HOLIDAY PORTRAITS · NOVEMBER–DECEMBER
Christmas Photo Sessions in Rockland, MA
Christmas family portraits at our Rockland studio, serving families across the South Shore, with multiple holiday backdrops to choose from — warm, relaxed, and completely weatherproof. Minis start at $395, with sessions running early November through mid-December.
By Chris McCarthy — Portrait Photographer, South Shore Photography
THE SET
Multiple Christmas backdrops to choose from.
For the season, the studio has several printed photographic Christmas backdrops — large-format scenes set up behind you with real studio lighting — and you pick the one that fits your family's style and your holiday card. Choose from ornate white-and-gold double doors framed by a cream poinsettia garland, a classic wood-paneled living room scene with a lit tree and a stocking-hung fireplace, or a bright winter-white room with a flocked tree and twinkle lights.
Choose your backdrop when you book and I'll have it ready when you arrive, so you just show up dressed. Full sessions have time for two backdrops, which gives you variety for the card, the frame on the mantel, and the gifts for the grandparents.
Being indoors also means nobody is cold. Toddlers stay happy, babies can be in their Christmas outfits without a coat on top, and grandparents have a comfortable seat between groupings.
No weather cancellations
November and December bring wind, rain, and early darkness to the South Shore. The studio removes every one of those variables, so your date holds.
Evening slots available
Outdoor light is gone by 4:30 PM in December. Indoors, weekday evening sessions work just as well as a Saturday morning — easier around school and work.
Central to the South Shore
The studio is at 83 E Water St in downtown Rockland with free parking out front — about 15 minutes from Hingham, Norwell, Hanover, and Weymouth, and a quick trip up Route 3 from Plymouth and Duxbury.
HOW IT WORKS
What does a Christmas session look like?
We start with the full family in front of your backdrop while everyone is fresh — the classic holiday card image, then a few looser, more playful variations. From there we move through smaller groupings: siblings together, parents with each child, a portrait of just the two of you, and individual portraits of the kids.
I direct with prompts rather than stiff poses — a group hug, a whispered secret, the kids pulling a parent in close. That's what turns a posed Christmas photo into one where your family actually looks like themselves. For little ones, we work in short bursts with breaks built in, so nobody hits a wall halfway through.
Mini sessions cover the family portrait and the key groupings in 30 minutes. Full sessions leave room for extended family, grandparents, an outfit change (dressed-up to matching pajamas works well), a second backdrop, and more candid time on the set.
White & Gold Doors
Ornate double doors, a cream poinsettia garland, flocked trees, and candle lanterns. Bright and elegant — rich jewel tones stand out against it.
Christmas Tree & Fireplace
A lit tree piled with gifts, a stocking-hung fireplace, wood paneling, and velvet chairs. Warm and classic — cream, ivory, and camel glow against it.
Winter White Living Room
A flocked tree in white and gold, twinkle lights, a marble fireplace, and arched windows onto snow. Light and airy — navy, burgundy, and emerald look striking against it.
Backdrop images are illustrations of the printed backdrops. Photos from this season's Christmas sessions are coming soon.
PRICING
How much are Christmas mini sessions?
CHRISTMAS MINI
$395
The holiday card portrait and key groupings, in and out in 30 minutes.
- ✓ 30 minutes on your choice of backdrop
- ✓ 20 edited digital images
- ✓ Full family + key groupings
- ✓ Private online gallery within 2 weeks
- ✓ Full print rights
CHRISTMAS SESSION
$645
Room for grandparents, an outfit change, and the candid moments.
- ✓ 60–90 minutes on the Christmas sets
- ✓ 45 edited digital images
- ✓ Extended-family groupings
- ✓ Two backdrops + an outfit change
- ✓ Private online gallery within 2 weeks
- ✓ Full print rights
Extended family is +$50 per person. No print minimums, no sales-room upsells. Additional edited images available from your gallery.
A non-refundable retainer secures your date and is applied to your balance. Reschedule at no charge with at least 72 hours' notice. Full booking terms.
TIMING
When should we book for holiday cards?
Christmas sessions run from early November through mid-December. Galleries arrive within two weeks (here's the full delivery timeline), so if printed cards are the goal, aim for a session by the end of November — that leaves time to design, order, and mail before Christmas.
