Christmas photoshoots should be fun, relaxed and full of personality, but it is completely understandable to wonder how your child will react on the day.
Will they smile? Will they sit still? What if they suddenly decide that being photographed is the very last thing they would like to do?
The reassuring answer is that children do not need to perform or produce a perfect smile. A little preparation can help them feel comfortable, but the best photographs often come from allowing them to be themselves.
If you are wondering how to prepare for a Christmas photoshoot, here are my practical tips for making the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Let your child know that you are visiting a friendly photography studio for some Christmas photographs, but try not to build the session up into a very big event.
For younger children, a simple explanation is usually enough:
“We’re going to visit Helen’s studio, sit in her Christmas sleigh and have some photographs taken.”
You can show them a photograph of the set beforehand so it feels familiar when they arrive.
Try to avoid repeatedly telling them that they must smile, behave or do exactly as they are asked. This can make the session feel like a test before it has even started.
You know your child’s routine better than anyone.
Where possible, choose a session time that avoids their usual nap, mealtime or the point in the day when everyone’s patience begins to disappear. A well-rested child who has eaten recently will usually find the experience much easier.
If your child still naps, try not to skip it in the hope that they will sleep later. Tiredness tends to win eventually, and rarely waits politely until the journey home.
A hungry child is unlikely to be interested in having their photograph taken.
Offer a meal or snack before leaving home and bring a small, non-messy snack in case they need a quick break. Raisins, plain crackers or another familiar favourite can be useful.
Avoid anything likely to leave bright stains or sticky fingers immediately before the session. Chocolate is delicious, but it has a remarkable ability to appear in photographs long after you thought it had been wiped away.
Please let me know in advance about any allergies or additional needs that may affect the session.
Christmas clothing can be as festive or as simple as you like.
This year’s set has soft neutral tones, natural foliage, twinkling lights and a vintage sleigh. The uncluttered styling means that a wide range of colours will work well.
You might choose:
Siblings do not need to wear identical outfits. Coordinating a few colours usually looks more natural than matching everyone exactly.
Most importantly, choose clothing that fits comfortably and allows your child to move. Scratchy jumpers, stiff collars and shoes that hurt can quickly become the main focus of the session.
Dress babies and younger children at home if you can. You are welcome to bring a back-up outfit, but keeping changes to a minimum helps us make the most of your session time.
It can be tempting to practise smiling before the session, but there is no need.
Children often develop a very enthusiastic camera smile when asked to say “cheese”. It may technically be a smile, but it is not always the expression their parents recognise and love.
During the session, I will chat, play and gently guide your child. Sometimes they will look at the camera and smile. At other times they may inspect the sleigh, cuddle a sibling or become fascinated by the Christmas lights.
Those natural expressions and small interactions are often the photographs that mean the most.
If your child has a favourite small toy or comforter, it can be useful to bring it with you.
It may not need to appear in the photographs, but having something familiar nearby can help a cautious child settle into a new environment.
Please avoid bringing a large bag of toys or several choices. Too many distractions can make it harder for children to focus and can lead to lengthy negotiations about what should happen next.
One carefully chosen favourite is usually plenty.
Some children walk into the studio ready to explore. Others prefer to watch for a while before joining in.
Both reactions are completely normal.
I will give your child time to look around and become familiar with me and the set. They do not need to sit down and smile the moment they arrive.
Parents can help by staying relaxed and positive. Children are very good at noticing when adults feel worried about whether the photographs are going well.
A small treat after the session can be helpful, but try not to begin negotiations before we have started.
If a child is repeatedly reminded that a reward is waiting, the photographs can quickly become an obstacle between them and the promised treat.
It is often better to keep any reward in reserve and allow the session to feel like an enjoyable activity in its own right.
Christmas mini sessions run to a carefully planned schedule, with families booked throughout the day.
Please aim to arrive a few minutes before your appointment so coats can be removed, hair can be checked and everyone can be ready when the session begins.
Arriving very early can also be difficult, as another family may still be using the studio and there is limited waiting space. If you arrive ahead of time, please wait in your car until just before your appointment.
If you are delayed, let me know as soon as possible. I will always do what I can, but extending the session may not be possible without affecting the next family.
Your child does not need to sit perfectly still, follow every instruction or smile throughout the session.
Some children are confident. Some are cautious. Some want to investigate absolutely everything. Babies and toddlers may need a cuddle, a snack or a few minutes with Mum or Dad.
All of that is normal.
My job is to work with your child’s personality rather than expect them to behave like somebody else’s child. The aim is not to create a gallery of identical smiles. It is to capture genuine expressions and a little of who they are at this stage.
My 2026 Christmas mini sessions will take place on 7th November at my garden studio in Anna Valley, near Andover.
This year’s set is simple, natural and timeless, with soft neutral styling, warm lights and a beautiful vintage sleigh. Sessions are suitable for babies who can sit unaided, children, siblings and small family groups.
Availability is now very limited.
You can find full details and check the remaining appointments on my Christmas photoshoot Hampshire page.
With comfortable clothes, a well-timed snack and realistic expectations, there is very little else you need to do. Bring your child as they are, and I will take care of the photographs.
