Why You Need to Book Your Christmas Card Photos in Summer

Why You Need to Book Your Fall & Christmas Card Photos in the Summer

Gilbert, AZ Family Photographer

If you're sweating in the Arizona heat thinking, “Is it really time to think about Christmas?” The answer is yes. Especially when it comes to booking your fall family photos or holiday card session in Gilbert, Arizona.

I GET IT! That sounds crazy. But as a family photographer in Gilbert, I see it every year… the cooler temps roll in, the pumpkin patches open, and suddenly everyone is scrambling to find a photographer with availability for their holiday photos. If you wait until October, you might be out of luck (or stuck with a rushed, last-minute session).

As a family photographer based in Gilbert, AZ, I open just a limited number of sessions every year to protect my time, energy, and the quality of your photos. And I’m not alone… most photographers do the same, especially during the holiday season.

Here’s why summer is the perfect time to book your fall or Christmas card photos:

1. Prime Dates Fill Up Fast

Arizona might not have snowflakes, but we do have peak season. October and November are the busiest months of the year for photographers in Gilbert, Chandler, and the East Valley. Weekend spots go fast… sometimes before school is even back in session.

Booking in summer gives you first pick of golden hour time slots and the best fall dates.

2. You'll Avoid the Last-Minute Stress

Let’s be honest… the holidays come in hot. Between school events, work parties, and travel plans, it’s easy to let photos slip through the cracks. Fall is absolutely our busiest time of the year! By booking early, you give yourself time to:

• Plan outfits

• Choose your location

• Relax and actually enjoy the session

• Get your gallery back in time to order holiday cards or gifts

No stress, no scrambling, no overnight shipping fees for your prints.

3. Photographers Limit Sessions to Protect Turnaround Times

It’s not just your calendar that gets full… ours does too. Between back-to-back sessions, editing deadlines, and our own family commitments, fall can be intense for photographers.

That’s why many of us intentionally limit how many sessions we take on, so we can still deliver galleries in time for Christmas cards and printed gifts. If you wait, you may find your favorite photographer is already booked or not offering sessions at all.

4. The Best Fall Photos Don’t Always Happen in Fall

Here in Gilbert and the East Valley, fall doesn't quite hit until later in the year… sometimes November or even early December. But that’s also when the calendar is jam-packed.

By shooting in September or early October, you still get cooler temps and golden light, without the crowding or chaos.

Pro tip: a great photographer can make any desert or greenbelt feel cozy and seasonal, even when it’s 90° outside.

So, When Should You Book Your Fall or Holiday Photos in Gilbert?

Right now. Summer is the time to reach out to your photographer, grab your preferred date, and cross it off your to-do list. You’ll thank yourself when your cards are in the mail before Thanksgiving and your holiday season feels that much calmer.

My 2025 Fall & Holiday Sessions Are Extremely Limited

To give each family my best, I’m only opening a small number of sessions this year. I don’t overbook because I want to keep the experience calm, intentional, and fun… the way family photos should feel.

Click here to reserve your session before dates disappear.

Let’s make holiday photos one less thing to worry about.