Planning a Holiday Card Photoshoot in Jackson Hole
Planning a holiday card photoshoot in Jackson Hole can feel like a lot. Winter weather, busy schedules, and short daylight hours add pressure fast. Yet this season also brings snow-dusted landscapes and soft light that feel truly magical. With the right approach, your holiday photos can feel calm, meaningful, and timeless.
I’m Roslyn, a Jackson Hole–based family photographer who specializes in natural, relaxed winter sessions. I photograph families who want images that feel genuine, not stiff or overstyled. Winter sessions are one of my favorites because they reward thoughtful planning and a slower pace.
Most families worry about choosing the right location, keeping kids happy in the cold, and figuring out what will actually photograph well. That’s where intention makes all the difference. With a few smart decisions, your holiday card photoshoot becomes less about perfection and more about connection. From snowy backdrops to cozy styling and simple prompts, this guide walks you through how to create photos you’ll love sending and keeping.
Choosing the Right Jackson Hole Location for Your Holiday Photos
The location you choose sets the tone for your entire holiday card photoshoot. In winter, that choice matters even more. Snow coverage, light, accessibility, and wind all play a role in how comfortable and successful your session feels.
Instead of chasing the most dramatic views, think about places that balance beauty with ease. Some of the best Jackson Hole locations in winter offer stunning scenery without long walks or exposure to harsh weather.
Great options to consider include:
Quiet roadside pull-offs with open meadow views and fresh snow
Tree-lined areas that block wind and create a cozy backdrop
Lower-elevation spots that are easier to reach after snowfall
Locations close to town for quick transitions with kids
If you’re staying at a lodge or resort, nearby paths or overlooks can also work beautifully. These spots feel personal and relaxed, which often shows in the final images.
Choosing a location that fits your family’s pace allows everyone to settle in faster. Once that decision feels simple, the focus naturally shifts to how your family shows up in the frame. That’s where wardrobe choices come in and help bring everything together.
What to Wear for a Festive Yet Timeless Look
Winter outfits do more than keep everyone warm. They help set the mood for your holiday card photoshoot and bring visual harmony to the final images. The goal is festive without feeling costume-like, polished without feeling stiff.
Instead of matching exactly, aim for coordination through color, texture, and layers.
A few styling guidelines that photograph beautifully in winter:
Start with a soft color palette. Creams, camel, forest green, navy, and muted reds photograph well against snow.
Layer with intention. Sweaters, vests, scarves, and coats add depth and interest without bulk.
Mix textures. Knit, wool, corduroy, and suede create warmth and dimension on camera.
Choose practical footwear. Boots that can handle snow keep kids comfortable and sessions moving.
Keep patterns minimal. Solids or subtle plaids age better than bold prints.
If you want more detailed guidance, I’ve shared a full breakdown in my post What to Wear for Your Winter Family Photography Session, including color ideas and layering tips.
Once outfits feel settled, everyone tends to relax a bit more. That ease is especially helpful when little ones are involved, which brings us to keeping kids engaged and happy during winter sessions.
How to Keep Kids Engaged (and Smiling) During Winter Photos
Winter sessions can be magical, but they do come with extra challenges for kids. Cold fingers, short attention spans, and unfamiliar settings can all play a role. The key is planning for movement, warmth, and flexibility.
What helps winter sessions feel fun instead of forced:
Keep things moving. Walking, twirling, and exploring warm kids up and create natural expressions.
Build in cozy breaks. Hand warmers, mittens between shots, and quick snuggle moments go a long way.
Let kids lead sometimes. Following their curiosity often results in the best candid moments.
Avoid pressure to “perform.” Smiles come easier when expectations are low.
Trust the process. Even brief moments of cooperation are enough to create beautiful images.
I share more practical strategies in my post Tips for Family Photos with Young Kids in the Mountains, especially helpful for winter conditions and uneven terrain.
Once kids feel comfortable and relaxed, the focus can shift toward adding thoughtful details that make your holiday card feel personal and memorable. That’s where creative posing and simple props come into play.
Creative Pose and Prop Ideas for Holiday Cards
Holiday cards feel most meaningful when they reflect real connection, not stiff poses. Small prompts and simple details can add warmth without feeling themed or overdone.
Movement-Based Moments
Walking hand in hand, kids running ahead, or parents lifting little ones creates natural energy. These moments photograph beautifully and feel genuine.
Cozy, Close-Together Poses
Think shoulder-to-shoulder, wrapped in blankets, or sitting close on a log or bench. These setups keep everyone warm and naturally connected.
Simple Seasonal Props
Props work best when they feel effortless:
Knit blankets or scarves
A thermos or mug
Evergreen branches or pinecones
A sled pulled casually through the frame
Interaction Over Perfection
Instead of looking at the camera the whole time, try:
Whispering jokes
Counting pine trees
Asking kids to snuggle in close
These prompts lead to real smiles and relaxed expressions.
A holiday card photoshoot doesn’t need elaborate setups to feel special. When the focus stays on connection, the images translate beautifully into printed keepsakes, which is where your photos truly come to life beyond the screen.
Turning Your Photos into Keepsakes and Printed Cards
A holiday card photoshoot doesn’t end when the session wraps. The real magic happens when those images become part of your home and your traditions.
Printed holiday cards are often the first place families start, but they’re just the beginning. A single image can live many lives when it’s printed with intention.
Holiday cards that feel personal
Choose one strong image instead of a busy collage. It feels elevated and timeless.Framed prints for seasonal styling
Swap in a favorite winter photo on a mantel, entry table, or bookshelf during the holidays.Gallery walls that grow with your family
Mixing holiday images with everyday family photos creates a story that evolves each year.Albums your kids will actually look through
Small, well-designed books become keepsakes your family revisits often.
If you’re unsure how to display your images beyond cards, my guide on how to use family photos in your home decor walks through practical, design-forward ideas that feel natural and personal.
When your photos are created with printing in mind, everything feels easier. That’s why planning your holiday card photoshoot with the end result in mind makes such a difference.
Ready to Capture Your Holiday Card Photoshoot?
A holiday card photoshoot in Jackson Hole is about more than a beautiful image. It’s a chance to slow down, gather your people close, and mark this season of your life with intention. From snowy backdrops to cozy layers and genuine connection, these sessions are designed to feel meaningful, not rushed.
If you’re dreaming of holiday photos that feel warm, natural, and true to your family, I’d love to help you plan a session that fits seamlessly into your season. From choosing the right location to guiding you through every step, my goal is to make the experience easy and enjoyable from start to finish.
If a holiday card photoshoot is on your wishlist this year, reach out here to reserve your spot and begin creating something your family will treasure long after the cards are sent.