The Gift of Memories: Why a Photo Shoot is the Perfect Present
Why a Photo Shoot Is the Best Gift You’ll Ever Give (and the One They’ll Never Re-gift)
We’ve all been there: wandering the aisles of Target with a latte in hand, desperately trying to figure out what to get for the person who already has everything. Another candle? A sweater that may or may not fit? A gift card that screams, “I had no idea what to get you, so here’s twenty bucks for Starbucks”?
Here’s the truth: most “stuff” ends up collecting dust, shoved in a closet, or re-gifted to your aunt at next year’s Secret Santa. But you know what doesn’t get shoved in a closet? A beautifully captured moment in time. That’s right—a photo shoot is the gift that keeps on giving.
And before you roll your eyes and say, “Of course the Charlotte, NC photographer thinks photo shoots make great gifts,” hear me out. Because gifting a session isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about giving someone an experience, a memory, and artwork they’ll treasure forever.
The Best Gift for Moms-to-Be: Maternity Sessions
Pregnant moms already have a to-do list longer than War and Peace. Hospital bags to pack, nursery paint colors to choose, and approximately twelve thousand decisions to make about strollers, bottles, and swaddles. In the middle of all that chaos, a maternity session feels like a breath of fresh air.
Gifting a maternity session says: “You deserve to feel beautiful, celebrated, and seen right now.” It’s not just a present—it’s a pause button during one of the most fleeting seasons of life. Plus, let’s be real, no mom-to-be is going to re-gift a professional gallery of herself glowing in gorgeous dresses.
Pro tip: If you’re gifting a maternity session, consider pairing it with a few fun extras like a dress rental, hair and makeup credit, or even a “classic or boho styling guide” download to help her prep. I can help put all of the above in your hands!
The Best Gift for New Parents: Newborn Sessions
Sleep-deprived parents will tell you that newborn days are a blur. One minute you’re marveling at how tiny their toes are, the next you’re wondering if you’ll ever shower again. A newborn photo session freezes those hazy, beautiful days in a way that no iPhone snap ever could.
Giving the gift of a newborn session is basically saying: “Here’s proof that you survived those early weeks, and also your baby was really, really cute.” It’s priceless. And unlike the fourth set of onesies or yet another stuffed animal, this gift doesn’t outgrow itself.
Pro tip: Newborn sessions book fast, so if you’re considering gifting one, get on your Charlotte, NC photographer’s calendar as soon as you can. You’ll want that spot reserved before baby makes their grand entrance.
The Best Gift for Families: Christmas & Santa Sessions
Now let’s talk about holiday magic. Everyone wants adorable Christmas photos of their kids—but not everyone wants to wrangle them into matching outfits, book the session, and plan it all out. That’s where you come in with the ultimate gift: a pre-booked Christmas or Santa session.
This is more than just photos—it’s an experience. Imagine kids listening to Santa tell a story, rolling out cookie dough, decorating a gingerbread house, and coming away with professional images that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Gifting this is like saying: “I’m giving you an afternoon of holiday magic that your kids will remember forever (and also you’ll have perfect photos for your Christmas cards).” Way better than another box of peppermint bark.
Why a Photo Shoot Beats Every Other Gift Idea
It doesn’t expire in a drawer. Okay yes, technically sessions have expiration dates, but unlike lotion gift sets, people actually use them.
It’s unique. Nobody else is showing up to the holiday party with a gift card for Santa photos. Guaranteed.
It’s personal. Giving someone a photo session says, “I thought about what would make you feel special.” Not, “Here’s another $25 candle from Bath & Body Works.”
It lasts forever. Candles burn out, sweaters fade, but photos? They’re forever.
How to Gift a Session Like a Pro
Get a Gift Certificate – Ask your photographer (hi, that’s me, Erin Wilwert Photography!) if they offer gift certificates for sessions. It makes wrapping the experience easy.
Add Personal Touches – Include a little note like, “Because I know how much you’ll love remembering these days.”
Pair It With Something Tangible – Wrap it with a frame, a small ornament, or a cute baby outfit so they have something to “open.”
Don’t Overthink It – No one ever complained about getting photos of their loved ones.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking for the best gift this year—whether it’s for the mom-to-be, the sleep-deprived new parents, or the family who loves holiday magic—you honestly can’t beat a photo shoot. It’s thoughtful, personal, and something they’ll treasure for decades.
So skip the stress shopping this season. Reach out to your friendly neighborhood Charlotte, NC photographer (yep, that’s me!) and let’s make your gift the one everyone talks about long after the wrapping paper is gone.
And because I’m all about making life easier, I’ve got gift certificates ready for maternity, newborn, and Christmas sessions. Just say the word.
