Last updated: March 10, 2026
It might feel early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Many people begin planning ahead now, especially if they want to use professional photos for holiday cards, gifts, or announcements.
If that’s your plan this year, it’s best to schedule your photo session by the end of October to ensure there’s enough time for editing, ordering prints, and shipping before the holidays.
Here are a few reasons why planning ahead is so important:
Photographer Availability
The end of the year is one of the busiest times for photographers, and my schedule fills up quickly. Waiting too long to book may mean your preferred date is already taken or that I’m traveling for the holidays.
While last-minute sessions may occasionally be available, a rush fee will apply.
Editing & Processing Time
After your session, I carefully review the images so you can select your favorites for full editing and retouching. Depending on the number of photos and where your session falls in my editing queue, this process can take several days to a few weeks.
Printing & Shipping
If you plan to use your photos for holiday cards or gifts, you’ll want to order prints and products well in advance. Shipping times can be longer during the busy holiday season, so ordering early helps avoid delays.
I recommend placing most print orders—especially holiday cards—by Thanksgiving to ensure they arrive on time.
Limited Daylight Hours
Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1, 2026, which means sunset will come much earlier. After that date, outdoor sessions will typically need to begin around 4:00–4:30 PM to finish before the sun sets.
By scheduling your session to take place no later than October 31, 2026, you’ll have plenty of time to receive your photos and prepare your holiday cards or gifts without the stress of rushing.
And if scheduling a session before the holidays doesn’t work out, gift vouchers are always available and make a wonderful present for pet lovers. Just reach out for details!
Key Takeaways
- To ensure your photos are ready in time for holiday cards or gifts, sessions must take place by October 31, 2026.
- After October 31, photographer availability will be limited, and rush fees may apply for last-minute sessions.
