Christmas Mini Session Prep Guide

Waterloo Region Christmas Mini Sessions

12/25/2019

Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year! And Christmas Mini Sessions are always so much fun and they some of my favourite mini sessions to do. I am so fortunate to always sell out so fast for my dates! In 2019, I partnered with Benjamin Tree Farm outside Waterloo and Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm outside Guelph to host some awesome Christmas Tree Mini Sessions. In 2020, I partnered with Evergreen Tree Farm just outside Guelph and Primula - Bakker Lane Farms just outside Drumbo. I typically host these sessions in November, so that I have enough time to edit the photos but also so that people have time to send out Christmas cards to family and friends or use the photos in another before Christmas. Another couple of reasons are that the tree farms are usually not as busy yet and usually the temperatures are not as cold yet (not always true lol). Keep reading to find out the best ways that you can prepare for your Christmas Mini Sessions with Photography From The Soul.

Preparation

Now the thought of coordinating the family and picking out outfits has slipped into your mind and your head is spinning! Don’t worry, that is why I am here to help. Christmas Mini Sessions are meant to be fun, so don’t let yourself get all worked up over the many tiny details. With that being said, here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Christmas Mini Session.

Coordinate Outfits; No Need to be too ‘Matchy-Matchy’

I like to suggest to my clients to pick out THREE colours that you think go well together and to have one of those colours a neutral colour. After selecting your colour palette, select outfits for your family that coordinate with the colours you have chosen. You do not all have to be wearing matching sweaters and identical pants (although sometimes that can look great also). Don't be scared to mix it up a bit, while sticking to the colour palette that you have chosen. This will create unity without going to far over the top. For example, when I think of Christmas, RED instantly comes to my mind. So a great Christmas outfit colour scheme would be Red, Denim and White! FYI, Red always looks great against the dark green of a Christmas Tree.

Dress for the weather, and also to impress.

As everybody knows, the temperatures in November can fluctuate greatly. Keep an eye on your weather app. and dress to handle the weather. Nothing worse than having grumpy littles (or parents) because they cant stay warm! This doesnt mean you need to wear 5 layers or to wear your biggest jacket though. Try to find a happy medium between warmth and looking good. this is Canada, you should be have clothes that keep you warm and that make you look good!

Fur Babies Welcome!

I usually get this question every year. Yes, you can bring your dog. So, if you would like to, you are more than welcome to bring the fur babies with you. Just remember, this is a MINI session and if you think your dog will just add stress to the shoot, I recommend leaving them at home, in the car or bring a friend to walk with them. Another option is to have them waiting in the car and you bring them out near the end of the session for a couple photos . If you do plan on bring your dog, please let me know in advance so that I can prepare for those photos! Most locations (especially tree farms) always ask me to say the same thing, please try not to let your dogs pee on the Christmas trees, and to keep them with you at all times, leashed if possible.

BE ON TIME! or Early

I cant stress this enough. Try not to be late to this very important date. Your Mini Session is allocated a very specific time. If you are late, unfortunately that means you will be cutting into your OWN mini session time. I can not extend sessions due to clients being late. Mini sessions run back to back and this means that I need to finish at our allocated time. Please try to be five to 10 minutes early to your session to allow walking to the location and any additional surprises. I know how hard this can be with children, but try your very best!

Your Photos

After your session has taken place, it will take me 1.5-2.5 weeks to edit your images and present you with a fully edited gallery. I aim to get them done early than this, but this is a good time frame to have in the back of your mind. You will receive a notice via email that your online gallery is ready for you to see! You then will be able to choose your favourite photos and decide if you would like to purchase extra photos. The gallery will remain open for a week, to allow you time to choose your photos.

HAVE FUN!!

And of course, the most important part of all is… HAVE FUN! I can not wait to meet you all, some of you I will be seeing again. Photographing Families is my favourite and I can not wait for you to have these amazing photos for you to send to loved ones! If you want to find out more about me, you can do so be heading over to my ABOUT page. If you need to ask any questions or just talk about your session, feel free to contact me via email photosfromthesoul@gmail.com or through my CONTACT page. I am always happy to help you out in any way that I can!