I’m beyond thrilled to share this killer giveaway I have in store for you! I’ve teamed up with Olive Juice and Pinhole Press to bring you a REALLY REALLY great Christmas giveaway!! Finding just the right card and wardrobe for your little ones for this year’s Christmas card has never been sweeter! Because not only is Pinhole Press giving one lucky winner $150 toward their holiday cards but Olive Juice is also giving away $150 in clothing for you to pick from for your little ones! How completely cool is that?!!! (I say it’s peppermint ice cool ;)). And to make things that much more merry, i’ve decided to throw in a signed copy of my book PLAYFUL! Who knows maybe you’ll make your own twig crown or cardboard brownstone house for your family photo-shoot too!
I’ve been a long time fan of the simple and utterly lovely design that Pinhole Press brings to the table of personalized cards and gifts. I love so many of their Holiday card designs that we just couldn’t settle on one! This JOY card design caught my eye. But I’m also really fond of this Red Accordion design.
The photos from our shoot, taken by photographer Jesse Draper, work so well with the cards too. He captured so many special moments that I’ll forever treasure (such as my boys who were just playing with these nuts and bolts off to the side and he caught them in the act. So cute!).
But let’s talk about the cutest kids clothing you’ve ever seen shall we? I’ve also loved Olive Juice for a long time and often hoped I’d have a little girl to dress up in their perfect little frocks. I’m now more than happy to have a little doll of my own to dress up in classic dresses such as this festive red corduroy Becca Dress, but who knew that I didn’t have to wait until I had a girl to enjoy what Olive Juice has to offer?! To see more of our Olive Juice clothing pics head on over the the Pinhole Press blog. 
Olive Juice has a “Little Brother” section filled with classic looks for little boys and I love everything they have. Little O was thrilled to learn that they had red Bailey Overalls. (He immediately felt like he was “fire Mario” when wearing them so was naturally as happy as a clam.)
I’m also over the moon about this Wonderland Jumper in Crème Brûlée. It will be perfect this winter.
And isn’t this little polka dot version of the Becca dress on Miss M is just dreamy? 
And if you’re like me and can’t pick just one photo from your shoot, you can always go with this Merry Christmas Collage card that makes it possible to enjoy bunches of photos fun.
Little A wore the softest Playtime Hoodie over a cute pair of grey Bailey overalls. He loves how snuggly the hoodie is and wants to wear it constantly. 
To enter this give away visit Olive Juice Kids and Pinhole Press for some great Holiday card ideas. Then comment below on what you think makes a great family photo. You have until Wed. Nov. 26, the night before Thanksgiving, to enter. Good luck!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
photography by Jesse Draper
This is such a fun giveaway!
I think what makes a great family photo is to be able to capture the essence of your family, what makes you unique. Is your family silly and funny? Corky and a little nuts? Mellow? Creative?. I also think the best family photos capture the love and their family intimacy. Which is why I love when my friends love their lovely family photos with me.
love this Carmen! totally important to capture your family essence.
A festive background and happy kids makes a great family photo.
These are such cool/unique/adorable family photos! Thank you so much for the sweet chance… this is pretty amazing!
A great family photo is simply about catching a slice of time that is meaningful, believable and real. Sharing it in a creative way with those you love the most is the icing on the cake.
so true! xo mer
If you can capture the personalities of everyone, I think that’s perfect!
Having all your kids in it and not being staged. Those are the true moments.
As a photographer I think the most important thing is for families to just be themselves! :))
absolutely! any tips on how to them there? xo Mer
Everyone smiling makes a great picture
Another think I think helps a family session is…. a laid back chill photographer!
My favorite holiday cards are full of sweaters, plaid, mismatched patterns, and fringey wool blankets. They usually involve pine trees, snow, and lots of cuddling in together to stay warm while trying to smile for the camera. I love a candid photo of my kids as well!
love it!
I always think the best family photos are the ones that show natural connections between parents and children. The little moments–a hug, a smile, an impromptu game of ring around the rosies–are the foundation of happiness in our family, and that happiness hopefully shines through in photos that document these small but meaningful moments.
Lots of smiles!
Wonderful giveaway. My opinion of a great family photo is one where everyone is showing a spark of their true selves. Smiling, grumping, laughing, crying. A great photograph has an element of honesty. Happy holidays.
When personality shows through!