Christmas in July | Minis Session Presale!

It is hard to believe that we are already halfway to Christmas!

While we are all enjoying some summer fun in the sun, the busy-ness of life will kick into hyper drive after school starts in the August or September.

With that being said, this week I am releasing the dates and presale for TWO different Christmas Mini Session opportunities!

But, before I give you all those details, let’s recap some of my favorite shots from last years one-day Christmas Tree Farm mini sessions!

This family was brave enough to book my earliest session time at 9am. The air was chilly and everyone was a little sleepy, but we were able to warm up with a little play time.

They were totally fine with capturing her kids as their natural selves; jackets, toys, and all! I was so happy to hear this for a couple reasons:

• First, family photos are a special time to capture a certain season in your families lives. You will be glad you captured the reality of that season instead of a forced, unnatural, version.

• Second, when you’re stressed you look stressed. When you’re kids are being forced to do something, the last thing they want to do is smile. Typically, forcing and demanding them to act a certain way will result in looks of confusion, anger, or tears. Not ideal!

My favorite things to do to warm kids up to the camera:

• Let them PLAY! This is the beauty of documentary style photography. I can be a fly on the wall and photograph them with smiles on their face as they play.

• Ask them to show me something. If they bring a toy, I ask them to show it to the camera. Sometimes I will ask them to show me something in the environment (point to a flower, do you see a bird, etc.). And if they are old enough to know their age, I will ask them to show me on their fingers. These small actions make their eyes light up with a sense of accomplishment and most of the time this earns a smile too!

While photographing families during a mini session, I have a few priorities for the sessions:

• Take a photo of the entire family that is perfect for Christmas Cards! Typically I aim to get at least two Christmas card shots; at least one portrait and one landscape version.

• Get individual photos with each child and each parent. When a family has multiple children, sometimes individual shots get overlooks but this will be such a sweet memory for you now and the child as they get older.

Also, this 9:30am time slot had the dreamiest light! 😍

Something else you can expect from a mini session with me: a moment for mom and dad!

Your relationship deserves a moment too! I love to capture these shots because it always brings out the giggly butterfly feelings when the two of you get to be by yourselves in front of the camera for a second.

And not to worry, my assist for the day keeps the kids safe and entertained while these photos happen so you can enjoy a second of romance in the midst of your family photos.

Again, you will be glad to have these photos to look back on and remember this season of life.

And while my goal is to capture the most beautiful photos of your family that feel like fine art to hang in your home… I am also totally OK with doing goofy shots and using inspo photos from Pinterest circa 2010 too! 😂

While Minis are usually used for full family photos, I also squeeze in individual portraits. Depending on your outfit choices (which i am happy to help you plan!) these photos can be used year round! They can also be helpful for high school seniors if your school needs a photo for senior advertisements or their yearbook. Individual photos can also be used for last minute grand parent Christmas gifts.

You don’t have to have kids to do Christmas minis either!

This couple had never had professional photos done together, but came to me for their first photoshoot last year. It was so romantic and sweet to capture their relationship.

Side note, this did not happen last year, but one of my photography dreams is to photograph a surprise proposal — and Christmas minis would be the perfect time to do that. Just saying! 😉

Christmas Mini Sessions 2024…

This year I will be offering two different mini sessions for the Christmas holiday season!

In Studio… {canceled}

Edited 7/29/24: the in-studio Christmas minis date has been canceled. However, if this shoot design speaks to you it can be specially booked anytime. Tree farm minis are not affected by this cancelation.

Join me on November 9, 2024 for a studio photoshoot that gives you all the warm, fuzzy, cozy vibes for the holiday season! You will be surrounded by twinkling white lights, blankets and pillows, hot cocoa and cookies.

These minis are perfect for you if you’re looking for a more laid back cozy photoshoot for the Christmas. Perfect for couples, newlyweds, small families, and individuals!

Details:

• November 9, 2024

• Indoor Studio Location

• Available times:
  10am, 10:20am, 10:40am, 11am, 11:20am, 11:40am

• Investment: $300
  $25 off if deposit is paid before October 9th

• Presale SPECIAL:
  $250 between July 25th and August 31st
  (Must be paid in full)

• All payment is final and nonrefundable

Christmas Tree Farm…

Join me on November 16, 2024 for outdoor photos at the Christmas Tree Farm! This option is perfect for you if you’re looking for Christmas tree photos full of tradition and playfulness! Whether your family is wearing formal holiday attire or cozy Christmas sweaters either will work with the festive backdrop of Christmas trees.

Details:

• November 16, 2024

• Outdoor Local Christmas Tree Farm

• Available times:
  3:20pm, 3:40pm, 4pm, 4:20pm, 4:40pm, 5pm

• Investment: $275
  $25 off if deposit is paid before October 16th

• Presale SPECIAL:
  $225 between July 25th and August 31st
  (Must be paid in full)

• All payment is final and nonrefundable

Now Booking!

Presale specials are now LIVE for both Christmas mini session dates! Book between July 25, 2024 and August 31, 2024 and pay in full to receive an exclusive presale discount and secure your time slot for photos for the 2024 holiday season!

It was so sweet to work with so many families last year for these mini sessions, and I cannot wait to meet more wonderful families this year.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me and email at slaughlinco@gmail.com. You can also reserve your spot by email or text “MINIS” to 706-941-1551.

Thanks for reading!
xo
Sami Laughlin