Every December, the same problem comes up. You're shopping for someone who already has everything, or someone you want to give something meaningful to, and you're staring at a list of sweaters, candles, and gift cards that will be forgotten by February.
Here's an idea that won't end up in a drawer: a photoshoot. Not a stack of stiff, forced portraits, but a relaxed, fun session that gives someone you love photos they'll keep for years. I now offer gift certificates, and this post covers who they're perfect for, how they work, and how to give one.
Why a photoshoot makes a great gift
Most gifts get used and eventually worn out or outgrown. A photo session gives two things that last: the experience of the day and the photos you take home.
It's an experience, not more stuff. Research on gifts and happiness often finds that experiences tend to be remembered more fondly than objects. And with a photoshoot, the experience also produces something you can hold onto.
People rarely buy this for themselves. Most of us put off getting photos taken because it feels indulgent or awkward. A gift removes the guilt and the excuses.
It marks a moment. Whether it's a new chapter, a milestone year, or just a chance to freeze this season of life, photos give it weight.
It's flexible. A gift certificate works for solo portraits, couples, friends, families, and professional headshots, so the person can choose what fits them.
Angela, who hired me for a friend's wedding on very short notice, put it this way: "My best friends were silly and didn't hire a photographer for their wedding. I decided that was a travesty and wanted to gift them a photographer." Gifting photos isn't a new idea, but it's one of the nicest.
Who it's perfect for
Someone who hates having their photo taken. This might sound backward, but it's the group I love most. When someone is nervous about a camera, the gift says, "I think you deserve photos you'll love." My friend, Mikala, who avoids cameras whenever she can, said I "gifted" her pictures she’s "going to shamelessly brag about." Photos can do that for a person.
Parents and grandparents. Many families have very few recent photos of the older generation. A session, and a framed print to go with it, makes a gift they will treasure.
Couples. An engagement, an anniversary, or just a date that ends with beautiful photos of the two of you.
Best friends. A session for two is a gift you get to enjoy together. Destiny and Natalie, two friends who climbed Pinnacle Mountain for theirs, told me every moment showed "how much friendship meant in that moment."
New graduates and teens. A senior or graduation session is a milestone gift that feels grown-up and personal.
Actors, creatives, and professionals. A fresh headshot is one of the most useful gifts for someone building a career.
Your team or employees. A gift certificate can go toward a team or on-site headshot session. Reach out and we'll figure out the details.
How my gift certificates work
I've kept this simple, so you're not stuck juggling forms the week before Christmas.
Contact me and tell me who it's for. Send a message through the contact form or by email with the name of the person you're gifting, the amount you'd like, and when you want to deliver it.
Choose your amount. Certificates start at $100, which is the starting price of a portrait session, and go up to $500 to cover bigger sessions. If you're not sure, tell me about the person and I'll point you toward something that fits.
Pay, and I'll send the certificate. Once your payment goes through, I'll email you a personalized certificate with a unique code, ready to print or forward. If you'd like a printed card for under the tree, let me know and I'll arrange one.
They book when it's right for them. Your recipient contacts me with their code, and we plan the session together: a location, a vibe, an outfit plan, a date.
Photos are delivered about a week after the session, just like any other client's. I'll even check in to make sure they love them.
The certificate can be applied to any session type. If the session costs more than the certificate, the recipient can cover the difference. If it costs less, the leftover balance can go toward a future session.
Tips to make it extra special
Write a note. Tell them why you're giving it. A line like "I want you to have photos that look like you" goes a long way.
Pair it with something small. A framed print from a previous session, a picture frame, or a cozy scarf they can wear in their photos.
Offer to go with them. A duo session turns the gift into a shared memory.
Suggest a spot. If you know where they love to be, a park, a coffee shop, their own home, mention it. I'll plan around it.
Tell them it's not a staged shoot. If your person is camera-shy, let them know I don't do forced smiles or stiff poses.
Questions people ask
Does the recipient have to book right away? No. There's no pressure to schedule immediately. Some people like to wait for spring light or the right season. Once they're ready, they reach out and we plan it together.
What if they live somewhere else? I photograph in Little Rock, Benton, and Conway. If your recipient is nearby, we're good. If they're farther away, reach out and I'll let you know what's possible.
Can I buy a certificate for a whole family? Yes. Tell me how many people will be in the session and I'll recommend an amount.
What's the last day to order? Digital certificates can go out right up to Christmas Eve. If you want a printed card, order by Monday, December 14, so it's in your hands in time.
The easiest gift you'll give this year
A gift certificate takes about five minutes to arrange, doesn't need wrapping, and gives someone a day they'll remember and photos they'll keep. That's hard to beat.
Ready to give a photoshoot? Order a gift certificate by sending me the recipient's name, the amount, and your delivery date. I'll take care of the rest.
