christmas mini session prep
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR.
So you have booked the Session! Tick that off the List of things to do!
Need help planning for your Christmas Mini Session?
Please read this guide to answer any and all of your questions.
HOW TO PREPARE
Location – Plan ahead of time and use google maps to determine how long it may take to arrive at the session location.
Arrive on time – Your assistance with arriving on time is so important for a successful day. When you arrive we ask that you stand back until your scheduled time, as not to distract other families while they are being photographed.
Sessions – Sessions are 10 minutes in length. You will be provided 8 images via digital download. If your gallery allows, upgraded galleries will be available.
Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early — sessions are booked back-to-back, and if you’re even 5 minutes late, that time will be deducted from your session. We want you to have the full experience, so punctuality is key!
Come dressed and ready to shoot! Please dress for the weather - cold kids do not make happy kids.
Studio
Our natural -light studio sessions are soft, warm and timeless. When choosing outfits we suggest going for soft neutrals, cozy textures, creams, taupes, muted greens, etc. Studio sessions are booked with a 5 minute buffer to get sessions in and out without interruptions. You will be allowed into the studio only during your scheduled session time.
Studio After Hours
A little more polished, a little more glamorous, and perfect for families who want their holiday portraits to feel timeless and elevated. These evening studio scenes pair beautifully with dresses, skirts, tailors trousers, blazers, velvet, satin, and other rich textures. Think classic neutrals, deep greens, burgundy, black, champagne, or other jewel tones. You don’t have to dress formally, but this is definitely your chance to bring out the outfit that feels a little extra special. Studio sessions are booked with 5 minute buffer to get sessions in and out without interruptions. You will be allowed into the studio only during your scheduled sessions time.
Victorian Manor
This beautiful brick building is located in Joliet, IL. These sessions will be styled with greens and golds to create an elegant and warm feeling. Please be sure to bundle up the kids if the weather is cold. Cold kids do not make happy kids. Hats, scarves, gloves make winter photos that much more real. Please keep space between other families as they are getting their photos taken.
Cottage
Cottage Sessions will take place in Mokena, IL. Cozy knits, boots, warm neutrals, and classic Christmas colors work great for this location. Please be sure to bundle up the kids if the weather is cold. Cold kids do not make happy kids. Hats, scarves, gloves make winter photos that much more real. Please stand back while other families are getting their photos taken.
Tree Farm
These sessions will take place in Bourbonnais, IL. There will be other photographers at this location so be sure to read the email on finding your photographer when it comes. There will be no props, just your family and a beautiful scenic backdrop of trees. Please be sure to bundle up the kids if the weather is cold. Hats, scarves, gloves make winter photos that much more real. Bundle up and get ready to stay warm, snuggled together. Please stand back while other families are getting their photos taken.
what to wear | styling your session
USE THE SYLING GUIDE! Link + code below::
STYLING WEBSITE - code is CEDARMOSS
COMPLIMENT & COORDINATE BUT DON'T GET TOO MATCHY!
Find a color palette that you love and choose outfits that compliment each other without looking too matchy-matchy. Everyone will have a unique look without clashing in the photo.
Most importantly, be sure to wear clothes you feel comfortable in. Your confidence will really shine through in your photos! Be careful of vests and collars on children, they cover faces.
Dress for the weather. Cold kids do not make happy kids. Transition glasses will always photography looking like sunglasses when outside.
Here is our Pinterest Board that we are always adding to and updating.
CHRISTMAS STYLE INSPIRATION
after our session
We will aim to have your gallery edited and ready within 1-2 weeks of our session. You will receive your photos in an online gallery. This allows for the quickest delivery of the images for you to easily view and share your photos.
From there you are welcome to order print products through us, or you can create prints with your own preferred lab. You have full printing rights to these digital images. We suggest a professional lab and not drug store quality.
Suggestions:
Add dimension and interest by mixing up the texture of the clothing material and accents.
Feel free to bring cute little accessories such as scarves, hats, belts, and basically anything with a fabulous texture. Accessories can pull together an outfit and make it look complete.
