There’s something about the holiday season that calls for capturing memories or updating family photos, and as a photographer, I have the joy of freezing these moments for you. This past weekend was a whirlwind of holiday mini sessions, each one as unique as the family.
Imagine a whirl of autumn leaves, the sparkle of holiday lights, and the infectious laughter of children. Now imagine all of that on the Batture of the Mississippi River! Only in New Orleans, am I right? (The Batture is the green space between the river and the levee) With Downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter as our backdrop, holiday cards just came to life.
Even when the temperatures begged to differ, my families still brought wintery holiday vibes. I loved seeing all the effort moms (and dads) put into their sessions, from the toddlers waddling in their Sunday best, to the parents coordinating the (not-so-ugly) Christmas sweaters. The grumpy teens and the barefoot free spirits that "just wanted to feel the grass between his toes," made the day even more memorable.
Now, let’s talk logistics – and before you yawn, know that behind every seamless shoot is a dance of planning that could rival the Nutcracker’s choreography. Scheduling these mini sessions is a bit like finding the perfect time for Santa to slip down the chimney – it needs to be just right. But the stars aligned, and we found those golden, sun kissed moments , and the giggles were as plentiful.
To the mamas and papas trying to wrangle your little ones into a picture-perfect pose, know this – it’s the spontaneous moments that often capture the best photos. So, embrace the chaos of the season, the unplanned leaf-throwing, and the impromptu tickle fights. After all, perfection is found in the laughter, playfulness, and the warmth shared.
To all my wonderful clients who shared a snippet of their holiday spirit with me, thank you for inspiring me with your love and laughter. It’s families like yours that remind me why I adore doing what I do. Until the next time, keep spreading the holiday cheer – one chic tiny toddler bowtie at a time.
Tips to make your Holiday Mini Session successful:
1. Give yourself plenty of time. Arrive early. A day of minis is usually 10+ families all scheduled back to back in 15 minute intervals. When one family is late it dominoes the rest of the day.
2. Parents should ensure younger children are well-rested and fed before the shoot. Bring snacks, drinks, and a favorite toy or book to help the kiddos stay content and engaged. However, try not to give your littles snacks as a bride during the session. Yes, please promise them all the ice cream in the world post session. But no one wants photos of themselves eating, even toddlers.
3. Attire- If it's a fad, it's probably bad. I suggest solid colors as patterns can be distracting and often hard to match. When coordinating colors aim for a harmonious blend that reflects each person's style. Find an outfit that is comfortable to wear, while keeping in mind the location and weather. My last tip on attire is to wear something you are confident in, it'll show in your photos.
4. Props can add a special touch to your photos. So feel free to bring along holiday-themed items, such as ornaments, or a handmade sign with your family name. I usually have plenty of Santa hats!
5. The best photos often come from natural interactions. Remember to play, laugh, and interact with each other as you normally would.
6. Hair and Makeup- Natural looking makeup, and hair should complement the outdoor setting keeping in mind warm or windy weather.
7. I'm here to guide you through the process, I'll help you pose and tell you what to do with your hands. Your job is to be yourself, relax, and enjoy the experience.
Keeping these tips in mind will set everyone up for a fun and successful photoshoot!!
