Christmas in July: Plan Now for Family Christmas Photos

We are halfway to Christmas, and my first gift to you is a quick mental break from the brutal heat in North Texas to start thinking about chilly nights and Christmas lights. My second gift is my annual Christmas in July event! This event allows you to book your Christmas photo sessions before the chaos of fall begins and get some special bonuses as well!

Christmas in July will go LIVE in our online store on Friday, July 1st, at 12 pm. Use this link to go to our online store and save the link! 

If you become a newsletter subscriber or join our VIP Facebook group, you will get early access to the event! Head over to my website, or use this link to join the VIP Group.

This year I’m offering six different minis and eight different dates. A little something for everybody!

Outdoor Christmas Photos in Little Elm, TX

I offer two different options for my outdoor mini sessions: a natural background and a red truck background. These sessions start at 3:15 pm, with eight 15-minute sessions each day. Outdoor sessions provide dreamy warm light and a natural background that you can frame and use year-round! These packages include five (5) images each. Because the sessions are so short, I can only allow immediate family. 

Family Mini Sessions- November 6th

Your best Christmas sweaters paired with the golden hues of fall in the background will make you feel all warm and fuzzy for years to come. If you want a classic family photo for a fraction of the time, this is the perfect session. Looking for a full family photo session? I offer those, too! 

Red Truck Mini Sessions - November 12 & 13

If you love vintage Christmas vibes, you’ll love this session! You and your family will pile into the back of the red truck parked in front of dazzling fall foliage. The session will last 15 minutes, but the memories and photos will last a lifetime.

Red Truck Christmas Photos in Little Elm, TX

Indoor Christmas Photos in Lake Dallas, TX

Studio sessions are held in my Lake Dallas studio. They are a great option for those who don’t like the unpredictability of Texas weather and/or love a more formal look. These sessions are 10 minutes long and include five (5) images. Due to limited space, I can only allow immediate family in the studio. This year, I am offering the following four sessions:

Santa Mini Sessions - November 18 & December 10

Skip the lines at the malls and get your Santa photos with the best Santa in all of DFW! These sessions are a hit every year. Your child(ren) will get to enjoy one on one time with Santa and tell him all about their Christmas wishes. And don’t worry if your kiddo is not a fan of the jolly man; those are the best memories!

Santa Mini Photo Session in Lake Dallas, TX

Snow Mini Sessions - December 3

If you have a kid that doesn’t like to “pose” for photos, this is the session for you. Kids LOVE this session because they get to play in the fake snow. They have so much fun that they don’t even realize I’m taking their picture! 

Snow Mini Photo Session in Lake Dallas, TX

Studio Family Mini Sessions - November 13

If you love a more classic, formal look, this is the session for you. This session will give you simple, stunning photos that will make for fantastic Christmas gifts. 

Formal Studio Session in Lake Dallas, TX

Christmas Bed Minis - November 6th

Bring your matching PJs and get ready for a fun, cozy photoshoot. These Christmas Bed Minis are adorable! I will provide fake milk and cookies as props for the kids to play with. This session will give you candid, cozy shots that capture the magic of the night before Christmas. 

Christmas Bed Mini Photo Session in Lake Dallas, TX

These sessions fill up FAST, so check your calendars, check them twice, and click here to book the one that looks just right starting at NOON on Friday, July 1 (June 30 if you are subscribed to my newsletter). And because I’m so excited for these sessions, my third gift to you is three (3) extra images (eight [8] total) if you book by July 7th AND the option to pre-purchase the full gallery of images at a discounted rate at the time of booking.

Summer Mini Photos: Your New Favorite Summer Tradition

Summer is almost here, and my 2022 Summer Mini Portrait Sessions are open for booking! Choose from one oI know Christmas pictures are a well-known tradition and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas photos, but here’s why I love summer photos:

1. Mini sessions are fast and fun. They are ten minutes long, and you get five professionally edited photos and an online gallery. 

2. You can use the photos in your summer decor every year. This adds a personal touch to your regular craft store decor. To make it even more personal, you can have the kids make or decorate the frames. This is a great way to fill in some of those long, hot, summer days. 

3. You can combine them with other minis to make a calendar every year. I offer professional printing services to help you with projects like this! You can contact me for help with this. 

4. Holiday cards don’t just have to be for Christmas. You can use your photos to make summer postcards to send to friends and family. I can help you get those printed. 

5. Kids grow fast! Taking minis throughout the year helps document every lost tooth, new haircut, and all the other precious changes we don’t want to forget.   

My mini sessions fill up fast! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop for my next round of mini sessions.

How to Prepare for Newborn Photos

You’ve booked your newborn photoshoot! But how do you prepare? What should you bring?  What can you expect? These are my tried and true tips for a successful newborn session: 

What to Bring to a Newborn Photoshoot

I know it feels like taking a newborn anywhere is a chore because of all the “essentials” you have to pack, but there are some things that you will need to have a successful newborn photo shoot.

• Any personal items you want to include in the shoot (lovies, booties, etc.)

• Extra diapers and wipes

• Pacifiers

• Burp cloths

• A blanket to keep him/her warm in between photos

• Extra bottles if you bottle feed

• A change of clothes

Sleeping newborns make for perfect portraits.

Preparing Your Newborn for a Photoshoot

• If you are nursing, avoid spicy foods or any other foods that cause your baby excess spit-up. 

• Try to keep your baby awake 1-2 hours before your session so he is more likely to sleep longer during the session.

• Diaper your baby more loosely than normal to prevent diaper marks on their skin.

• Dress them in a zip-up onesie that is easy to take off.

• Make sure your baby has a full belly before heading to the studio.

Newborns are unpredictable. Sometimes no matter how much you plan and prepare, they throw a curveball. If your baby is sick, we will need to reschedule. Other than that, we can go with the flow and work with your baby to create memorable, heirloom photos. 

Preparing YOU for Your Newborn’s Photoshoot

• Dress lightly. I keep the studio very warm to keep the babies comfortable. 

• Be prepared to stay in the studio for 2-3 hours and provide extra feedings as necessary.

• Relax and enjoy! There’s really not much you need to do once you’re here. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby will be.

• If you plan on being in the photos, prepare for that as well. Wear a little extra makeup and bring your makeup bag. Bring an extra set of clothes (in case of spit-up). If you’re prone to excessive sweating, wear a dark color that won’t show. Bring a hairbrush and any other hair accessories you need. 

• If you smoke, please do not smoke an hour prior to your session.

Newborn and mother portrait in Lake Dallas, TX

Preparing Siblings for Your Newborn’s Photo Session

• If you’re including siblings in your baby’s photoshoot, bring them prepared to take photos at the very beginning. 

• Once they are finished, have dad or another family member take them home.

After your photo shoot, all that’s left to do is go home and snuggle your newborn while you wait. If you gave me permission, you might see a sneak peek on my Facebook and Instagram accounts. Once I am done editing your photos, you will receive an email with a gallery to view your photos and a link to download your photos according to the package you chose. You can print your downloads, frame them, hang them, and cherish them forever.