Christmas has a funny way of sneaking up on us.

One minute it's August and December feels miles away… and suddenly you're wondering whether there's still time to squeeze in your boudoir session before Christmas!

The good news is that with a little strategic planning, you absolutely can!

But if you're wanting photographs, an album or beautiful printed products in your hands by a particular date, it's important to allow enough time for everything that happens after your session too.

So, how far in advance should you book?

My general recommendation: allow 6+ weeks

As a general rule, I recommend booking your session at least 6 weeks before the date you want your finished products in your hands.

Why so far ahead?

Because your session is only the beginning!

After your shoot, there's your Image Reveal and selection appointment, editing, album and artwork proofing, placing your product order, production time, shipping and delivery.

I don't want you sitting there on December 23rd wondering where your Christmas present is!

Six weeks gives us a comfortable buffer for all of those little steps, and booking even earlier is always better if you have a firm deadline.

Want your photos ready for Christmas?

There are a couple of different deadlines depending on what you're after…

If you want an album or other printed products

If you want your album, prints or other physical products in your hands before Christmas, your session needs to take place early enough to allow for the full ordering and production process.

For Christmas 2026, my cut-off is:
Your session must be completed by the 10th November 2026 and orders finalised by 20th November.

This gives us enough time for your Image Reveal, editing, album/artwork proofing, ordering, production and delivery before Christmas.

If you're reading this in a future year, use the same rule of thumb: aim for at least 6 weeks before Christmas, and even earlier if possible!

If you only want digital images

Digital images don't require the production and shipping time that physical products do, so do you have a little more flexibility.

For Christmas 2026, my digital-only session cut-off is:
Book your session by the 8th December 2026.

This gives us enough time to complete your session, Image Reveal & editing before Christmas.

Again, future years may vary slightly depending on my holiday closure dates and workload, so if you're working towards a specific Christmas deadline, it's always best to ask me about current availability.

What if you've left it too late for Christmas?

Don't panic!
If you've missed the cut-off for physical products, that doesn't necessarily mean you've missed out altogether.
A **Temptations gift voucher** can make a gorgeous Christmas gift without needing to squeeze the actual session in before December 25th.
The recipient can choose their own date in the new year, meaning they get something exciting to unwrap on Christmas morning without the pressure of trying to organise a session during the busiest time of the year.
And honestly, sometimes having your boudoir experience to look forward to in January or February is the perfect Christmas present.

Planning ahead for Valentine's Day

Christmas isn't the only holiday that has people thinking about beautiful photographs!
If you're hoping to have an album or printed products ready for **Valentine's Day**, the Christmas and New Year period can make the timeline a little different.
My professional printing suppliers close over the Christmas and New Year period, so I recommend allowing **additional time** for orders placed around the holidays.
For **Valentine's Day 2027**, sessions completed **before 22 December 2026** should allow enough time for products to be ordered and delivered in time.
If you're hoping for a Valentine's Day 2028 album, or planning for another future year, the exact cut-off may change slightly depending on my supplier closures but the safest approach is still to follow my **6+ week rule** and check with me before booking if you have a firm deadline.

Your easy Christmas booking guide

If you don't want to remember all of that, here's the simple version:

Want physical products for Christmas?
Aim for your session 6+ weeks before Christmas.

Want digital images for Christmas?
You can book a little closer to Christmas, but don't leave it until the last minute.

Want to gift the experience instead?
A gift voucher can be purchased without needing to fit the actual session in before Christmas.

Want products for Valentine's Day?
Aim for 6+ weeks beforehand, and remember that Christmas/New Year supplier closures can affect production times.

2026/27 Important Dates

For those planning their Christmas and Valentine's Day gifts this year:

10th November 2026 — Last session date for Christmas albums & printed products

8th December 2026 — Last session date for Christmas digital images

22nd December 2026 — Last recommended session date for Valentine's Day 2027 albums & printed products

These dates are designed to give us breathing room. I would much rather have you booked a little earlier and know that everything is on track than have you cutting it dangerously close to the deadline!

And remember…

Your boudoir experience doesn't have to happen for Christmas to make a beautiful Christmas gift!

Sometimes the best present is knowing that January or February is going to bring a little time for yourself, a gorgeous experience and photographs you'll love.

So whether you're booking for yourself, planning a surprise for someone special, or simply want to tick “Christmas shopping” off your list early, I'd recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later!

Your future self will thank you for it.

Ready to plan your Temptations experience?

Get in touch to check available dates and we'll work backwards from your deadline to make sure we have plenty of time.

Get in Touch