Question: What should I do with the photos from my professional photo session?

Answer: One huge benefit to professional photos, is having them to use as photo gifts for your family, all year long!

Professional Family Photography Shouldn’t Gather Digital Dust

When you have a professional photo session taken with your family, those photos deserve to be seen. I talk about this all the time – your images, they’re meant to remind you about that toothy smile on your seven year old, and the stuffed bunny your four year old just won’t leave at home. We preserve those moments – those details of our lives – and not just so that they can be scrolled through once a year when you look at your cold file storage. I mean, let’s face it, how many of us actually go through that stuff once a year, either?

Your Session Isn’t Over When It’s Over

It’s super easy for that to happen though – the whole, “oh these? They’re from a photo session twelve years ago, that have been on this external hard drive since” vibe. The way I like to think about it though, your session isn’t over when you leave the studio, or the photographer leaves your home – or we part ways at a local Minneapolis park after you’re done with your slot for mini sessions. Your session isn’t over, until you have prints in your hands.

The Invisible Last Step 

That’s because it’s the invisible, last step. I call it invisible, because oh man, it is SO easy to miss. And there’s a reason for that! Booking (step one) feels real, because you’ve got to select a photographer, check out their portfolio, and decide on a date. Then prepping for the session feels real too, because that’s super tangible. You’ve got to do things like picking clothes, and making sure props are ready. Then of course there’s having the session, and obviously you can’t miss that step, because… well, then there wouldn’t be photos.

But AFTER the session, there are two more. There’s “receiving your images” and “printing your images.” Receiving them also feels real – I mean, that’s when you get the photos from your session, so of course it’s exciting and not something we’re as prone to forgetting about. Printing them though? That’s on you after the session. You’re not waiting for anyone to send you anything, there’s not a time in the calendar for it – and so you think to yourself “I’ll definitely do that”. Then a few weeks pass. Then a few months. And before you know it, you’re sitting in front of your TV in the middle of the night on a Wednesday and suddenly think to yourself “what happened to those photos from spring??”

Using Your Photos After Your Session Is Easy

I want to be COMPLETELY straightforward and honest with you, because I’m not here to SHAME you for not using your images after your session – I do the same damn thing. As a human with ADHD, I’m the first to admit that those invisible “after” steps, do NOT always happen in my household. And that’s a huge part of why I’ve made it super easy for you to print and use your photos after your sessions with Jessica Strobel Photography! I know first hand exactly how easy it is to let that step fall into the void, and with it… your precious memories.

But we captured them so you would use them. And one of my favorite ways to use them, is as photo gifts!! I talk about photo gifts a few times a year, every year, and that’s because there are a few times you should definitely be thinking about them. And right now, in about June, is one of those times! Because if you schedule, for example, a mini session now, and you’ve planned ahead? You’ll be able to organize having prints done from that session to use as Christmas presents, SUPER easily. So not only do you get gorgeous prints of your photos, you also get to be prepped ahead of time for Christmas!! It’s a win-win – and those of you who’ve been reading here for a while, know how much I LOVE a win-win!!

There are Printing Options in Your Jessica Strobel Photography Online Gallery

There are a lot of ways to break down the options you’ve got for printing your photos after your session – but today, we’re going to split them into two kind of non-traditional categories. But it’s because they’re organizational, so like… follow me here. The first category, is print options available directly in your gallery from Jessica Strobel Photography! And let me tell you, there are SO many options in there. There’s Christmas ornaments, photo boxes, canvas prints, heirloom albums – it doesn’t matter where you want to highlight your photos or what the person’s house whom you’re gifting to (whom is right there, yes?) will match. There is literally a workable option for every situation, from a mini session with Santa, to photos from a family event.

If the Options in Your Gallery Don’t Work… There are Other Options!

But maybe you’ve already looked there, and you were kind of like, “Meh, these feel really traditional.” And that’s fair!! The options in your Jessica Strobel Photography gallery aren’t quite as quirky as they could be, and that’s just because of what’s available through my partner companies. But that’s why we’ve got the whole internet, Mama!! And on the internet? Well, as you know, the world is your oyster.

You could order a customized decorated birdhouse (not one to ACTUALLY use as a birdhouse though) as tabletop decor. Or, sublimated wood disc garlands that show your family over the years, using multiple sessions’ photos. If you’re looking for something more on the “white elephant” or “vague but hilarious prank” gift options… you can have your photos printed on socks. Or boxers. Or a phone case. When I say the world is your oyster, I REALLY mean it. It’s 2026, and the options online? They just don’t stop! So whether you’re going for a heartfelt, sentimental gift, or something your mom will laugh at and just not stop… you’re covered, when you plan to give photo gifts.

Hoping to Solve Your Gifting Woes for this year?

If you’re in need of a photo session to solve your gifting woes this year, or you’re looking to update your family photos for an ongoing project like that garland situation I mentioned, it might be time to set up a time to hang out with me!! For those looking for this year’s minis, you can find those to book at the mini page. But if a full session is more along the lines of your needs, let’s talk! I would love to capture memories that WON’T gather dust on a hard drive in your garage.