Weekend dates in November fill first. Booking in October gives you the most choice; December sessions still work well for framed gifts, calendars for grandparents, and New Year cards.
What to Wear
Coordinate, don't match. Plan colors around your backdrop — I'll send suggestions once you pick one. Velvet and knits add texture. Skip logos and neon.
Kids
Book around naps, bring a non-messy snack and a favorite small toy. A second outfit (holiday pajamas are a fun option) keeps the energy up in full sessions.
Pets
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Let me know when booking — pet shots go early, before anyone gets restless. Bring a leash and treats.
CLIENT WORDS
It was a fun shoot. Chris always makes me feel comfortable and the pictures come out amazing!
FAQ
Christmas photo sessions — frequently asked questions
How much do Christmas photo sessions cost?
There are two options. The Christmas Mini is $395 for 30 minutes on your choice of Christmas backdrop with 20 edited digital images. The Christmas Session is $645 for 60–90 minutes with 45 edited digital images, time for extended-family groupings, two backdrops, and an outfit change. Extended family is +$50 per person. Both include professional retouching, a private online gallery, and full print rights — no print minimums and no sales-room upsells.
When are Christmas sessions available?
Christmas sessions run at the Rockland studio from early November through mid-December. Weekend dates go first, so booking in October is the safest way to get the day you want. Weekday afternoon and evening slots are also available — because the session is indoors, early winter sunsets don't matter.
Will we get our photos in time for holiday cards?
Galleries are delivered within two weeks of the session. If you want images in hand for printed cards, book your session by the end of November — that leaves time to design, order, and mail cards before Christmas. December sessions are a great fit for gifts, frames, and New Year cards.
Why is the Christmas session in the studio instead of outdoors?
Weather. November and December on the South Shore bring cold wind, rain, and daylight that's gone by 4:30 PM. The studio removes all of that: the set is warm, the lighting is consistent, little kids stay comfortable, and grandparents don't have to walk across a cold beach. And with multiple Christmas backdrops to choose from, you get a polished holiday look you can't get outside.
What should we wear for Christmas photos?
Coordinate, don't match — and plan around the backdrop you choose. Against the bright ivory-and-gold doors, rich colors stand out best: burgundy, emerald, navy, and deep plum. Against the warm tree-and-fireplace room, lighter tones like cream, ivory, and camel pop. The winter-white room suits deeper colors too — skip head-to-toe white there. Once you pick a backdrop, I'll send color suggestions that work with it. Velvet, satin, and knits add texture. Pajamas are welcome for a playful set. Avoid logos, neon colors, and big busy patterns, which compete with faces in the frame.
Can we bring the dog?
Yes — well-behaved pets are welcome on the Christmas set. Mention it when you book so we can plan the session order (usually pet shots come early, before anyone gets restless) and bring a leash and a few treats.
KEEP PLANNING
Holiday and family portrait guides
HOLIDAY PLANNING
Holiday Family Portrait Planning
The timeline, outfit, and card-deadline guide for South Shore holiday portraits.
Read the guide →
STUDIO GUIDE
Studio Family Portraits on the South Shore
What to expect at the Rockland studio, how sessions run, and what photographs best indoors.
Read the guide →
STYLE GUIDE
What to Wear for Family Portraits
Color palettes and outfit coordination for the whole family.
Read the guide →
FAMILY PORTRAITS
Outdoor Family Portraits on the South Shore
Beach, park, and harbor family sessions for the rest of the year.
View family sessions →
INQUIRE
Ready to book your Christmas session?
Tell me the size of your group, mini or full session, and the dates that work for you (plus whether a dog is coming). I'll reply within one business day with open times.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris McCarthy is a portrait photographer based in Rockland, MA who has been photographing the South Shore full-time since opening his studio in 2014 — more than a decade of outdoor and lifestyle portrait work across the region. He specializes in headshots, senior portraits, branding, family, and maternity photography — shooting at his studio at 83 E Water Street and on-location throughout southeastern Massachusetts at places like World's End, Scituate Harbor, Duxbury Beach, and the North River conservation land in Norwell.
Last updated: · By Chris McCarthy