Holiday Special · Oct 22 – Jan 10
Merry & BrightChristmas & Thanksgiving portraits with a magazine finish.
45 minutes with a photographer who directs every frame, then you choose your favorites on screen. 10 edited photos the next day, or all 10 magazine-retouched. Come any day, weekdays or weekends, while everyone is home for the holidays.
Thanksgiving and Christmas dates fill first. Book early.
Home for the holidaysThanksgiving week
The one week everyone is home.
The kids fly in, the grandparents are in town, and for once nobody is missing from the photo. Come any day that week, or the weeks around it, and walk away with the portrait you will use on this year's card, and on the wall for the next ten years.
- Same holiday session: 45 minutes, 10 edited photos the next day.
- Grown-up kids, partners, grandparents: up to 5 people, or choose a family package for bigger groups.
- Photos arrive in time for Christmas cards.
What you take home
Your holiday card. Or your own cover.
Every session is lit and edited like an editorial shoot, so the same photo works on your holiday card, your wall, or a magazine-style cover for the grandparents.
Holiday card
Magazine cover
Baby's first Christmas
Family portrait
Why book a photographer
Same 30 minutes. A real photographer behind the camera.
Self-portrait studios hand you a remote. We direct the session: who stands where, what to do with your hands, how to get a two-year-old to look up. Then you choose your favorites on our 27-inch monitor before you leave.
- Posing and expression guidance for every age, from newborns to grandparents.
- Studio lighting set for your family, so skin tones and holiday reds stay true.
- Each photo individually color-graded for tone, light, and mood, delivered the next day.
Session dates
Any day, now through Jan 10.
Weekdays or weekends, whenever the family is together. Pick the window that matches when you need the photos.
Sessions & pricing
One holiday session. Your choice of finish.
Both options include the same session. Choose edited photos the next day, or full magazine retouching.
10 photos, each color-graded by hand for tone, light, and mood.
Delivered the next day
Book for $499 ↗The same 10 photos, magazine-retouched by hand: skin, hair, and detail.
Delivered within 5 business days
Book for $999 ↗Want more time or on-location?
Family packages, any season
Holiday card timeline
Photos the next day. In time for your holiday cards.
From our family sessions
Gift a session
The gift that still looks good in ten years.
Digital gift cards arrive by email within minutes. The recipient books their own date whenever it suits them, so a Christmas gift can become a Lunar New Year portrait or a spring family session.
Perfect for
Anyone you want in the frame this year.
From families who have been here
Rated 5.0 on Google.
“Jessie captured the love between three generations so naturally.”
Dave · Family session“A warm, relaxed experience. Our toddler had fun and the photos turned out beautiful.”
Emily · Family session“Our daughter's first birthday session exceeded every expectation.”
Mark & Lillian · Milestone sessionGood to know
Questions families ask.
Is 45 minutes enough?
Yes for up to five people: 30 minutes of shooting and 15 minutes to choose your favorites together. We keep the session moving, which is also how toddlers do best. Six or more, or outfit changes, book a family package.
What if my toddler melts down?
It happens most days in December. We pause, play, and try again. If we truly can't get usable photos, we offer a 15-minute weekday return visit at no charge.
Can grandparents join?
Yes, up to five people in the Christmas session. Bigger three-generation groups do best with a family package, which gives us more time.
What should we wear?
Pick one palette for the whole group, like cream with one red piece, or black with velvet. We send outfit tips after you book.
Are pets allowed?
Dogs and cats are welcome in the studio. Bring them groomed, on a leash or in a carrier, with a treat they will work for.
When will I get the photos?
Your 10 edited photos arrive the next day. Book by Nov 22 for photos before Thanksgiving, and by Dec 13 for Christmas cards. Later sessions are perfect for New Year cards.
Can you come to us?
The $499 holiday session is at our San Mateo studio. For your home or an outdoor location, choose one of our family packages.
Can I use the photos for printed cards?
Yes. Every file comes with a personal print release, so you can use them with any card or print service you like.
What is your cancellation policy?
Sessions are paid at booking. You can move once with 48 hours' notice. Cancellations are credited toward any session within 12 months.
Can I buy more photos later?
Yes. Extra edited photos are $49 each and magazine retouching is $149 per photo.
This year's cardThe holidays pass quickly. The photos stay.
$499 holiday special · any day through Jan 10.
Luminous Space Photography · 1730 S Amphlett Blvd, Suite 220, San Mateo · (415) 295-2518
