Creative Ways to Use Family Portraits This Season | From A San Luis Obispo Photographer

Family portraits hold a special place in our hearts. They capture the essence of our loved ones frozen in time and always bring us back to our shared beautiful moments. You've likely booked or are about to book your fall family photography and looking for unique ways to share these moments with family and friends.

This holiday season, why not put these cherished images to good use in fresh and creative ways? In this blog, we'll explore various unique ways you can utilize your family portraits to spread joy and create lasting memories.

Ways To Use Family Portraits This Season

1. Personalized Holiday Greeting Cards:

Probably the most popular option out there is sending out personalized holiday greeting cards. A timeless tradition, but it can be made all the more special with your family portraits. Turn your favorite family portrait into a unique card design. You can either create physical cards or opt for e-cards to save on resources (or if you are a procrastinator.) Your loved ones will appreciate the personal touch and the warmth your family portrait adds to the message.

2. Custom Home Decor:

Transform your family portraits into stunning pieces of art to adorn your home. You can print your portraits on canvas, metal, or even wood for a rustic touch. Consider creating a gallery wall with a collection of family portraits in various sizes and frames to add a personal and inviting touch to your living space. Last year, I reached out to my Mother-in-law and asked her what sizes she needed. I picked our favorites and gifted them to her for Christmas. My sister also always prints photos for me and sends them along with her greeting card. It's my favorite gift to receive!

3. Memory Books:

Compile your family portraits and craft a memory book or album. Add captions, anecdotes, and notes to accompany the photos. This can serve as a beautiful keepsake for the family, and you can create copies for each family member to cherish. I love using MPix for their affordable options for families. We call these our Family Year Books and serve as an excellent opportunity to capture the year. You'll be surprised to see how often your kids reach for these books.

4. Family Recipe Book:

Compile your favorite family recipes and accompany each one with a family portrait. Create a beautiful recipe book to pass down through the generations, ensuring your family traditions live on. Ask family members like siblings and their families to contribute, making it even more special. This would make an incredible gift to Grandma and a heirloom item that would be passed down.

5. Themed Ornaments:

Design custom family portrait ornaments to adorn your Christmas tree. You can also give these as gifts to friends and family members, adding a personal touch to their holiday decorations.

6. Personalized Stationery:

Design personalized stationery with your family portrait as the backdrop. Whether it's for writing letters or sending thank-you notes, these cards and stationery items will make your correspondence extra special. I am constantly reaching for greeting cards and hate buying them individually.

7. Keeping it Digital:

This might be one of my favorite and easiest ways to keep enjoying everyones portraits throughout the year. Copy this text and send it out to all your family and friends:

"Happy Holidays! I would love to see your updated family portraits all year round. Head into your contacts and update your contact card with your family portraits. So every time you call, I can continue to enjoy your photos from this year. Or send me your favorite digital image, and I will update your contact card!"

BONUS: Refer a friend who hasn't had their fall session yet for $100 off their Deluxe Session and $100 off your next Deluxe Session. Be sure to have them tell me who sent them! I'll credit your account!

Family portraits are not just images; they are a reflection of the love, joy, and memories shared within your family. This season, go beyond the traditional uses of these portraits and explore the myriad creative ways to integrate them into your holiday celebrations. From personalized greeting cards to custom home decor and everything in between, these ideas will help you spread warmth and happiness to your loved ones, making this season extra special.

Behind the Lens with the Bower Family

I was so excited when Rylie answered my model call for my upcoming mini sessions and was willing to share their Sunday evening in two locations within the San Luis Obispo area. Rylie and Cody have two beautiful daughters, Indigo and Coral. Indie is about to turn 10 and I can't help but remember what that felt like as a 10-year-old girl to be in the double digits and the realization as a mother myself that when my daughter reached 10, I had been a mother for 10 years. Their girls are the most beautiful example of the love they pour into their family. I loved capturing their bond and also watching them sword fight with flowers. This is what sessions are about. Letting things unfold naturally.

This session took place at Bishops Peak and is a great location for all families. Check it out below!