Holiday
Session Guide

Capture your family’s Holiday memories with these tips for a fun and stress-free photo session.

Welcome to my Holiday Portrait Session Guide!  Holiday Minis are a great opportunity to capture some beautiful memories with your lovely family and get some stunning photos for your holiday cards!

In this guide, I’ll share some tips on how to prepare for your photo session.  I’ll cover everything from choosing the right outfits to keeping the kiddos entertained during the session, making your session as stress free as possible!

Make sure to check out our Pinterest board below for tons of ideas on outfits and color palettes as well! 

Visit the Holiday Session Pinterest Board

View outfit ideas and color palettes for your session

What to Wear for Holiday Photos

Warm sweaters, flowing dresses, and boots – it’s the holiday season, and it’s picture time! This time of year is all about capturing that cozy, festive feel in your family photos. When you’re choosing your outfits, think about showing off your family’s unique style and how close you are during this wonderful season.

Choosing the Right Colors

The warm and cozy colors are what make this time of year so special.

For a festive vibe, consider using traditional holiday colors like rich reds, deep greens, and a touch of gold. Think about outfits with red sweaters, green dresses, and some golden accessories. These colors give your photos that unmistakable holiday spirit, just like the decorations on your tree.

To balance things out, mix in some classic neutral colors like soft whites, earthy tans, and muted grays. These neutral tones create a perfect backdrop, letting those holiday colors stand out even more. It’s like putting a simple ribbon on a beautifully wrapped gift; it adds a touch of elegance to the festive colors.

Remember, the goal here is to capture the holiday season’s warmth and your family’s connection. So, by finding the right mix of holiday colors and neutrals, you’ll create photos that are both festive and timeless, preserving the memories of this special time for years to come.

Patterns: Less is More

Now, if patterns are your thing, go for it! But here’s a tip: stick to one or two family members wearing patterns. Too many patterns can make your photos look too busy and are a distraction in your photos. Small patterns tend to photograph better than larger ones, as they don’t overpower the image.

Layer Up for Style and Comfort

Christmas weather can be a bit tricky, so let’s stay cozy with layers. Think comfy cardigans, stylish jackets, or cool vests for your Christmas outfits. They’ll keep you warm and add a little something extra to your holiday look. And the best part? You can mix and match these layers to keep things interesting during your Christmas photo session.

Coordinate Your Look

Finally, consider choosing a color theme for your family’s Christmas attire. Everyone can select their own outfits, but make sure the colors go well together. It’s not just about looking great; it’s about adding a personal touch to your Christmas photos and ensuring they look fantastic for the holiday season.

Prepping Your Kiddos

Alright, parents, let’s dive into the world of getting those adorable kiddos ready for our Holiday photo session. We all know that kids can be unpredictable little bundles of energy, so let’s make sure we’re prepared and in the best possible spirits for our day of fun and memory-making!

Rested and Ready

First things first, a well-rested child is a happy child (and a happy child makes for great photos)! Ensure your little ones get a good night’s sleep the day before the session. But here’s the tricky part: try not to let them sneak in a nap in the car on the way to our photo location. I know it sounds tempting, but many littles ones need time to adjust when waking up from a nap. 

Full Bellies, Happy Smiles

Hungry kids can get cranky, and we want those genuine smiles and giggles, right? So, make sure their bellies are full before we start. A light meal or snack is perfect. Just avoid anything too messy that might leave crumbs on their cute outfits!

Fun Distractions

Now, let’s talk about keeping the kiddos entertained during the session. While I’ll do my best to make it fun and engaging, it’s always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal – something that makes them feel secure and happy. It can help them relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Be a Team

Family photo sessions are a team effort, and your little ones are key players. Talk to them about our adventure and what to expect. Make it sound exciting, like going on a treasure hunt or exploring a magical forest. When they feel like they’re part of the adventure, they’ll be more willing to cooperate.

Bribery Can Be Your Friend

Sometimes a little bribery can work wonders! Pack some small treats or rewards – something that’s their absolute favorite. Promise them a special treat after the session if they cooperate like rockstars. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Keep It Light and Fun

Lastly, and most importantly, let’s keep it light and fun. Kids can pick up on our vibes, so if we’re relaxed and enjoying ourselves, they’re more likely to do the same. Embrace the joy of the moment, be silly, and don’t worry too much about perfection. Sometimes the most candid, unexpected moments make for the best photos.

So, there you have it, some tips to get those little adventurers ready for our Holiday photo session. Remember, it’s all about capturing your family’s unique spirit and connection, and sometimes that means embracing the quirks and energy of your kiddos. Can’t wait to see those bright smiles and precious moments!

What to Expect During the Session

Welcome to the most exciting part of our holiday family photo adventure! During our photo session, get ready for a dose of silliness, laughter, and memorable moments. Here’s what you can expect and how we’ll make it a fantastic experience for your family.

Fun and High Energy

First off, let’s talk about energy levels. Especially if you have kids, get ready for some silly jokes, funny noises, and lots of high energy! Kids, in particular, tend to bring their A-game when it comes to exuberance, and I encourage it. Laughter and genuine smiles make for fantastic photos, so we’ll embrace the joy and silliness together.

Posing Worries? Not a Problem!

Now, if you’re worried about how to pose, where to put your hands, or any of those typical photo session concerns, don’t sweat it. I’ve got you covered! I’ll be there to guide you through the entire process. I’ll prompt you, suggest poses, and ensure that you and your family look your absolute best. Your focus can remain on enjoying the moment with your loved ones.

Candid Moments are Gold

While I’ll guide you through some poses, I’m also a big fan of candid moments. Those unscripted, genuine interactions between family members often result in the most heartfelt photos. So, don’t be surprised if I capture those unexpected smiles, loving glances, and playful moments. They’re like little treasures that tell the real story of your family.

 

Once our session is done, the excitement isn’t over! About two weeks after the session, you can expect an email with your gallery link. This is where you’ll find all the digital photos from our session.

Depending on your package, you’ll have the option to choose a set number of photos to download. If you fall in love with more than your allotted number, don’t worry; you can always purchase additional images separately or even opt for the full gallery. The choice is yours, and it allows you to select your absolute favorites to cherish and share with friends and family.

So, there you have it! A glimpse into what you can expect during our holiday photo session. It’s all about creating beautiful memories, embracing the fun, and capturing your family’s unique spirit. I can’t wait to see your family shine in front of the camera, and I promise it’s going to be an incredible experience!

Thank you!

Hey Friend!

Thank you for reaching out to Nicky Ellington Photography! I’ve received your inquiry and wanted to let you know that I appreciate your interest.

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Looking forward to the possibility of working together and capturing some special moments. Thanks again for choosing Nicky Ellington Photography.

Hugs, Nicky