Easy DIY At-Home Holiday Photoshoot Ideas

Peace, blessings, and love to you all. I don’t know about anyone else, but life has been a lot lately. Between caring for my brother during his recovery and juggling everything else on my plate, I’ve been reminded how important it is to slow down and make space for the moments that truly matter. Life will life regardless so finding joy in the midst of the chaos becomes a choice and a practice.

As the year comes to a close and we enter a season of rest, my little munchkin wanted to take some cozy photos to send our family a little light and love. So I dusted off my equipment and we created a mini photoshoot right at home with no rush, no pressure, just us playing, practicing, laughing, and making new memories together.

You don’t need a studio or anything fancy to create moments that last. Just a little intention, a little love, and the willingness to be present. Our at‑home shoot was simple, sweet, and full of joy and I’m sharing how we did it so you can do the same. No stress, no big budget… just you, your little ones, and a few creative touches. 

Want the full checklist right away?
Download my exact at-home photoshoot prep checklist — the one I used to create these cozy, joy-filled shots with my little one.Includes a printable PDF + plain text version for Notes or Notion!

Click here to download it now

How You Can Do It Too

What You’ll Need:

• Natural Lighting: Morning or golden hour light from a nearby window works best.
• Fadeless Art Paper: We grabbed ours from Michaels for the backdrop.
• Your Outfits: Match, coordinate, or just go with what feels right.
• A Blank Wall: Choose a clean, clutter-free background or if not a wall you can cover.
• Lighting (Optional): A ring light or soft lamp if you're short on daylight.
• Tripod or Propped Phone: Use what you have! A stack of books works too.
• Camera or Phone: Your iPhone’s portrait mode is your bestie if you don’t have a professional camera.
• Pose Inspiration: Search Pinterest for “Mommy & Me” or “At-Home Photoshoot Poses.”
• Editing App: I love Lightroom Mobile for subtle edits or presets.
• Print Your Faves: Walgreens, Shutterfly, or Canva are great for turning these into cards or keepsakes.

These photos were such a joy to take, just simple, fun, and full of love. And though we don’t celebrate the holidays, this season is the perfect time to send love, light, and handwritten notes to our family, especially our elders, just to remind them they’re on our hearts. You can create the same kind of warmth and intention right at home, one photo and one moment at a time.

Want This Checklist For Yourself?

Ready to plan your own cozy, stress-free at-home photoshoot?

Grab the exact checklist I used to get these shots — including what to prep, what to wear, and how to capture it all with your phone.

•  Includes a printable + a plain-text version for your Notes or Notion!
• Just drop your name + email below and it’ll be sent straight to your inbox!

Download Here

 

Copyright & Usage Notice

All images in this post are owned by Zak L. Grace | AuthenticallyZ and are protected under copyright law. These photos may not be copied, reproduced, edited, reposted, or used in any format without express written permission.

Unauthorized use may result in legal action. If you would like to collaborate or license imagery, please contact me directly for permission.

 

How to Plan a Branding Photo-shoot Day

 

 

HOW TO PLAN YOUR BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

— A Simple Guide to Stress-Free, High-Quality Visuals

Peace, blessings, and love to you all. Branding photoshoots can feel intimidating—especially when you’re juggling multiple platforms, showing up consistently, and trying to visually communicate who you are and what you do. But with the right plan, your shoot day can be smooth, intentional, and truly reflective of your brand.

Whether you're a business owner, creative, or influencer, thoughtful preparation will save you time, eliminate overwhelm, and help you walk away with photos and videos you can use for months. Here’s how to plan your shoot with confidence.

1. Get Clear on Your Brand Story + Shoot Goals

Before stepping in front of the camera, take time to outline the message you want your visuals to communicate. Ask yourself:

• What story am I telling through these images?
• Who is my audience, and what do I want them to feel?
• What content do I need for my website, social media, or marketing?

This clarity helps you create intentional visuals—not random photos that don’t match your brand identity.

