Preparation Guide

CHRISTMAS MINI SESSION

Welcome to Rains Photography’s Christmas Mini Sessions!

I’m so excited that you’re joining me to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year - Christmas!

Christmas Minis are some of my absolute favourite sessions. They’re full of laughter, joy, and festive fun for the whole family. I love seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces as they walk into the studio, It’s truly magical! Every year I pour my heart into creating a warm and enchanting Christmas setup, and I hope you’ll love it just as much as I do.

These mini sessions are designed to be stress-free, quick, and full of holiday spirit, perfect for busy families who still want beautiful, professional photos to share with loved ones.

To help you get the most out of your session, I’ve put together this Christmas Mini Preparation Guide. It’s full of helpful tips and information to make sure everything runs smoothly so we can capture those special, joy-filled moments of you and your family to treasure forever.

HOW TO PREPARE

Location – Plan ahead of time and use google maps to determine how long it may take to arrive at the studio. Also take into consideration any traffic that may affect travel time before your Christmas mini session.

Arrive on time – Your assistance with arriving on time (advice 10mins before session time) is so important for a successful day. Please Arrive 5-10mins before your session time and message on arrival - I will message as soon as I'm ready for you. I will always try to keep within scheduled times but for any delays please bear with me.

Images – Christmas mini sessions are up to 20 minutes maximum to provide you with the best 5 images. Sometimes, they can be less than 20 minutes, don’t freak out, it’s less because you guys have been awesome and nailed every pose! I will ensure you get various images of your children and family and provide you with a full gallery to select from. There will be an option to add Santa Digitals this year too.

No mobiles – During the session I kindly ask no mobiles or taking own photos. However I do love a behind the scenes so please tag me in. It is a quick session and this will distract children and make them look away and loose focus from my camera. Do not stress, I will be providing you with professional images and if happy for social media use be taking some behind the scene videos myself.

PARENTS

A Little Note Before Your Session

Most of you lovely families I’ve had the pleasure of photographing before, thank you so much for coming back! I can’t wait to see you all again and to meet some brand-new faces too.

I absolutely love interacting with your little ones and will do just about anything to get those sweet belly laughs!

My sessions are all about keeping things fun and relaxed for both the kids and you. As a mum of two lively boys myself, I completely understand that things can get a little chaotic and that’s perfectly okay! I never expect little ones to just sit still and smile. Please don’t worry if they’re full of energy or take a bit of time to warm up.

- You know your children best, so if there’s anything that helps get those giggles going.. silly noises, singing, dancing yup we’re all for it here! I’ll also ask for your involvement when needed, especially since I might be a new face to your child. Some little ones are naturally more shy than others, and that’s absolutely fine.

- A quick tip: if you can, try to stand to the side of me rather than directly behind or above me this helps keep your child’s gaze in the right direction. I’ve got plenty of fun props to help too (and trust me, the kids love them!). If there’s a special toy or item that makes your child smile, you’re very welcome to bring it along.

- Please avoid using your phone to get their attention during the session. It often leads to what I call “telly faces” and sometimes ends in a battle for your phone - which we’d rather skip, haha!

Now, a little secret.. I’ve been given a special gift from Santa himself! Every child who shares their best smiles will receive a small chocolate treat as a “well done” from the big man in red. (Let’s be honest - we all love a good bribe at Christmas time!) 🎅✨

Finally, please make sure your children are supervised throughout the session to help keep all props and setups safe. I’ll be running way over 50 sessions this year, and I want every family to enjoy the same magical experience thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation.

WHAT TO WEAR

Festive Outfit Inspiration 🎄

Please note - this is just a helpful guide and completely optional! I want your session to feel relaxed, fun, and so very you.

PLEASE ARRIVE IN THE OUTFITS YOU WOULD LIKE TO WEAR FOR THE SESSION - This makes most of your time. Bib or jacket over littles ones before may help avoid getting messy before.

