You booked your spot — and I am so excited to photograph your family! 🎄
Before your session day I want to make sure you feel completely prepared and confident walking in. This post covers everything: what to wear, what to expect, how to get the most out of your ten minutes, and what happens after. Read through the whole thing, save it, and come back to it the week before your session.
If you have questions after reading, reach out through your HoneyBook portal and I’ll get back to you quickly.
Your Session Details
Christmas Mini Sessions
Saturday, November 21st and Saturday, November 28th
Infinite Legacy Films and Photos Studio, Grand Island NY
Your session is 10 minutes, booked in a 15-minute block so there is built-in breathing room. You don’t need to rush getting coats off or getting little ones settled. Arrive right at your scheduled time and we’ll get started as soon as everyone is ready. (Be aware, if you arrive late it will cut into your session time)
You are guaranteed a minimum of 8 fully edited images, delivered in time for holiday cards. I always include more when the session goes well — how many depends on how your family does on the day, and every family is a little different.
Your Style Guide
This is the most important thing to read carefully before your session. What your family wears has a huge impact on how your photos look and feel, and I want to set you up for success.
The Set
This year’s set is elegant and timeless — cream and white walls, a warm glowing fireplace, frosted Christmas trees, white poinsettias, and gold accents throughout. It’s classic and warm, not bright red and green, which means your outfit choices should lean into that same refined, cozy feeling.
What Works Beautifully
The colors that photograph best against this set are rich, warm, and classic. Think:
Cream, ivory, and warm white. Champagne and gold. Deep forest green. Rich burgundy and wine. Warm camel and tan. Dusty rose and blush. Navy and deep blue.
Textures photograph beautifully too — cable knit sweaters, velvet, linen, corduroy, and soft wool all add dimension and warmth to your images without competing with the set.
What to Avoid
Bright red, bright green, and neon colors will compete with the set rather than complement it. Busy patterns, thin stripes, and small checks can look distracting in photos. Avoid large logos or graphics on clothing. Bright white can be tricky against the light backdrop, so opt for cream or ivory instead if you want a lighter look.
How to Coordinate Your Family
You do not need to match. Coordinating is always better than matching and it photographs more naturally. Choose one or two colors from the list above as your base and build each person’s outfit around those tones. Everyone doesn’t need to wear the same thing — they just need to feel like they belong in the same picture.
A simple approach that always works: put your hardest person to dress first (usually the toddler or the reluctant teen), choose their outfit, and then build everyone else around it.
A Note on Kids
Comfort matters more than perfection for little ones. A child who is itchy, too warm, or wearing shoes that hurt is going to have a harder session (plus I make you take shoes off anyways!!) than a child who feels good in what they’re wearing. If your toddler has a strong opinion about their outfit, pick your battles wisely before session day. 😄
What to Expect During Your Session
Christmas minis are traditional studio sessions, which means there will be some posing and direction involved. This is different from my documentary family sessions — I’ll be guiding your family into positions and prompting interactions to make sure we get clean, beautiful images in our ten minutes together.
Here is what helps the session go smoothly:
Talk to your kids beforehand. Let them know we’re going to take some photos, it’s going to be quick, and then we’ll be done. Kids who know what’s coming almost always do better than kids who are surprised by it.
Leave the sippy cups and snacks in the car if you can. Crumbs and spills right before photos are nobody’s friend.
Plan around nap time. If your toddler naps at 1pm, don’t book a 12:45 slot. A rested child is a completely different experience than a tired one.
After Your Session
Your gallery will be delivered within two weeks of your session date, in plenty of time for holiday card ordering. You’ll receive an email from Pic-Time with your private gallery link.
When your gallery arrives, please download your photos properly rather than screenshotting them. I know it’s tempting to grab a quick screenshot when something catches your eye, but a screenshot gives you a compressed, low-quality version of your image. The download button gives you the full resolution file that will actually look beautiful when you print it or put it on a card.
Your gallery comes with an Early Bird discount for the first 10 days after delivery — everything in my print store is 25% off during that window. Your gallery also expires after 30 days, so please download everything promptly when it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child won’t cooperate?
It happens and it’s okay. I work with kids all the time and I know how to work with a range of moods and energy levels. Give them a minute to warm up and we’ll find our way through it together. That said, if your child is genuinely having a hard day — sick, overtired, coming off a meltdown — reach out and we’ll talk about rescheduling if needed.
Can we do outfit changes?
With a 10-minute session there isn’t time for a full outfit change. Come dressed and ready to go. If you have a simple accessory swap in mind, like adding a bow or changing a jacket, that’s fine.
How many people can be in the session?
Immediate family only. My studio space only fits 5 guests comfortably and my rule is 3 children max in the studio at one time. If you have a large family or extended family you want to include, reach out so we can talk through whether it’s workable.
When will my photos be ready?
Within two weeks of your session date. November 21st and 28th sessions will both be ready well before holiday card deadlines.
Can I order prints and cards through my gallery?
Yes — everything is available through your Pic-Time gallery including prints, canvases, and products you can gift. Bay Photo Lab handles all print orders and quality is genuinely excellent. Use your Early Bird discount in the first 10 days after delivery for 25% off everything.
What is the address for the studio?
Infinite Legacy Films and Photos Grand Island Studio. Exact address provided after booking.
What if I need to reschedule?
Life happens. Reach out through your HoneyBook portal as soon as you know and I will do my best to find you another spot. Please give as much notice as possible.
See You Soon!
I cannot wait to photograph your family this holiday season. If anything comes up between now and your session, you can always reach me through your HoneyBook portal.
Haven’t booked yet, no worries….