INSTANT Family Photos Made EASY with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II + Lightroom Mobile

Today, I’m inviting you to join me for something a little different—a family photoshoot that’s all about speed, simplicity, and holiday cheer. Here’s the twist: I’m delivering the photos to the client right there on the spot. Oh, and did I mention I’m catching a plane to Africa in just a few hours? Talk about a tight schedule!

Why This Session Was Unique

For those of you who know me, photographing families isn’t something I do often. This session was a special one for a family I know and love—neighbors whose kids go to school with mine. With the holidays right around the corner, their goal was simple: a perfect Christmas card photo. My goal? To shoot, edit, and deliver their favorite photos before hopping on a flight.

Behind the Scenes: Shooting the Session

We kicked off the session bright and early (not my usual vibe, but it worked out beautifully). The family showed up looking amazing, and we quickly dove into capturing moments that felt natural, joyful, and just a little bit magical.

• Location Magic: We scouted two quick spots near their home with great light and festive vibes.

• Interactive Posing: Simple directions like “tickle each other” or “look at Mommy and Daddy” brought out genuine smiles and laughter.

• Details Matter: From adjusting hand placements to finding the perfect angle for their shoes (yes, shoes matter!), we made sure every shot was polished.

Quick Edits, Big Impact

After wrapping up the session, the real magic began. My goal was to deliver their favorite photos right away—ready for a Christmas card or even a holiday gift. Here’s how I made it happen:

1. Selecting Favorites: I reviewed the shots with the family on the spot, zooming in to check details and helping them pick their top choices. This ensured they got exactly what they wanted.

2. Fast Edits: Using my go-to presets and a few quick tweaks (like warming up tones and smoothing flyaway hairs), I gave their photos that extra holiday glow.

3. Real-Time Delivery: A quick save, a text with the final images, and voilà! The photos were in their hands before they left.

Pro Tips for Quick Photo Delivery

If you’re considering this approach for your sessions, here are a few tips:

• Pre-Plan Your Workflow: Have your presets ready and know which edits you’ll prioritize for quick turnaround.

• Keep It Simple: Focus on a few standout images rather than editing the entire gallery on-site.

• Engage Your Clients: Review the photos with them in real-time. It’s a great way to ensure they’re thrilled with the results.

• Use the Right Tools: Portable printers, tethered editing, or mobile apps can make on-the-spot delivery seamless.

Why It’s Worth It

This quick-turnaround approach isn’t just practical for busy photographers—it’s a game-changer for client satisfaction. Imagine giving your clients their holiday photos while the excitement of the session is still fresh. They’ll walk away with more than just pictures; they’ll leave with an unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts

This session reminded me why I love photography. It’s not just about the images; it’s about the connections, the joy, and creating moments that matter. Whether you’re looking to add a quick-delivery option for mini sessions or just want to experiment with a new workflow, I encourage you to try it out. The smiles you’ll see—on your clients’ faces and your own—are totally worth it.

Now, I’m off to catch my flight. Let me know in the comments: is quick delivery something you’d try for your holiday sessions? I’d love to hear your thoughts!