When planning your outfits, think soft, lovely Christmas colours.. whites, neutrals, greens, and reds even blues. These tones photograph beautifully and bring that magical, timeless festive feel to your photos. Whether you’d like to dress up fancyor keep things cosy and casual, the choice is entirely yours!

Here are a few friendly tips to help you get the best results from your session:

✨ Coordinating Colours
Try choosing two or three colours that go nicely together - Maybe one being a neutral shade. You don’t need to match exactly! Mixing tones and textures looks wonderful in photos and helps everyone’s personality shine through. Stores like Next, Sainsbury’s, and M&S have some gorgeous festive outfits in at the moment if you’d like a little inspiration.

✨ Keep It Timeless
Try to avoid big logos or busy patterns where possible. Simple, classic styles photograph beautifully and help keep the focus on your lovely faces rather than the clothes.

✨ Comfort Is Key
Happy, comfortable children mean natural, joyful photos so make sure they’re dressed in outfits they can move and play in easily.

✨ Outfit Changes
As sessions are 20 minutes long, we don’t have much time for full outfit changes. If you’d like to switch into a Christmas outfit or festive PJs for a quick shot, that’s no problem - just keep in mind it’ll come out of your session time. You’re also welcome to change afterwards in the toilets if needed - as I will need to get to my next session after.

✨ Where possible No Shoes in the Studio.
To help keep the white floors fresh and clean for everyone, I ask that shoes are removed when entering or Please make sure no muddy dirty shoes ect. Slides or easy slip-ons make this super easy! If you’d love shoes in your photos, please bring them in a separate bag and make sure the soles are nice and clean pretty please.

✨ Accessories
Bring along hats, headbands, or any festive accessories you’d love to include - they’re a lovely touch! I also have a selection of studio props available, which are sanitised between each session.

Also Have a little look on Pinterest for some inspiration:

Top Tips for a Smooth & Fun Session 🎁

A few friendly reminders to help your Christmas Mini run perfectly and stay stress-free!

✨ Check Traffic & Find Us
Pop Rains Photography into Google Maps - we’re based inside and upstairs at The Hub Early Years, Unit 3B Wanly Road, Syston LE7 1PD.
Please park in ‘The Hub’ car park and send me a quick message when you arrive (07450 654111). I’ll come down to meet you at the door marked “Workspace.” I’ll reply as soon as I’m on my way!

Please note: stair access only. If you have a buggy or pram, please leave it safely at the bottom of the stairs or in your car. If you’d like a little extra time to get up the stairs, just let me know in advance and arrive a few minutes early. It really helps to check traffic before you set off and plan for any possible delays.

✨ Arrive Early
Arriving early means no stress and a nice, relaxed start plus you’ll find parking more easily.

✨ Plan for Nap Times
Try to book around your child’s usual sleep and awake times if you can. A well-rested little one is a happy one (and makes for the best photos!).

✨ Feed Before You Come
Make sure tummies are full before your session this helps keep everyone cheerful and settled. You can always feed little ones in the car just before your slot. Feel free to bring along small snacks or treats as “bribes” haha for after the photos too!

✨ No Eating in the Studio
Please save snacks and drinks for after the session to help keep the set clean and props safe. You’re very welcome to use the space outside the studio or the car for snack time afterwards.

✨ Clean Faces & Hands
Just before your session, give everyone a quick check — clean faces (especially around the eyes, nose, and mouth!) make a big difference in photos. I have wipes in the studio if you need them.

✨ Little Details
Check fingernails, hair, and chipped polish these show up in close-ups! Please remove hair ties and watches beforehand to avoid marks on wrists. I’ll always try to remind you before we start, but this helps speed things along.
(Please note: I won’t be editing details like chipped polish, frizzy hair, or added lashes for Mini Sessions.)

✨ Parents, This One’s for You!
Don’t forget about yourselves, your little ones will treasure photos with you in them! Please come ready, and most importantly, have fun and get in those photos. You look amazing! let’s capture those smiles together! ❤️

✨ Come Dressed & Ready
There won’t be time to change during your 20-minute session, so please arrive in your chosen outfits and ready to go.

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