Holiday Session Guide
Thank you so much for booking your holiday session with me this year! I can't wait to capture beautiful, festive moments of your family. The key to gorgeous photos is feeling relaxed and prepared, and that's exactly what this guide is for. Follow these simple tips to ensure a stress-free session and images you'll cherish for years to come!
The Setting
This year's sessions will be held in a bright studio setting with white walls and hardwood floors, featuring natural greenery, warm golds and browns.
Sessions will be held at the King Kirkland Community Centre.
Directions: Turn off Highway 66 onto Main St South. Take the first left onto Smith Ave, then the first right on Jordan St. The Community Centre will be on your left side before the baseball field.
*Please park in a safe location away from the fire station garage doors.
Picking Your Outfits
Outfit styling & Colour palette
When it comes to styling your holiday wardrobe, cozy neutrals are always my top recommendation because they create a timeless look. Aim for a soft palette of creams, oatmeal, tan, denim, soft grays, brown, and muted sage, and have fun mixing different textures, like chunky knits, corduroy, velvet, and satin, to add beautiful depth and visual interest to your photos.
If you prefer a traditional holiday feel, you can easily add a touch of festive color as an accent by incorporating deep greens, rich reds, navy, and subtle pops of gold, silver, or tartan through statement pieces, scarves, or subtle details.
Indoor footwear
Reminder: Snowy boots stay at the door!
Don't forget to bring a clean pair of indoor shoes for you and your family members. Anything from boots, flats, high heels, or even cozy slippers will do!
If you prefer a more relaxed look, socks are totally fine too, just as long as they are clean, neutral, and match your family's outfits.
The little details
Details can make or break your photos, so let's keep those little distractions away with these quick tips:
- Give your wrists a quick check and slip off any extra hair ties.
- Tuck away the smartwatches and fitness trackers so your photos stay timeless and classic.
- Clean off temporary tattoos, and remove those Disney Band-Aids from your kiddos!
- Empty out any bulgy pockets—phones, keys, and wallets can wait in your bag.
Outfit inspiration
Making your holiday session unique
The set will feature some elements & props to bring the holiday vibes. Props are fantastic for giving everyone something to do, which immediately makes the photos feel more natural and unique to your family.
Prop Ideas
- Mugs of hot chocolate
- Letter to Santa
- Special ornament
- Meaningful toys your kids love to snuggle
- Favourite Christmas book
Other helpful tips
Show Up Early
Aim to arrive at the location 10-15 minutes early. This gives you time to:
- Find parking, enter the building, and remove your boots and winter jackets.
- Do a quick check of hair and makeup.
- Allow your kids to explore the area for a few minutes. Rushing creates stress, and that stress will show up in the photos.
come with a full belly
A hungry child is rarely a cooperative child. Please make sure everyone has a satisfying snack right before you leave the house. Also, pack a non-messy snack (like goldfish crackers, cheerios, or marshmallows) and a water bottle to keep in your session bag for quick energy boosts.
Santa Dave
I am so excited that Santa Dave will be joining us for sessions booked on November 28th!
Santa can't wait to listen to the lists, read your letters, and double check his nice (and naughty!) lists this year.
Don't worry, there will be time for non-Santa photos during your session too!
A peak at holiday sessions over the years...
đź’Ś Questions? Let's Connect!
I truly can't wait to capture these special holiday memories for your family. If you have any lingering questions about the session, the location, or even if you just want a second opinion on your outfit choices, please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm here to help make this the easiest and most enjoyable photo experience possible.
See you soon!