Though most of us have autumn on the brain, Christmas is less than four months from now. This is the best time to book family and children portraits for use in Christmas cards, especially if you take advantage of the Fall Promo.

There are so many creative ways to go above and beyond the typical holiday portrait. In addition to the yearly Santa Mini Sessions at Madchen Studios the possibilities for unique Christmas pictures are endless. Here are just some ideas you could utilize for your own portrait session with Rachel.

• Christmas Stockings: Do your children have special, personal stockings they use every year? Bring it in with you to the studio! There’s always plenty of fun props available for you, such as Santa hats, but nothing beats that extra personal touch of using a sentimental item from home. It doesn’t have to be a stocking, a “my first Christmas” ornament, or favorite Christmas story book would also make fantastic props.
• The Best Gift of All: Children really are a gift, so why not wrap them up as such? Put a bow on your young baby, or sit your larger babe/toddler in the studio’s giant gift box!

{picture from 2008}

• Baby It’s Cold Outside: Who wants to spend an hour outside in the snow trying to get that perfect, wintery shot? Why not take advantage of the studio’s artificial snow instead? Kids love playing with and throwing pretend snow!

{picture from 2008}

• Oh, There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays: Rachel can shoot on location in your home. Do you love to bake cookies with your children every December? Let her capture the process. Maybe you’d like a shot of your family gathered around your tree, or gearing up in mittens and hats before heading outside. Family portraits with a candid feel can be artful and are sure to become cherished pictures because they capture the magic of your family’s day to day life.
• Think Ahead: How about something a little different? Try New Year themed family portraits instead of Christmas themed pictures. Party hats and noise makers are fun and colorful props. And if you have a baby in the family they’ll look absolutely adorable holding a 2011 sign as the traditional New Year baby.

These are just a few fun ideas for your holiday portraits. If you have your own ideas Madchen Studios can make them reality. Book before September 5^th to take advantage of the free holiday cards.

These two so make me wish I had a sister!

Summer will soon be a memory. Autumn is on its way. We’ll all be pulling out our sweaters and hats before we know it. Now is the perfect time to book fall family portraits. If you’re looking for outdoor portraits be aware that the leaves are already beginning to change to their lovely and vibrant fall colors. So book soon! If you’re not interested in fall-theme family portraits now is still the best time to book family portraits for use in holiday cards and newsletters. In fact, if you book a photography session by September 5th you will receive a free set of holiday cards!* The cards are double-sided press print cards measuring four inches by six inches. You receive 25 free when you take advantage of this special offer. There will be over a dozen lovely templates from which to choose. If 25 cards just isn’t enough you can also purchase the card template for $45 to print as many more as you need to send to all the aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, and friends on your holiday letter list. Custom photo cards are a modern, stylish alternative to generic holiday cards. There’s just something magical about opening the mail and pulling out a beautiful photo card of loved ones. Again, all it takes to get your free cards is booking your session by September 5th. You can book your session by clicking here or clicking “Contact Me” above.

*Restrictions as follows:

• Offer applies to Basic Family Session, Premium Family Session, and the 2010 Portrait Collection.
• Family portrait session must be booked and retainer paid by September 5th, 2010.
• Session and orders must be completed by November 15th, 2010.
• Sessions can be booked for outdoors, in studio, or in your home.

. Any non-membership family portrait sessions qualify for this special deal. So if you’d prefer an in-studio session to an outdoors session you will still qualify for the free holiday cards.