If you love the idea of sending out custom Christmas cards before the holiday rush—especially by Thanksgiving—timing is everything! At Julie Ann Photography, many of my clients want their cards printed, addressed, and ready to go before the leftover pie is packed up. Here’s everything you need to know about when to book your photo session to make that happen.
Why Book Early?
The holiday season can sneak up fast—especially for busy families. If you’re planning to send out Christmas cards by Thanksgiving, you need to allow time for:
- Your photo session
- Image editing and proof delivery
- Choosing your favorite images
- Designing your holiday card
- Printing and shipping the cards
- Addressing and mailing them out
All that takes time, so booking your session well in advance is key.
The Ideal Booking Timeline
To comfortably send out your holiday cards by Thanksgiving, follow this recommended timeline:
📅 Book Your Session by Early September
Booking by Labor Day ensures you’ll have time for everything that follows. Fall is one of the busiest times of the year for photographers, so locking in your spot early guarantees you a prime session date—and if you want those golden autumn leaves, book even sooner to make sure your photographer still has openings in October!
📸 Schedule Your Session No Later Than Early October
Plan to have your family session photographed by the first or second week of October. This allows enough time for editing and getting your proof gallery back—usually within 3-5 days. Your proof gallery will have minimal editing done. The proofs consist of the best of the best from your session–no closed eyes, no mid-sneeze craziness, and color correction.
🖼️ Finalize Your Images by Mid-October
Once your proof gallery is delivered, you’ll need a few days to select your favorites. Once you have chosen images to order, they will go through a full retouching process. You will receive your edited images back within one week. Your final images will be placed in a gallery with Christmas card ordering options OR you can print the images at your vendor of choice.
🖨️ Order Your Cards by Late October
Most professional card labs require about a week for printing and shipping (HOT TIP: you’ll receive your order in less than a week if you order from your gallery). Ordering by the end of October means you’ll receive your cards in early November.
✉️ Address & Mail by Mid-November
This gives you time to personalize, address, and mail your cards before Thanksgiving weekend.
Pro Tip: Consider a Studio Session
Minnesota weather can be unpredictable in the fall. If you’re hoping to book closer to October and want to avoid last-minute weather reschedules, a studio session at Julie Ann Photography in Plymouth is a perfect option. Clean, timeless backdrops and beautiful lighting mean stress-free results—rain or shine. Ask about Christmas sets when booking to find out when those will be available in-studio.
Ready to Get on the Calendar?
Booking early ensures you get your preferred date and plenty of time to prepare beautiful holiday cards that will impress your friends and family. Sessions start filling up in July and August, so don’t wait!
✨ Let’s make this year’s holiday card your best one yet—reach out today to reserve your spot!
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Julie Ann Photography • MINNEAPOLIS PHOTOGRAPHER 