How to Prepare for a Family Mini Photo Session for Holiday Card Pictures
The holiday season is upon us, and what could be more joyous than capturing those precious family moments in a picture-perfect card? If you love the look of family Christmas tree pictures or you’re partial to holiday photos on the beach, a family mini photo session is a great way to get the perfect shot to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned pro at getting your family Christmas portraits done or a first-timer wondering where to start, keep reading, as this blog post will guide you through the process!
Are Mini Photo Sessions Worth It?
First things first, you might be wondering whether a family mini photo session is worth it or if it’s better to do a full-length session. For holiday card photos, I highly recommend a mini session! They are quick, cost-effective, and incredibly fun. They're especially great for holiday card photos because they capture the essence of your family’s holiday spirit in a short time. You can get a variety of shots without spending all day in front of the camera, leaving more time for holiday shopping or cocoa sipping!
Family Holiday Portraits vs. Candid Shots: Which is Better?
There's no definitive answer to this—it depends on your personal preference. Family holiday portraits offer a traditional, formal approach, showing everyone in their best attire with coordinated smiles. On the other hand, candid shots bring out the real, raw emotions and interactions between family members, capturing the magic of spontaneous moments. Both have their charm! And when you hire Celeste Drake Photography for your family mini photo session, you don’t have to choose–we can do both!
7 Tips for Preparing for a Holiday Family Mini Photo Session
Once you decide to go for it and book a “mini family photo session near me,” it’s time to prepare. Having captured tons of families, these are my best tips to ensure your shoot goes smoothly!
1. Plan Ahead
The holiday season can be busy for everyone, photographers included. To ensure you get your preferred date and time, it's wise to schedule your session early. This also gives you plenty of time to brainstorm outfit ideas and gather any props you might want to include. It also allows for any unexpected changes or reschedules that might pop up.
2. Choose a Theme
While definitely not required, a theme can add a unique touch to your photos and make them even more memorable. You could go for a classic holiday theme with matching Christmas sweaters and festive colors. Or, get creative and set up a fun snowball fight scene or a cozy indoor setting with hot cocoa and holiday books. The key is to choose a theme that reflects your family’s personality and holiday spirit.
3. Rest Well
It's essential that everyone, especially the little ones, gets a good night's sleep before the photo shoot. Rested faces are more likely to yield happy, energetic expressions rather than tired, cranky ones. Plus, the more alert you are, the more fun you'll have, and this will shine through in your family holiday portraits!
4. Bring Snacks
A family mini photo session can still take some time, and hunger can quickly turn smiles into frowns. Packing some favorite snacks, especially for young children, can help keep energy levels high and moods bright. Just remember to avoid anything that might stain clothing or faces before the camera starts clicking!
5. Prepare Props
Props can add an extra dash of fun and festivity to your photos. Imagine your family playfully wearing Santa hats or reindeer antlers or wrapped up in a festive blanket. Props can also help engage children, keeping their attention focused and adding genuine smiles to your photos. Keep in mind that props that go on the ground (candles, baskets, mini trees, decorations, etc.) aren't allowed, but wearable items or a blanket are totally okay!
6. Practice Poses
While your photographer will guide you on the day of the shoot, it doesn't hurt to practice some poses in advance. This can help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera and ensure you know your best angles. Have fun with it–strike a pose in the mirror or take a few selfies. You might discover a new favorite family pose!
7. Relax and Enjoy
Above all, remember that the purpose of this session is to capture your family's genuine joy and love during the holiday season. Don't stress over every little detail. Instead, focus on enjoying the moment with your loved ones and let those natural smiles and laughs shine through. After all, the most cherished photos are often those where everyone is simply having a good time together.
What to Wear for Family Portrait Christmas Card Photos
Picking out what to wear is always a fun part of getting ready for a photo shoot, right? But let's be real, it can also give you a bit of a headache. Fortunately, I’ve got a blog post with 20 outfit ideas for family photos! Or keep reading for my best advice for a family mini photo session at a tree farm or the beach!
What to Wear for Family Christmas Pictures at a Tree Farm
If you book my Holiday Mini’s @ The Tree Farm, here are some fun outfit ideas:
Casual and Comfy in Christmas PJs: The holiday season is all about comfort and joy. So why not reflect this in your photos by wearing Christmas-themed pajamas? This can add a playful and relaxed vibe to your pictures.
Elegant and Classy: If you prefer a more formal look, consider maxi dresses in dark colors for the ladies, paired with sweaters over collared shirts for the guys. This combination can give an elegant touch to your family Christmas tree pictures.
Layer Up: Tree farms can be chilly, so layering your clothes is both practical and stylish. Think sweaters, cardigans, puffy vests, jackets, hats, beanies, and scarves. Mix and match different textures and materials for a cozy winter look.
Bold and Bright: Opt for bold colors like reds, blues, whites, blacks, and creams. These colors photograph well and provide a beautiful contrast against the green backdrop of the Christmas trees.
Plaid Plus Glitter: Plaid is a classic choice for holiday photos. To add a fun twist, pair it with a sequined or shimmery skirt for the girls or perhaps a glittery tie or hat for the boys. Add some fun boots to complete the look.
What to Wear for Family Holiday Pictures at the Beach
If you book my Holiday Mini’s @ The Beach, here are some fun outfit ideas:
Tropical Christmas: Think Hawaiian shirts with holiday prints paired with shorts or skirts. This gives a fun twist to traditional holiday attire and embraces the beach setting.
Nautical Neutrals: Opt for neutral shades like white, beige, or navy to complement the sand and sea. Linen shirts, sundresses, and straw hats can give a relaxed yet stylish vibe.
Festive Swimwear: If you're up for it, consider holiday-themed swimwear! Red and green swimsuits or board shorts can make for playful and unique holiday photos.
Casual Denim: Denim shorts or jeans paired with festive tops can work great on the beach. Add in some Christmas-themed accessories like Santa hats or reindeer antlers for a fun touch.
Boho Chic: Flowy dresses, wide-brimmed hats, and bare feet can create a beautiful bohemian look. Choose earth tones or muted holiday colors to keep the festive feel.
Looking for a “Mini Family Photo Session Near Me” in Los Angeles?
If you're in the Los Angeles area, I’d love to capture your family’s holiday card photos! When you choose Celeste Drake Photography, you're not just getting a photographer–you're getting someone who understands the importance of preserving precious moments. Whether you're looking for beautifully composed family Christmas portraits or spontaneous candid shots for a holiday card, I've got you covered.
My approach is all about capturing the essence and emotion of your family. I strive to create an atmosphere that's relaxed and fun, allowing your family's unique dynamics to shine through in each shot. This results in photos that are not only visually stunning but also filled with personality and warmth.
So whether it's your baby's first Christmas or a cherished tradition you've been celebrating for years, I'm here to make sure those moments are captured beautifully. Contact me with any questions!