The holiday season is fast approaching, and what better way to capture those precious moments with your little ones than through a Christmas mini photoshoot? This year our Christmas minis will be taking place at my private home in S8. I’ve transformed most of my house into a bit of a Christmas grotto and I’m so excited to welcome you in! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a successful and enjoyable photoshoot experience.

Child-Led Sessions: Creating a Relaxed Atmosphere

Our primary goal during any photoshoot is to provide a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for both parents and children. I believe in child-led sessions, allowing your kids to be themselves and express their unique personalities. This approach ensures genuine, heartwarming photos that capture real smiles and real moments. Joy is at the heart of my work and I will break out all of the ridiculous jokes and be incredibly silly to help your kiddo relax and be themselves, bringing out those authentic grins.

The number one bit of advice I can give you to help create a relaxed and fun atmosphere: kids respond to your energy. 

Maintaining an upbeat, energetic, fun, and caring persona will help guide your kids’ attitude to the photoshoot. Even if your kids become cranky or upset during the shoot, they will usually come around quicker if you keep your cool.

Prep your kids in the lead up to the photoshoot

Feel free to tell your kids about this super fun person named Elle (pronounced L-E) who is going to be spending some time with you and take your picture playing with your family.

Let them know there will be Christmas decorations and a sleigh or a car they can ride.

This year, we’re also having a visit from Father Christmas. I highly recommend prepping them for meeting him by reading stories and generally talking to them about Santa. Tell them that he’ll be giving them a present and maybe read them a short story before he has to leave to go back to the North Pole.

If your kids are already looking forward to a fun experience (as opposed to them being told seriously about a photographer and how important it is to behave for them), then chances are they will be at ease and this will shine through in the photos. 

A note on the Santa Experience

There are no expectations for your child to engage with Santa in any way. Some children prefer to keep their distance from him and that’s OKAY. We do not force children to engage with Santa or to sit on his lap or talk about “naughty or nice.” All children are nice and we don’t use Santa as a coercive tool in this experience.

If your kiddo wants nothing to do with Father Christmas, that’s okay. He can wave from a distance, maybe sit and read a story to them, or just give the present to grown-ups to pass to the child.

What to Wear: Comfort and Cosiness is Key

When it comes to choosing outfits for your Christmas mini photoshoot, comfort is key. Your little ones should feel cosy and relaxed in their attire. You have the flexibility to dress more formally for a classic holiday look or opt for a more casual and festive vibe, such as Christmas pyjamas. Remember, the most important thing is that your children feel comfortable and happy in what they’re wearing. Check out this guide for even more information on what to wear for a family photoshoot. And if you want to borrow anything from the Client wardrobe, do let me know!

What to Bring: Personalise Your Session

To make your photoshoot extra special and unique, consider bringing props that reflect your family’s holiday traditions and personality. Some ideas for props include:

1. Big Christmas Book: If your family loves reading holiday stories together, bring a large Christmas book for your children to engage with during the shoot. We will have a couple of Christmas-y stories that Santa will bring with him or you can choose your own.
2. Wrapped Presents: To capture the excitement of Christmas morning, bring a beautifully wrapped gift for your child to open under the studio’s Christmas tree. It should also be the last thing that we do as kids will then be fully engaged with their new exciting toy rather than the experience of the photoshoot. Note that the present should be kept hidden from your child until it’s time to open it, ensuring an authentic and joyful reaction. Alternatively, you’re welcome to drop off the present with me a few days prior. Please email me to arrange this.

Bringing Your Furry Friends: Dogs Are Welcome

Pets are part of the family too! If you’d like to include your furry friend in the photoshoot, please feel free to bring them along. My home is pet-friendly, as I have two huskies myself. They won’t be in the home during our Christmas experience, but I’m sure your dog will smell traces of them. We’ll make sure to capture some adorable moments with your dog if you bring them along. Just remember to bring their favourite treats and any necessary supplies to keep them comfortable.

Including Newborns or Young Children

For families with newborns or young children who are not yet able to individually sit, there are a few things you need to know. I do not swaddle or pose newborns or young children. You can hold your little one during the photoshoot, ensuring they feel safe and secure in your arms. If you prefer, you can also bring a blanket, rug, or Moses basket for your baby to lay in during the session, but there will be a couple blanket options available. If you want another child to hold a newborn during the photoshoot, please practise this beforehand, especially if the children are not siblings. I recommend practicing in a big arm chair with a pillow propped under them.

Baked Goods, Hot Drinks, and Crafting

After your portrait session and meet with Santa, you’ll be guided into a separate room where an elf helper can assist you with getting baked goods and hot drinks. There will also be a large table with different craft activities children can enjoy whilst eating/drinking.

This is a new addition to the experience this year and therefore untested. You’re welcome to stay for up to 45 minutes in that space as room is limited. You’ll be able to take your craft home with you to enjoy!

I’m really looking forward to welcoming all the families into this space this year and can’t wait to create some core memories with you!

If you haven’t booked on yet, there’s still a couple slots available. Book here.