Have you heard a phrase similar to “Future you is going to thank July you?” I hear it quite often & sometime it’s me telling it to myself 😉 

I know that for a lot of my clients once August hits it’s go time until Christmas. I feel it to some degree myself. School starts & everything else & life just fills up. For the past few years I’ve gathered some steps that help me try to make November/December a bit easier for our family. We have two family bdays in December (myself & Elizabeth!) along with all the other things the holidays bring. I love sending Christmas Cards & having updated family photos but it is alot of prep & work. And I’m saying that as a photographer! 

I’ve put together a few short steps to help us all plan ahead. To have our future Christmas self thank our summer self 😉 They’re not magical but I do think when followed they will help simplify life in the last 3 months of this year.

So here we go! 

Start looking at your calendar
I know it’s scary. I know. But it’s going to be even scarier in August. I recommend looking at it sooner rather then later.
 
If you’re wanting updated family or couple photos before Christmas you’re looking at August-October as the remaining months that are left to schedule a session (November sessions can happen but that’s cutting it a bit tight Christmas Card wise).
 
Do you need to schedule your session on a weeknight? I’d recommend booking somewhere August-early September because of the sun going down earlier in October
 
Block off all the dates that don’t work. Circle what is. Email me & we’ll go from there!

Start watching sales- online sales, garage sales, all the sales
Do I think you need a brand-new wardrobe for your entire family for photos? NO! But sometimes Howie needs a new pair of pants because he grew 3 inches over the summer & Target & that neighborhood garage sale is a fantastic place to grab those new jeans. Oh & shoes. And that cute skirt you like from Kohls that would be paired so well with that sweater you already own & love.
 
Look over your kids fall clothing options. Use back-to-school sales & shopping to pick a few options out if need be. You don’t have to decide NOW what to wear. Just merely take inventory.

Start going over your Christmas Card list
I have an excel spreadsheet on my computer that I’ve updated year after year from our wedding guest list (13 years July 28!) & it’s lived on as our Christmas Card list. I already know there’s a few addresses that need to be updated & a few families to add to it! Why wait until December 20^th? Do it now!