A Kate Buckles Photography Style Guide Winter photo sessions are some of the most magical of the entire year—cozy textures, soft light, rich colors, and that crisp, dreamy New Mexico air. But one of the biggest challenges families face? Figuring out what to wear that looks amazing and keeps everyone comfortable. Good news: you don’t have to choose between stylish and warm. With the right layering, colors, and fabrics, you can have both! Here’s your go-to guide for dressing y

Capture the Magic of the Season — One Day at a Time The holiday season is filled with tiny, beautiful moments that deserve to be remembered. This month, do our December Phone Photo Challenge and snap one quick photo a day using just your phone ! No pressure, no perfection—just capturing life as it happens. Use the list below as daily prompts, or jump around and choose whichever inspires you each day! ✨ December Photo Prompts Something Cozy Your Morning View Favorite Holiday

The lights are twinkling, the calendar is filling up, and the magic of the holidays is officially here! As we step into the busiest (and most joyful!) time of the year, it’s easy to feel the pressure of to-dos, events, and family obligations. But with a little intention, this season can be filled with peace, connection, and memories you’ll treasure long after the decorations come down. Here are my top tips for a stress-free holiday season so you can enjoy the moments that ma

The end of the year always sneaks up faster than we expect — one minute it’s pumpkins and fall leaves, and the next we’re hanging stockings, attending school events, and trying to squeeze in a million to-dos. And in all that holiday busyness, it’s easy to think, “We’ll book photos later.” But here’s the truth: Waiting until the last minute for your end-of-year photo session is the quickest way to miss out. Here’s why planning ahead is the key to getting the photos you want (a

Black Friday is officially here — and so is our biggest print sale of the year! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to order your favorite images in print, canvas, or gifts, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for. 🎁✨ Here’s why you definitely don’t want to miss this limited-time deal: 1. Your Photos Deserve to Live Off Your Screen You invested in a session, you loved your gallery… now it’s time for those memories to shine in your home.This Black Friday deal giv

The holiday season is here, and we know many of you are starting to plan gifts, decorate your homes, and update those photo walls — which makes this the perfect time to take advantage of our Black Friday print deal ! If you’ve had a session with us this year, your gallery includes access to our professional print service… and trust us, this is the best time to use it. 🎁✨ Why You’ll Love This Black Friday Offer Our Black Friday deal gives you the chance to order high-quality

As Thanksgiving arrives, we find ourselves reflecting on the moments, families, and stories we’ve had the honor of capturing this year. And one thing is certain: We are truly, wholeheartedly thankful for YOU. 🧡 To every family who stepped in front of our camera…To every parent who trusted us with their newborn…To every senior who shared their personality and dreams…To every couple who laughed, snuggled, or danced during a session…To every loyal client who continues to come

If you missed Doc Long Minis—or simply want a fresh, cozy holiday look—we still have a very limited number of Studio Christmas Minis available! They’re perfect for: 🎁 Last-minute Christmas cards 🎁 Gifts for grandparents 🎁 Updated family portraits 🎁 Capturing a little more Christmas magic These spots always disappear fast, so don’t wait if you need holiday photos! Your holiday season deserves to be captured beautifully, whether in the forest or in the studio — Book HERE!

Our Doc Long Christmas Minis were pure magic again this year — sparkling light, cozy outfits, and families looking absolutely stunning among the pines. Now that those sessions are wrapped, it’s time for the next (very important!) step: Ordering your Christmas cards. 🎄✨ If you want cards that do justice to your beautifully captured photos, choosing a high-quality printer makes all the difference. Here are some of the best places to order premium Christmas cards that will ma

Thanksgiving is one of those rare days where family, warmth, and memories fill every corner of the home. It’s a holiday made for gratitude, connection, and—of course—photos. While professional sessions are amazing for polished portraits, your phone can beautifully capture the heart of the day too… as long as you remember the golden rule: Take the photo—and then put the phone down and enjoy the people in front of you. ❤️ Here are a few simple tips to help you capture the joy

