How to Prepare for Your Christmas Mini Session

Choose Your Outfits

There will be three festive sets and you’ll have access to all of them so feel free to bring along outfit changes.  I publish the sets at the end of September before the calendar opens on October 1st so you’ll have plenty of time to plan what you’d like to wear. You don’t have to change outfits of course – it’s totally fine to pick your finest Christmas jumper and wear it in all of the settings!   Whatever you decide, it’s worth thinking of how your outfits will work together if you’d going to do family photos – coordinating rather than matching is usually the best idea although lots of my wonderful festive clients have been known to rock matching pyjamas on occasion and you’ll get no arguments from me if you go that route!

Bring Your Family’s Favourite Props

Although the set will have festive decorations, you’re welcome to bring a props if you’d like to  – Santa hats and reindeer antlers are popular choices. Still, you can bring along anything that you’d like to such as sentimental items, favourite toys, personalised blankets or anything else your festive heart can dream of! It’s a great way of making your photos even more unique and personal to you.

Time Keeping

Without wishing to sound like a nag, these sessions run back to back in a busy week and so being on time for your session is really helpful.  On average sessions take 30 minutes, but they’re scheduled on the hour to avoid too much crossover between clients and confusion on the drive.  I’ll always come and greet you on the drive when you arrive so if I’m not there, I might well be in the studio with another family so just wait in your car and I’ll be with you as soon as I can.  If you’re running late – and I get that it can happen – if you could let me know that would be wonderful so I can try and ensure we still have enough time to get you a great set of images.

Prepare Your Little Ones

Christmas mini sessions are designed with families in mind, and they work best with children who are at least 6 months old and can sit up unaided. If you have young children, try to ensure they’ve had a nap or a snack beforehand to make them feel comfortable and happy during the shoot.

Relax and Enjoy the Moment

Mini sessions are short, but they’re also fun! Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the process. The goal is to create natural, beautiful photos that capture your family’s true Christmas spirit. I’ll guide you through the session, so there’s no need to worry about posing or what comes next—just be yourselves and enjoy this special time together.

Don’t Forget to Smile!

The best photos happen when everyone is relaxed, enjoying each other’s company, and having fun. So, don’t stress about the details—just focus on the experience and your family’s love for each other!