When this guy agreed to do a holiday portrait session, we had a specific vision in mind: capture that warm Christmas feeling without relying on traditional holiday backdrops. No tinsel, nothing generic, no big props, just genuine, festive vibes that felt authentic to him.
Creating a holiday atmosphere without the typical visual cues meant leaning into other elements: bold, creative lighting with rich reds, greens, and blues that evoke the season's warmth. We experimented with dramatic gels and color washes, some images bathed in those classic Christmas red and green tones, others with vibrant multi-colored highlights that added depth and visual interest without feeling overly staged.
The styling ranged from casual and relaxed such as a cozy patterned sweater that nodded to the season, to polished and professional with a tailored blazer. Each look captured a different side of him while maintaining that cohesive seasonal warmth. The result? Images that carry that unmistakable festive energy while remaining versatile enough to use year-round.
Here's something we don't talk about enough: men deserve to have great photos of themselves. Too often, guys are behind the camera at family gatherings or reluctantly squeeze into group shots, but rarely do they get images that truly capture who they are.
Professional portraits aren't just for women, families, or special occasions. Every person deserves to have quality images of themselves, photos they can use professionally, share with loved ones, or simply look back on years from now and remember who they were in that moment. Images with intention, creativity, and personality.
Before the photo reveal, he was hesitant. "I'm super critical of myself," he admitted, "so I probably won't like any of them."
I've heard this before, especially from men who aren't used to being in front of the camera. There's often self-consciousness, uncertainty, or the assumption that they won't photograph well.
But here's what happened: I showed him 20 images.
He wanted all 20.
Not only that, he told me these were the best photos he'd ever had of himself. That moment, watching someone see themselves through a new lens (literally and figuratively), seeing the confidence, the variety, the creativity in every shot, is why I love what I do.
You don't need a winter wonderland backdrop to capture the spirit of the season. Sometimes it's about the lighting, the colors, the energy you bring. And you definitely don't need to wait for a "special occasion" to invest in professional photos of yourself.
Whether you're typically camera-shy, critical of how you look in photos, or simply haven't prioritized getting quality images of yourself, it's worth it. You might just surprise yourself with how much you love the results.
Ready to book your own session? Contact me to discuss your vision, holiday-themed or otherwise. Everyone deserves photos they're proud of.