How to prepare for your 2026 Christmas Mini Sessions

A little preparation goes a long way towards relaxed, beautiful photos — but there’s no need to overthink it. The aim is for everyone to look like themselves, just a slightly more polished, Christmas-ready version!

What to wear

The Christmas sets are designed around warm, natural and timeless colours, so soft neutrals, earthy tones and muted festive colours work beautifully.

Think cream, oatmeal, taupe, beige, caramel, soft pink, dusty rose, sage, olive, forest green, burgundy, rust, charcoal and dusty blue.

You don't need everyone dressed in matching outfits. In fact, we love a coordinated look much more than everyone wearing the same colour. Choose a couple of complementary colours and mix them throughout the family.

Texture is your friend. Knits, linen, corduroy, velvet, denim, soft cotton and layers all photograph beautifully and add interest without competing with the Christmas backdrop.

For little ones, dresses, knitted jumpers, overalls, textured tops, cardigans and cute layers work particularly well. For adults, think relaxed dresses, skirts, chinos, jeans, knitwear, shirts and simple layers.

Most importantly — be comfortable!

If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in the photos.

Choose clothes that you can move, sit, cuddle and play in. Your children will be encouraged to interact with you, so this isn't the time for an outfit that needs constant adjusting or shoes you can't walk in!

And don't save the beautiful-but-uncomfortable outfit for the photos. Wear something you feel good in. When you're comfortable, you're much more likely to relax, have fun and forget the camera is even there.

A few things to avoid

Try to steer clear of:

• Bright neon colours, which can reflect onto skin

• Large logos or bold graphics

• Very busy patterns

• Everyone wearing exactly the same colour

• Anything that constantly needs pulling up, tucking in or adjusting

• Brand-new shoes that might make little feet unhappy!

You don't have to avoid patterns altogether — small, subtle patterns can work beautifully. The trick is to balance them with some plain, textured pieces.

The night before

Iron everything!

This one sounds obvious, but wrinkled clothing really does show in photographs — especially dresses, linen, shirts and anything with a lighter colour.

Please hang everyone's outfits up after ironing rather than folding them into a bag. It will save you from arriving with beautifully chosen outfits that have acquired a whole new collection of creases on the journey!

Check the small details

Before you leave home, have a quick look for:

Clean shoes • clean faces • brushed hair • clean fingernails • lint-free clothing • no food around little mouths • pockets emptied

For babies and younger children, a quick face, nose and hand clean-up immediately before the session can make a big difference.

And if you're bringing glasses, check they're clean and smudge-free too.

Bring a few essentials

It's worth bringing:

• A hairbrush

• Tissues or wipes

• Snacks and water for little ones

• A spare outfit for babies and toddlers

• Any comfort item your child might need

• A lint roller if you have one

One final tip: don't arrive stressed because you're running late! Give yourself a little extra time to get everyone dressed, find parking and settle in. The calmer you are, the calmer the kids tend to be — and we'll take care of the rest.

And remember…

You don't need to know how to pose, where to stand or what to do with your hands. That's my job.

I'll guide you through the session and encourage plenty of cuddles, connection, movement and genuine interaction. The best images usually happen when everyone stops worrying about getting the "perfect photo" and simply enjoys being together.

Come dressed, clean, comfortable and ready for a little Christmas fun — we'll take care of the magic.