![ajfeather-photography-swaffham-studio-christmas-photo-session-north-pole-cottage](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/357f01_c19b2076fc3c47dfa26ec2bae9add311~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_700,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/357f01_c19b2076fc3c47dfa26ec2bae9add311~mv2.jpg)
Preparation Guide
CHRISTMAS photo session
I am so excited that you are coming to AJ Feather Photography studio to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas. Christmas Mini Sessions are the most joyful and fun photoshoots that I offer throughout the year. I love seeing the joy on everyone's faces as they enter the studio. Mini Christmas sessions are so perfect and stress-free as they are fast and you get amazing images to share with all.
To help you get the best experience possible, I have created a Mini Christmas preparation guide to ensure we have a successful shoot.
![aj-feather-photography-studio-session-swaffham-norfolk-five-month-old-sitting-session](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/357f01_d2cba6cbf8ad4af087e30345e3dc2413~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1473,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/357f01_d2cba6cbf8ad4af087e30345e3dc2413~mv2.jpg)
How to prepare
Location – Plan ahead of time and use google maps to determine how long it may take to arrive at the studio. I will always send you a link to where the studio is a few days before your session. Also, take into consideration any traffic that may affect travel time before your Christmas mini-session.
Arrive on time – Your assistance with arriving on time is so important for a successful day. When you arrive I will ask that you wait outside whilst other families are being photographed, purely as other clients get distracted. I will come out to meet you and invite you into the studio.
Images – Christmas mini-sessions run for 20 minutes maximum to provide you with the best images. Sometimes, they can be less than 20 minutes, don’t freak out, it’s less because you guys have been awesome and nailed every pose! I will ensure you get various images of your children and family and provide you with a full gallery to select from. There will be an option to add your own props if you bring any.
No mobiles – During the session, you are not permitted to take any pictures with your mobile phone while I am shooting. It is a quick session and this will distract children and make them look away. Do not stress, I will be providing you with professional images. At the end of the session, if we have time, you’re more than welcome to do a behind the scenes videos for social media.
![little-girl-looking-at-her-xmas-present-infront-of-a-christmas-backdrop-of-a-fire-place](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/357f01_15c8a133344a45629e6a390742ad4040~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1473,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/357f01_15c8a133344a45629e6a390742ad4040~mv2.jpg)
Parents
It is really important that you allow me to build a great connection with your children. Please allow me to interact with your little one while I’m shooting before you get involved unless your child is upset. This way they’re not overwhelmed and I capture their innocence.
Should I require assistance, I will call you to come and join me on the floor and get their attention to help me get a gorgeous smile and giggle. If and when I do this, please do not stand behind me as your baby will always be looking up in the photographs I take. You need to SIT right behind me (next to my camera).
There is no pressure on your children to perform at the session, natural shots are always best and I like to shoot in a fun, relaxed and easy manner so there is no pressure on them to be perfect or look at the camera with big perfect smiles in every shot. If you are wanting a full session, then please contact me directly for further information.
![aj-feather-photography-five-month-sitting-christmas-session](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/357f01_68ae34e888f94e4d9c6cf3f228dfa6fe~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_652,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/357f01_68ae34e888f94e4d9c6cf3f228dfa6fe~mv2.jpg)
What to wear
It is always good to pick three coordinating colours that go well together and one of those colours being a neutral colour (eg red white denim). You don’t necessarily need to be all matching in identical outfits. Mix it up a little with textures too but stick to your colour palette.
No logos if possible. You want your images to be timeless.
Remember, if your children are comfortable in their clothes, then they will be relaxed and calm during the session.
As it is a 20-minute session we don’t have time for big outfit changes. If you did want to change into a Christmas outfit or PJs for a shot, you can do this but I will say only 1 outfit change.
Accessories – Please bring hats, headbands, etc to the studio.
TOP TIPS
![baby-boy-sitting-up-with-xmas-hat-on-and-christmas-lights-along-the-floor](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/357f01_e7544ff1d73a4d4e8101109058badbfd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1473,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/357f01_e7544ff1d73a4d4e8101109058badbfd~mv2.jpg)
Arrive early! This way you are not stressed and all relaxed.
Plan your children’s sleep / awake time for that day if your session is during their sleep time.
Feed your children before the session to ensure their full and happy. Arrive a little earlier and do this in the car if needed. Feel free to bring anything as bribery.
Clean your children’s faces (eyes, nose, mouth), it’s amazing what is always left behind. I have wipes in the studio for you to use too.
Fingernails, hair cleaned and cut. I will not be editing special requests such as fixing chipped nail polish or frizzy hair during Xmas Minis.
Remove all hair ties or kids watches before the shoot to ensure no marks are there. Again I cannot edit out hair ties or watches.
Parents don’t forget about yourselves!! Do your hair and make-up before the session.
![baby-boy-in-christmas-jump-suit-sat-next-to-raindear](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/357f01_baae7792a5e44c828a5e63e12279b98e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_652,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/357f01_baae7792a5e44c828a5e63e12279b98e~mv2.jpg)
![baby-boy-sat-in-a-santa-sack-with-chritmas-hat-on](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/357f01_31a0074ab7254154802f22360a8facfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_652,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/357f01_31a0074ab7254154802f22360a8facfc~mv2.jpg)
![baby-boy-in-christmas-jump-suit-sat-next-to-raindear](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/357f01_5fd4660949184fb89396fce57119ca79~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_652,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/357f01_5fd4660949184fb89396fce57119ca79~mv2.jpg)
Look forward to seeing you at the studio remember any questions send me a message. arienne@ajfeatherphotography.com
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