When I started my business just over a year ago, my Christmas mini sessions were the first proper sessions I did. I loved every second of them last year although I only did 5 and knew that this years ones would be just as fun. What I didn't plan on was having to add an extra date this year due to popular demand, with a total of 13 sessions.
I had been looking at ideas for over a month, on how to change my minis up this year compared to last. After a lot of ideas over a few weeks in November, I finally made up my mind on which Christmas mini idea I was going to use. Last year was just two backdrops with a few props to entertain the children. This year I decided to throw in a few extras to create a more 3D effect in my photos. With double the snow, a postbox, a Santa sack and this years absolute favourites, the nutcrackers everything fit together beautifully.
As Ive said in blogs before setting up is always the longest part of a session, well for these shoots it took 4 hours to create the Christmas scenes that you walk into. But it was worth every single second. To see the pure excitement on the the little kiddies faces as they walk in. Even they shyest of children came in comfortable and smiley.
I had a lot of questions on what to wear for Christmas sessions. The answer I gave to people was very simple, just make sure you are comfortable. I had everything from pyjamas to tartan dresses but there is nothing worse than a child not being comfortable in their outfit. Although it may seem like you need to dress up a lot, simple is always better and as long as you are all slightly matching or at least colour co-ordinated there really isn't much more too it.
I love doing back to back minis because you get to meet such a variety of families, children and this year even pets in such a short amount of time! Every family this year was so different, I had everything from toy guns to incorporate to dealing with tots just wanting to play on the stairs. No matter how your child reacts or decide they want the session to go, my only advice is to let them be. I will always find a way to get at least a couple of photos of them.
Unlike my normal mini sessions my Christmas minis I allowed outfit changes this year on the basis that your little one can handle it. This is always a risk because children just don't last long in sessions, especially with so much to play with on set. It worked really well this time, and the results were super cute! It was definitely a learning curve, and will be something that is offered next year.
With the sessions over, it was just editing left to do. Promising a Christmas guarantee on products is always risky, but this is why my mini sessions are in early November. It gives me enough time to be able to edit your photos as well as giving you time to choose your favourites and what to order. This year with 13 galleries to edit I practised bulk editing which saved me a lot of time. However it still took me a good few days of non stop editing to get the galleries out as quickly as I did. But all the late nights and early mornings are so worth it when you see the final photo.
(Before) (After)
A lot of my products I hand make myself, so once your orders are in I have to send off for prints and photo-books. All my novelty gifts however, like baubles, magnets and key-rings are all made by me. This takes just as long as editing but again is so worth the time when you see the final product. This year I was lucky enough to have previously bought my Cricut Explore which saved so much time on cutting everything to perfection. (Additional Blog to come about this product.)
With all the products made, it's just packing and delivering to do. I always love hand delivering my products, so I can make the packaging personal. For Christmas I left the white bags behind and used Christmas bags. I was so happy with how they turned out, and cannot wait to find more creative ways to deliver your products with other themed sessions.
What to expect Next year... Next years ideas are already running through my head and I cannot wait. I'm obviously not giving anything away this early, but be ready to book your Christmas mini sessions 2022 around October time. I cant wait to capture your memories with you.
Thank you to all who booked this years Christmas minis.
Merry Christmas
Lauren x
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