the Price of Christmas Portraits

We paid $200 for the photography session, due at the time of the session. Each box of folded 4x5.5 inch Christmas cards was $45. The session included a link to an online gallery and a CD of all the images so that we could also order Christmas cards from another source. There was also an option to order prints appropriate for framing.

The service was excellent. The photographer was very communicative and easy to work with, even though it was wedding season and very busy. She was easygoing with four young children and also two challenging senior citizens. The photos were beautifully done and the service included both posed shots and candid pictures, particularly of the children. We paid quite a bit to get a private photographer instead of going to a high-volume studio in a mall, but felt it was worth it in terms of the photos and personal attention.

Definitely check around for recommendations--recent brides are a good source, and also people who work with photographers on a regular basis (people in publications or PR). Look for photographers with experience dealing with young children and who know that they should be unobtrusive and let the children get used to them. Schedule the appointment at a time of day when behavior is likely to be good anyway if you have young ones involved.