Josh Shinner also shared a sketch of his vision for the Wales family portrait

Kate Middleton and Prince William’s holiday card photographer is giving a peek behind the scenes of the family’s portrait sitting.

On Sunday, photographer Josh Shinner recapped what it was like to snap the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, and their children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, for their annual Christmas card.

“It was such a pleasure to photograph The Prince and Princess of Wales and their family for the Christmas portrait this year,” Shinner captioned the picture on Instagram.

“Without doubt one of the most relaxed and enjoyable sittings I’ve ever had, and I now have a whole new set of jokes that are right on my level thanks to the children…,” he continued, referring to George, Charlotte and Louis. “A huge thanks to the @princeandprincessofwales for having me.”

When a commenter asked about the children’s funniest joke, Shinner kept it professional. “Keeping those to myself I’m afraid!” he politely replied.

Sharing insight into his creative process, Shinner also posted a sketch of what he initially imagined the composition might look like. The drawing, which he shared to Instagram, imagined Kate at the center between William and George, with Charlotte and Louis seated on a bench before them. In the end, it was Charlotte who stole the show front and center.

“I gave up trying to draw faces long ago, and I felt like attempting to draw the @princeandprincessofwales was something that could only end in dismal failure, but this was the starting point for the final composition…,” he wrote.

Prince William and Princess Kate released this year’s Christmas card on Saturday, the day after the Princess of Wales’ third annual Together At Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey, which they attended as a family of five for the first time as Louis made his debut. The little prince appeared to be on his best behavior at the big event, though his cheeky side shined through when he blew out Charlotte’s candle!

“Our family Christmas card for 2023 🎄❤️,” they captioned the snap across social media, adding a modern touch with the festive fir and heart emojis.

The classic black-and-white portrait they chose marks a departure for William and Kate, who have opted for full-color outdoor photos in recent years. This year’s picture, which was taken in Windsor, also appeared to have been snapped in a studio setting. The family of five moved their primary residence from London to Windsor last year.

George, Charlotte and Louis look more grown up than ever in the shot, where they matched their parents in white button-down collared shirts. Kate and Charlotte both wore jeans, while William, George and Louis coordinated in dark slacks (with Louis in shorts!). Charlotte and her younger brother Louis are also twinning in canvas sneakers. William and Kate each put an arm around their sons and Charlotte takes center stage in a chair — calling back to Shinner’s initial vision.

The photographer’s comment that he left the session with a “whole new set of jokes” thanks to Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis comes as no surprise, as the trio has had plenty of practice in front of the camera with photographer mom Princess Kate. The Princess of Wales studied art history at the University of St. Andrews and has previously described herself as an “enthusiastic amateur photographer.”

Kate has taken many of her children’s birthday portraits through the years, and most recently got behind the camera for Charlotte’s 8th birthday in May.