Thanksgiving weekend is pure magic with little ones: sleepy morning cuddles, the smell of cinnamon rolls, cousins running wild, and that golden late-November light streaming through the windows. Here are five simple, meltdown-proof ways to capture it all — no forced smiles or fancy setups required.
1. The “Just Woke Up” Series
Set your camera on the floor or coffee table and let them crawl/walk straight to you the second they wake up. Messy hair, footie pajamas, and that delicious morning grin are holiday gold. Pro tip: Use our bamboo zippies — the soft fabric photographs like a dream and never looks wrinkled.
2. The Grandparent Snuggle
Hand the phone to someone else and let Grandma or Grandpa scoop them up on the couch. Wrap everyone in the same chunky knit blanket. These quiet, un-posed moments end up being the photos you frame forever.
3. First Taste of Pumpkin Pie (or Whipped Cream)
Seat them in the high chair, give them a tiny spoon of whipped cream or a bite of pie crust, and let the sticky chaos happen. A big bib + an oversized bow headwrap turns the mess into the cutest portrait you’ll ever take.
4. Leaf Pile (or Blanket Pile) Jump
Rake a small pile of leaves in the backyard or pile every blanket in the house on the living room floor. Let them dive in while you shoot from above. The joy is instant and the photos are pure happiness.
5. Parade-Watching in Matching PJs
Turn on the Macy’s parade (or any Christmas movie), pile on the couch with cocoa, and snap away while they’re mesmerized. Matching sibling sets or neutral knits + a giant bow make everyone look like they stepped out of a catalog — without any effort.
Quick Phone-Camera Hacks for the Weekend
- Shoot in the first or last hour of daylight (magic hour = no harsh shadows).
- Get low — eye level with your baby makes everything feel cozier.
- Continuous burst mode for crawlers and runners.
- Edit lightly: just a little warmth and brightness and you’re done.
Which moment are you most excited to capture? Let us know in the comments — happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! 🦃🍂