2024 Christmas Session Prep Guide

I am so excited to have you and your family join me for my Christmas Session!

Step into your very own "Hallmark movie set" in Historic Main Street St Charles. These sessions are in the mornings before the shops open when the street is nearly empty. It's such a beautiful time to capture the beauty of the season with your family!

Whether it's a mini session or a petite family session, I expect you to come 5-10 mins before your time since my sessions are scheduled back to back at one location.

What to Expect

The biggest thing you can do to help your session go smoothly is to relax and let me worry about getting beautiful photos.

My goal is to capture your family together playing at the field. I will guide you into poses and areas with beautiful lighting. Your job is to love on your family and just have fun!

I will only ask for your kids to look at me 1-2 times (once for the fast “traditional” Christmas card shot, and once for an individual portrait"). The rest of the time I will suggest fun things (like go attack mom and dad, dance together, play, etc).

What should we wear

This is a great time to dress for the holidays! I've pinned a couple ideas for inspiration for colors and patterns that look great for the session.

CLICK HERE

Bring warm jackets and blankets so that your family can stay warm before and after your session. Dress for the weather. Cold kids do not make happy kids. Wear coordinating clothes for the session, but don’t be overly “matchy.” Avoid plaid patterns of different colors, too many busy patterns, and logos. We recommend that you start with mom’s outfit, then coordinate the rest of the family. Choose clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in.

A few more specific ideas are to consider contrasting with the green in the trees to stand out beautifully and not clash. Pops of red look beautiful with all of the rich green trees. Other colors that work well are dark blues or even maroons. Neutrals also look beautiful, too.

Plaid, soft hats, and/or scarves are also beautiful additions to make your photos feel even more festive!

Please don't hesitate with any questions on wardrobe ideas. For younger girls wearing dresses, I highly recommend a pair of shorts or tights on underneath her dress as we do plenty of playing, twirling, dancing, and hanging upside down during sessions!

Should anyone in your family be feeling sick the day of, I require you to let me know. Your session will be canceled and we will plan another time to take your photos.