Why We Photograph Christmas Tree Farm Sessions in November
Take a look at these photos, and you'll notice two things: it was cold, and everyone still had a great time.
A little November chill (and even a bit of drizzle) doesn't stop us from creating beautiful holiday portraits. In fact, this is exactly what late fall in Rochester often looks like.
We schedule our Christmas tree farm mini sessions in November for a reason. The timing gives families a more relaxed experience, beautiful seasonal photos, and plenty of time to enjoy them before the holidays.
Here are five reasons we love photographing these sessions before December.
1. The Setting is Quieter
Before the holiday rush begins, tree farms are preparing for the season, so they have few visitors - mostly photographers photographing sessions. The rows of evergreens are full, the setting is peaceful, and we have more room to move around and create natural, relaxed portraits.
A quieter environment also means kids have more freedom to explore, which leads to the candid moments we love capturing.
2. You Have Plenty of Time for Holiday Cards
Most families use these photos for holiday cards, gifts, and seasonal decorations.
Taking photos in November gives you time to choose your favorites, design your cards, and get everything ordered before the December rush.
No last-minute scrambling. No wondering if your gallery will arrive in time. Just photos ready to enjoy throughout the season.
3. November Weather is a Safer Bet (usually)
November weather in Rochester can go in just about any direction. We've photographed tree farm sessions on sunny afternoons, chilly days, and everything in between.
This session was cold and a little drizzly, but those conditions created some of our favorite images. The soft light, cozy layers, and families leaning in a little closer all add to the feeling of the season.
And if Rochester decides to surprise us with a 75-degree November day? We'll embrace that too. The trees still look beautiful, and no one looking at your holiday card will know it felt more like September than December.
4. Kids Don't Have to "Perform" for the Camera
The best photos usually happen when families aren't focused on posing.
At the tree farm, kids can walk between the trees and have a little space for play. Those little moments between the smiles are often the images families end up loving the most.
We'll always grab a few classic portraits, but the real magic happens in the in-between moments.
5. You Get to Enjoy Your Photos Longer
One of the best parts of taking holiday photos early is actually getting to enjoy them longer.
Your images can be displayed around your home, shared with family, used for cards, and enjoyed throughout the entire holiday season.
That's why we start our Christmas sessions in November. It gives families beautiful memories without the pressure of trying to fit everything into an already busy December.
So yes, it might feel a little early to think about Christmas photos in November. But once you're walking through the trees and creating these memories, it starts to make perfect sense.
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Erin Perrotta
Erin’s creative background roots began with her family and her education in Digital Media/Fine Arts degree at Canisius College. While she enjoys a good adventure, Erin is most comfortable at home with family (husband, Matt and son, Lucas) or friends, a good book, and a cup of coffee.
It was cold, it drizzled, and everyone still had a great time. Here are five reasons we photograph our Christmas tree farm sessions in November instead of December.