Christmas Mini Sessions are a great way to get beautiful images for those Christmas cards and update those family portraits at the same time. Here are a few helpful tips on how to make the best of your Christmas Family Portraits!

Children are the life of your photos and keeping them happy for your session can be a chore sometimes but here a couple of tips that may help.

Don’t forget to feed your child before the session.Also, pack snacks just in case hunger strikes again while we’re shooting.

Let your child help when picking out their clothes for the session (unless they have a hideous sense of fashion.) By letting your child wear his favorite shirt or shoes, etc. this will help him feel more comfortable. If his choice of clothing is awful or doesn’t match, see if you can use that shirt as an undershirt or tell him he can put it on for a couple of shots at the end of the session.

Bring along their favorite toy or blanket. This will help your child be comfortable in a new, unfamiliar surrounding. Just be aware that this will probably become a prop in some of the photos, so bring something that is pleasing to the eyes or has sentimental value and you’d be okay with photos of it.

Think about what to wear

Winter’s cold, sure, but it makes for some seriously stunning photographs. Snowflakes, snowmen, white canvases, glittering icy trees? It’s a photographer’s veritable wonderland! Here’s how to dress to take advantage of that winter wonderland.

• We hope there will be lots of white, so really punch things up with splashy colors. Think bright red, navy, yellow, green. Any color that really pops against white is a go.
• On that same note, don’t hesitate to play with prints. We love seeing gingham, polka dots, stripes, etc. But do not put all family members in patterns. Mix it up with maybe the parents wearing neutral solid colors and the kids in patterns.
• Really bundle up and play up the winter factor. We love seeing fur-lined boots or hats, oversized chunky scarves, adorable gloves, etc.
• Do wear a couple layers underneath to ensure you stay warm. Double up on those socks and throw on some long johns, if you must! Layering will also add a bit of depth to your images.

I hope your find these tips helpful and hope you and your family have a blessed holiday season!