Ready to plan your fall family session?
If you’re hoping to use your photos for holiday cards or gifts this year, fall dates tend to fill quickly — especially sunset sessions.
If you’re planning a family session in Melbourne Beach, Melbourne, Vero Beach, or anywhere along Florida’s Space Coast, reach out and tell me a little about your family.
I’ll help you figure out the best time, location, and plan for your session.
See how a family session works →
