I am so excited that you are coming to me to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas.
Christmas Mini Sessions are the most joyful & fun photoshoots that I offer throughout the year. I love seeing the joy on everyone's faces as they enter the studio.
Christmas Minis are so perfect & stress free as they are fast & you get amazing images to share with all. To help you get the best experience possible, I have created this Preparation Guide to ensure we have a successful shoot.
We're bringing it back to a more relaxed and playful set this year with the traditional Christmas colours everyone loves. Dress it up or down, anything goes!
Here are our colour palletts & set inspo:
HOW TO PREPARE
Location – Plan ahead of time and use google maps to determine how long it may take to arrive at the studio. Also take into consideration any traffic that may affect travel time before your Christmas Mini session.
Arrive on time – Your assistance with arriving on time is so important for a successful day. When you arrive please seat yourself on the couches provided whilst other families are being photographed, purely as other clients get distracted.
Images – The sessions run for 25 minutes maximum to provide you with the best images. Sometimes they can be less than 20 minutes, don’t freak out, it’s just because you guys have been awesome & nailed the poses! I will ensure you get various images of your children and family and provide you with contact sheets to select from.
No mobiles – During the session you are not permitted to take any pictures with your mobile phone while I am shooting. It is a quick session and this will distract children and make them look away. Do not stress, I will be providing you with professional images. At the end of the session if we have time, you’re more than welcome to do a behind the scenes videos for social media.
DEAR PARENTS,
It is really important that you allow me to build a great connection with your children. Please allow me to interact with your little one while I’m shooting before you get involved unless your child is upset. This way they’re not overwhelmed and I capture their innocence. Should I require assistance, I will call you to come and join me on the floor and get their attention to help get a gorgeous smile and giggle. If and when I do this, please do not stand behind me as your baby will always be looking up in the photographs I take. You need to SIT right behind me (next to my camera). There is no pressure on your children to perform at the session, natural shots are always best and I like to shoot in a fun, relaxed and easy manner so there is no pressure on them to be perfect or looking at the camera with big perfect smiles in every shot. It is critical you supervise your children to ensure they don’t damage any props on the day. Please note, I will be running over 40 sessions and there are a lot of families who would be left disappointed if the set/s is damaged.
Please note that the KIDS ONLY set is just that - for the kids only - please do not ask if you can join them on that set, it will not accommodate you.
WHAT TO WEAR
- It is always good to pick three coordinating colours that go well together and one of those colours being a neutral colour. You don’t necessarily need to be all matching in identical outfits. Mix it up a little with textures too but stick to your colour palette.
- No logos if possible. You want your images to be timeless.
- Remember, if your children are comfortable in their clothes, then they will be relaxed and calm during the session.
- Accessories: Please bring your own hats & headbands.
- This years sets require a more relaxed, casual look but if you want to dress up a bit more that will work too! You are welcome to bring a quick change of clothes for your little one for the kids set, Christmas pjs are a favourite. You can find lovely Christmas themed clothing at Cotton On, Mr Price and Pick ‘n Pay Clothing. Checkers Hyper has also been known to offer cute themed t-shirts, baby rompers as well as other accessories. Cotton On’s Christmas line is always out earlier than other stores so keep an eye out online and in stores. Mr Price & Pick ‘n Pay Clothing should release their Christmas ranges soon after. Be sure visit their websites regularly because they sell out fast.
TOP TIPS!
- Arrive early! This way you are not stressed and all relaxed.
- Plan your children’s sleep / awake time for that day if your session is during their sleep time.
- Feed your children before the session to ensure they’re full and happy. Arrive a little earlier and do this in the car if needed. Feel free to bring anything as bribery.
- No eating in studio. Bring any supplies for your children to use after the session (snacks, treats, drinks, etc)
- Clean your children’s faces (eyes, nose, mouth), it’s amazing what is left behind.
- Please note that there will be no special editing requests, you are beautiful the way you are!
- Parents, don’t forget about yourselves!! Do your hair and make up before the session.
I will be sending out directions to the studio via Whatsapp closer to the date of your session but if you have any further questions until then just give me a shout.
I can't wait to see you all in studio!
