Christmas Mini Sessions: All You Need To Know!
Welcome to Fairy Nuff Photography’s guide to creating stress free, relaxed and beautiful Christmas Mini Photoshoots for you and your little ones!
Why do a Christmas mini photoshoot?
Well there are a number of great things about Christmas Mini Photoshoots, such as;
- They are short sessions – perfect to dip your toes in, before committing to a full session.
- Great if little ones struggle to concentrate for longer periods of time.
- It is a defined moment in time, so if you come year after year you can really see how your family changes over time.
- There is a fun, joyful vibe – it is Christmas!
- You can choose to be in the photographs or not – either way, the results will be beautiful.
- It is a great, interactive environment for little ones – there are teddies to hug, books to read and lots of festive touches.
- The gorgeous photographs make amazing gifts for Christmas!
The photos we got are gorgeous and the whole experience was amazing!
My goal for the Christmas mini photoshoots is to create beautiful, timeless images, that really show off your personalities. I use a fun and relaxed approach with clients, always aiming for natural expressions to create memories that will last a lifetime.
I want your Christmas mini photoshoot to be a fun and enjoyable experience, so here are some helpful tips on how to prepare and get the very best from your photoshoot!
Choosing the right outfits
- Color Palette: Coordinate your outfits with the Christmas backdrop, props and vibe. This year my Christmas set up is a soft, dreamy Christmas morning, filled with teddies, wrapped presents and festive touches. Consider incorporating soft pastel colours, creams, golds, and other complimentary colours. Opt for outfits that compliment each other without being identical. This will create a cohesive look without feeling overly formal.
- Avoid: Patterns, logos, checks and stripes… in fact I would suggest staying with plain and simple clothes. That isn’t to say you can’t put in your party wear, you can! But remember, the first thing we should see is your faces, not your clothes.
- Comfort: Opt for clothing that your family feels comfortable and confident in. Avoid anything too tight or restrictive.
- Preparation: Make sure that clothing is well fitting, clean and ironed. Always bring spare clothes… just in case of accidents!
What To Bring
- Props: If you have any special items that you’d like to include in your photos, such as toys, books, or festive items, be sure to bring them along.
- Snacks and Drinks: There is always bottled water and hot drinks available at the studio, but if your children have favourite snacks and drinks feel free to bring them with you.
- Looking Good: It is always a great idea to bring hair brushes, baby wipes and skin blotting papers with you. Perfect for keeping everyone looking their best!
- Patience and Positivity: A positive and relaxed attitude will help your children feel more at ease during the photoshoot.
Preparing Your Children
- Talk About The Session: Explain to your children what a photoshoot is and what they can expect. Let them know they are going to a studio that looks all Chrismassy for them. Explain there will be flashing lights – you can show them by turning on and off your torch on your phone. Let them know they will need to have their ‘listening ears on’ – there are things that they need to not touch and it is important they stay safe.
- Practice Posing: Have fun practicing poses at home. Whether that be cuddles, sitting together, hugging teddies, reading a book. Encourage your children to be natural and express themselves freely.
- Get Excited: This is a happy event, one where you will be with them. Let them try on their outfits, show them what the set looks like in the photos, bring their favourite toy (especially of it flashes or makes noise as I can use this to draw their attention to the camera).
- Bribe Them (If Necessary): A small reward, such as a favourite treat or toy, can be a great motivator for children. Everyone deserves a treat for a job well done!
A Few Last Tips...
- Ask Me: Any last minute questions? Not sure if an outfit is right? Or things I might need to know before your session? Drop me an email at fairynuffphotos@yahoo.co.uk and I will be happy to help.
- Know Where To Go: Make sure you know where you are going in advance. Google the distance and the time it takes to get to me in advance.
- Arrive On Time: Or a few minutes early, to give yourself time to check those last details, calm children, take a breath and be ready for your photoshoot! These are short, timed sessions and we don’t want lateness to reduce your session time.
- Be Ready: Let’s make the most of every moment! Arrive in your outfits, hair/make up done – if little ones are teething seek advice from your pharmacist regarding appropriate pain relief and when to administer it before the session time.