If life got busy (as it always does!) and you weren’t able to snag a Doc Long mini session this year, don’t worry — you haven’t missed your chance for beautiful holiday photos! I still have a few — just a few — Studio Christmas Minis left , and they’re the perfect opportunity to capture cozy, classic, and joy-filled holiday portraits. ✨ Why Studio Christmas Minis Are a Great Option Studio minis offer a warm, inviting setup that’s picture-perfect no matter the weather. They’r

If you’ve ever worried about “What do I do with my hands?” during photos, you are not alone! The truth is, most people feel a little nervous about posing before a photoshoot — but with a few simple tips, you can feel confident, natural, and camera-ready. At Kate Buckles Photography , we guide you through every step during your session, but knowing a few basics can help you feel relaxed before we even start. Here are the top posing tips everyone should know to look and feel t

Doc Long Minis are right around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited to capture your beautiful moments in this gorgeous outdoor location! Before your session, here’s a quick and important reminder to help everything run smoothly and ensure you get the absolute most out of your time in front of the camera. ⏰ Plan Travel Time — Mountain Roads Take Longer! Doc Long is stunning… and also a little bit of a drive! Between the winding roads, slower traffic, and the possibility

Senior year is a milestone — a celebration of everything that makes you you. Your passions, your accomplishments, your personality, and the things you love most deserve to be front and center during your senior photo session. At Kate Buckles Photography , we love creating senior portraits that go beyond “just photos.” These images capture who you are in this moment — your interests, your story, your spark. One of the best ways to make your session truly personal? Incorporati

In a world where everything lives on our phones — from grocery lists to our kids’ latest milestones — it’s easy for your beautiful photos to get buried in your camera roll. We snap thousands of pictures a year, yet how many actually make it into frames, albums, or onto your walls? At Kate Buckles Photography , we believe your memories deserve more than a quick swipe through your phone. They deserve to be seen , touched , and cherished — every single day. Here’s why printing

Your fall mini session is done, your gallery is delivered, and you’re in love with your photos (of course!). Now comes the fun part — deciding how to display them in your home. Fall photos have a special kind of magic… warm tones, cozy vibes, and timeless beauty that looks gorgeous in almost any space. At Kate Buckles Photography , we believe your photos deserve more than a hard drive. They should be printed, loved, and showcased in the places you live and gather. Here are s

Family photos are meant to capture joy, connection, and the beautiful chaos of your crew — but let’s be real, getting everyone from toddlers to teens to smile at the same time can feel like a miracle! At Kate Buckles Photography , we’ve seen it all — the shy smiles, the goofy giggles, and the too-cool-for-photos attitudes. The good news? With a little prep (and a lot of fun), your family photo session can be an experience everyone enjoys — no matter their age! Here are our be

Let’s be honest — family photos can feel a little overwhelming. Between choosing outfits, getting everyone ready, and hoping the kids cooperate, it’s easy to stress before the session even starts! But here’s the good news: with a little preparation (and the right mindset), your family photo session can be fun, relaxed, and full of genuine smiles. At Kate Buckles Photography , we believe your session should feel like a joyful family moment — not a chore! So here are our top 5

When planning your photo session, one of the biggest choices you’ll make is where to shoot — and that decision sets the entire tone for your photos! Do you picture yourself surrounded by city lights, architecture, and bold textures? Or do you imagine golden fields, trees, and soft natural light? At Kate Buckles Photography , we love both styles — each offers something unique and beautiful! Whether you’re planning a family session or senior portraits , choosing between an urb

We all know that one family — the one who seems to have everything. Their shelves are full, their closets are stocked, and every year you find yourself wondering, What on earth do I get them this Christmas? Here’s a little secret: the best gift isn’t something you can wrap in a box… it’s something you can feel. ❤️ At Kate Buckles Photography , we believe the most meaningful gifts aren’t things — they’re memories. ✨ 1. Give the Gift of Time Together A family photo session is