If you're sitting here thinking, "Oh, shoot. We haven't gotten our family photos done for the holiday card," you're probably not alone. We get it, you lose track of time and then it hits you — next week is Thanksgiving.

At this point, chances are your favorite local photographer is booked up and the time they do have available is for them to spend with their families around the holidays.

Also keep in mind, after you get your photos taken, on average it takes a couple weeks for the photographer to edit and send you your photos — so you're running out of time if you want to order and send cards.

This family photo was taken at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. | Photo by @creativeconceptsbylauren

With that being said, here are our tips if you want to get some last-minute family photos done.

You don't have to have a professional camera to take a good family photo. These days, smartphones have cameras that can be just as good — but what you will need is a tripod. Set up your phone, gather around, and set that self-timer.
Have a plan. Where are you going to take the photo? In your living room or outdoors? What's the lighting going to be like? Remember: The sun sets earlier these days. could include a tip for the best times of day in terms of lighting if you want!
Looking for a good backdrop? Eagle Creek Park or the Circle of Lights would make good spots for a family photo — or when you get together as a family to do a holiday activity like Winterlights at Newfields, Carmel Christkindlmarkt, or the Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society, remember to snap a picture together.
If you have family members who don't like being in front of the camera, try an AI portrait generator. We can't guarantee the results of this, but it might be worth a try.
If you'd still rather leave it to the professionals, check out Holly Marie Photography. She has some bookings still available online for her limited edition mini sessions on Nov. 18, Nov. 25, and Dec. 2.