PREPARING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPHY MINI SESSION

To help you get the most from your Christmas mini session, here’s some information, links and preparation tips which I hope you’ll find useful. Scroll down to download your free guide’5 tips to make the most of your mini photography session’. So, grab a coffee and have a browse and if there’s anything else you want to ask, feel free to get in touch.

Girl with Christmas Wreath
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER

Babies – due to the time restrictions of mini sessions they are not suitable for children under 1 year of age.

Big Families – Due to the limited length of these sessions, they are limited to 5 people (ie. 2 adults and 3 children). If you have a larger family, consider booking a full session to allow time to organise group images as well as individual families and sibling/child/adult portraits.

Location Access – There is a short walk from the carpark to our location which could be muddy. Bring along some wellies to walk to the location along with some footwear to change into for your photos (just incase).

Time and Temperament – Mini sessions can be ideal for children who have shorter attention spans than us adults. Most children are eager to get started and I do my best to make them feel comfortable and to ensure we have a fun time. However, if you feel your child takes a little longer to warm up and, as we are limited to 30 minutes, you might want to consider a full session.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is Wylds Farm?

Wylds Farm
Just 35 minutes up the A3 I’ll meet you at the farm for some wonderful photographs in the Christmas tree plantation.

Follow directions to:
Warren Road |Liss |Hampshire | GU33 7DF
What 3 words: ///hoops.fidget.frogs

I’ll be in touch nearer the time with exactly where to meet once you’ve arrived at the farm.

What should we bring?

Your completed letter(s) to Santa to post in the postbox at Wyld’s. To get a reply, ensure to include your full name and address on the back of the envelope.

Any sentimental ornaments if you’d like to include images of these being hung on the tree.

Change of footwear to walk from car to photography location.

What should we wear?

If you’re a pinterest user you may like to check out my Christmas pinterest board for more ideas. Generally I recommend co-ordinated but not matchy-matchy clothing, but it is Christmas and anything goes! So if you want to bring the family PJ’s feel free.

If you’re looking to add variety to your images my top tip is to include layers and accessories.

Weather permitting we will be photographing with the trees or workshop as backdrops. Colours which will work really well against these dark backgrounds are greys, denims, neutrals (cream, beige), or contrast with reds and bolder shades. Avoid clothes which are completely black.

To achieve that hygge vibe choose comfy clothing using different textured fabrics such as fur and soft knits – they pair well with skinny jeans or this season’s fashion statement, the leather skirt or leggings.

Accessorise with scarves, wooly hats and boots.. TOP TIP don’t wear your hat to the shoot. We’ll mix things up a bit and shoot some images without hats at the beginning, so not wearing your hat first will avoid that ‘hat hair’ look. And if you’d rather not wear hats, that’s fine too!!

For girls:  If you like tutu’s I can obtain these, just let know sizing and I’ll bring them along.  These look great teamed with boots and a chunky jumper or fur gilet.  Dresses and layers work beautifully too, as do dungarees and jeans.

For Boys: Denim, a simple shirt with the addition of braces and a cool trilby or cap is a classic and timeless look, or if you’re opting for something more hip I recommend checking out the latest Zara and Boden catalogues.

My favourites: Boden | Zara | Little Cotton Clothes | Next | H&M

When should we arrive?

Please aim to arrive 10 minutes in advance of your session as unlike my full sessions, these will run back to back throughout the day and any missed sessions cannot be refunded.

How can we make a full day of our trip?

The farm is open for photography only which means we get a calm and quieter experience, so you’ll need to revisit after it opens the following weekend for additional activities. For all the details visit Wylds Farm Christmas Trees website here.

Alternatively, keep the Christmas magic flowing by taking a short trip to Sky Park Farm near Harting. After posting their letter to Santa, little ones will love feeding the deer so they will be strong enough to pull Santa’s sleigh this Christmas Eve!

With an adventure playground to explore and a restaurant where you can refuel, it’s an easy, relaxed add-on that lets you stay wrapped up in the seasonal spirit a little longer. Check their website for opening times and details of what’s on.

Can we order additional prints and products?

Yes of course! There are plenty of options to create the perfect gifts, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to ask.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Living in the UK this is a reasonable concern!  However, it’s not essential to have bright sunlight – in fact, cloudy conditions provide a far more flattering light and enable a lot more flexibility during the session in terms of where the pictures are taken. In the event of rain an alternative date will be offered.

What is the cancellation policy?
  • Please note that sessions cancelled less than 72 hours in advance are non-refundable as it is unlikely your slot will be filled at short notice.
  • In the event of the photographer having to cancel an alternative session will be offered. A full refund will be offered if this is not suitable for you.

I’ve put together a PDF with 5 ways to ensure you have a fun and enjoyable time. A handy free guide with style tips, inspiration and ideas as to how to prepare and what to consider before and during your shoot. I hope you find it useful!

Front cover of downloadable pdf mini session information guide from Moira Lizzie Photography