2. Choose Outfits, Props, and Locations That Match Your Brand

Your photoshoot should show your brand, not just tell it. Select items that support your message:

• Outfits that reflect your brand colors, personality, and professionalism
• Props that highlight the tools you use, your lifestyle, or your products
• Locations that match your vibe—minimalist, creative, luxurious, cozy, or bold

Consistency will make your images instantly recognizable across every platform.

3. Batch Your Shots for Maximum Efficiency

Instead of randomly capturing content, organize it by themes or needs. Try batching:

• Headshots
• Behind-the-scenes moments
• Thought-leadership or coaching-style photos
• Lifestyle images of you working, planning, or creating

Batching speeds everything up and ensures you leave with a full library of diverse visuals.

4. Prep Your Equipment + Set the Scene

A smooth branding shoot starts with preparation. Before your shoot, make sure you have:

• A charged phone or camera
• Good lighting—natural if possible, ring light or softbox if not
• Easy outfit changes for variety
• A playlist to keep the energy high

A little prep goes a long way toward a polished, professional look.

5. Grab the Free Branding Photoshoot Checklist

To make this easier, I created a FREE checklist that walks you through every part of planning your branding shoot—from mapping your shot list to prepping your outfits. Download it and use it before every photoshoot to stay organized and stress-free.

 

👉 Download it now and make your next content shoot effortless! Link Here

What to Wear for Your Fall Family Photos

 

Fall is a season of warmth, vibrant colors, and cozy moments, making it the perfect time for a family photo-shoot. If you're a mom blogger preparing to capture the essence of autumn with your loved ones, choosing the right outfits is key to creating timeless memories. In this blog post, we'll explore seven tips to help you and your family look effortlessly stylish during your fall photoshoot, featuring some fantastic finds on Amazon.

1. Coordinate Colors, Don't Match: While matching outfits can be tempting, opt for coordinating colors that complement each other instead. Embrace the rich tones of fall by incorporating warm hues like deep reds, mustard yellows, and earthy greens(which is my all time favorite). This creates a visually appealing and harmonious look for your family.

Amazon Find: Women's Long Sleeve V-Neck Sweater in Burgundy or Cream

2. Layers Add Depth: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so consider layering your outfits. This not only adds depth and interest to your photos but also allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. Think about scarves, cardigans, or stylish jackets that complement your chosen color palette.

Amazon Find: Boy's Plaid Button-Up Shirt with Hooded Vest

3. Texture Matters: Incorporate different textures to add dimension to your photos. Consider fabrics like knit, denim, or faux fur for a cozy and visually appealing touch. Textured accessories, such as a statement belt or chunky scarf, can elevate your look without overpowering it.

Amazon Find: Kids' Cable Knit Sweater

4. Accessorize Thoughtfully: Accessories can make or break an outfit. Choose accessories that enhance the fall theme, such as wide-brimmed hats, leather boots, or statement jewelry. Be mindful not to overdo it – a few well-chosen accessories can go a long way.

Amazon Find: Women's Wide Brim Wool Fedora Hat

5. Consider Your Setting: Think about the location of your photoshoot and let it inspire your outfit choices. If you're surrounded by nature and foliage, earthy tones may work best. In an urban setting, you might opt for more modern and streamlined looks. Tailoring your outfits to the environment ensures a cohesive and visually pleasing result.

Amazon Find: Kid’s Fit Corduroy Pants

6. Timeless Classics Never Fail: When in doubt, stick to timeless classics. Pleated pants, crisp denim, neutral sweaters, and well-fitted blouses never go out of style. These pieces can be easily mixed and matched, ensuring a cohesive and polished look for your family.

Amazon Find: Women's Classic Pleated Wide Leg Pants

7. Comfort is Key: While style is important, comfort should not be overlooked. Ensure that you and your family feel at ease in your chosen outfits, especially if you have little ones. Happy and comfortable family members will radiate genuine joy in your photos.

Amazon Find: Kids' Fleece-Lined Leggings

As a mom blogger, fall family photo shoots are an opportunity to create beautiful, lasting memories. By following these tips and exploring the suggested Amazon finds, you can confidently showcase your family's unique style while embracing the warmth of the fall season. So, gather your loved ones, dress in style, and let the beauty of autumn unfold in your family photos.