Prep Guide

OUTFITS

• Consider the holiday theme when choosing your child's outfit. Consider colors and patterns. Traditional holiday colors like red, green, and gold work well.
• Children want to be comfortable, ensure what they're wearing doesn't cause them to squirm or become distracted from visiting with Santa.
• Children can always wear holiday pajamas if comfort is a consideration you're concerned about. It's better to let kids be comfy and have fun, than be in outfits they don't want to wear.
• Plan the entirety of each outfit. Don't forget shoes, accessories, etc. Bare feet are fine, but be mindful the rest of your child's outfit will match with bare feet.
• Actively AVOID clothing with busy patterns or logos. These are distracting elements that will take away from your image.

SUSTENANCE

• Please make sure you allow you and your children/family members enough time to eat prior to your session. Making sure you and your loved ones are fed can drastically improve your photo session. NOBODY wants to be fighting hunger! ESPECIALLY kids.

PLAN AHEAD

• Give yourself and your family enough time.
• Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your session time slot. This will ensure you receive the entire 15 minutes for your session experience.
• Try to avoid rushing around right before your portrait session.
• If you feel rushed and stressed out, this will definitely be reflected during your session.
• Planning ahead as much as possible will help your session day go smoothly.
• Ensure that final payment has been made and settled before your session to avoid any last-minute stress.

CHILDREN

• How exciting is it to capture your children for memorable holiday photos?! I want to photograph your child at their best. Pressuring them too much to "smile and say 'cheese'" can actually be counteractive when trying to elicit real smiles and happiness.
• We want your kids happy. Feed them, love on them, and tell them what a fun experience they're going to do today! This gives your child a sense of excitement. If they see your excitement, they, too, will be ready and happy to take pictures.
• Remember, we'll photograph posed & candid poses. Your child having fun is the perfect embodiment of what the holidays are about.

VISITING WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS

• We'll introduce your child to Santa & Mrs. Claus upon arrival.
• Please talk about Santa & Mrs. Claus prior to your session date. This will give them a realistic expectation of who they're meeting and what's going on.
• Santa & Mrs. Claus will interact with your child to create candid moments. If there is something you would like them to talk about or include in their conversation, please inform me beforehand. (Ex: my child loves dinosaurs and wants one for Christmas, inform me prior to your session to let Santa know to discuss this.)

COOPERATION

• If your child is upset or uncooperative, we can try snacks, songs, games, etc. However, some kids can become overwhelmed, especially meeting Santa. If this happens, we will focus on candid moments instead of posed.
• If your child is unhappy, we will do everything in our power to provide you with beautiful images. Keep in mind, "perfect" is subjective.
• Sometimes children prefer more natural expressions and reactions. This is to be expected and still results in amazing images that are even more reflective of their personalities.

SAFETY

• Holiday sessions can be exciting for everyone, especially children. Ensuring they are safe throughout the duration of your session is my top priority.
• Kids are not allowed to roam around the studio.
• Please ensure children stay with parents/adults at all times unless I am actively taking their picture.
• Lighting, props, and other studio elements can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Please ensure your child knows not to touch anything outside of the holiday set they are being photographed on.
• While we schedule clients back-to-back for holiday sessions, we strive to create a personalized experience for all. If, for some reason, there are other clients at our studio before your session time, please wait to enter the studio until your designated session time. However, arriving early ensures we're able to begin promptly at your scheduled time.
• No outside photography/videography is allowed.

MOST IMPORTANTLY

• Be excited! Holiday sessions are fun! We're capturing memories of your precious child that you'll cherish forever.
• Be in the moment.
• I want you to be able to look back on these images and this experience with fond memories.