Holiday mini sessions are a great way for photographers to capture festive moments while offering clients quick, affordable photo sessions. But how do you make them stand out and keep your clients coming back? In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about holiday mini sessions, including what they are, when to schedule them, and how to set them up for success.
What Are Holiday Minis?
Holiday mini sessions are short, 15-30 minute photo shoots, perfect for clients looking for festive family portraits without the time or cost of a full session. They’re typically booked back-to-back, allowing you to photograph multiple clients in a single day. The idea is to keep things simple yet festive with a holiday-themed setup that makes everyone feel like they’re stepping into a winter wonderland!
For photographers, minis are a fantastic way to bring in extra income and introduce new clients to your services. Plus, they’re fun! Who doesn’t love capturing joyful, holiday moments?
When Should I Do Christmas Mini Sessions?
Timing is everything. The best time to offer Christmas mini sessions is between late October and early December. This gives your clients enough time to get their photos ready for holiday cards, prints, or gifts.
If you want to target those eager to get ahead of the holiday rush, consider offering “early bird” mini sessions as early as September. Having a range of dates available gives your clients flexibility and ensures you can manage your schedule without last-minute stress.
How to Set Up a Christmas Mini Session
Now let’s dive into the fun part—setting up your mini session! A well-planned setup not only makes your photos look amazing but also gives your clients a festive, memorable experience.
1. Pick a Fun Theme
Your theme sets the tone for the session, so choose something that fits your style and will make your clients excited to book. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Christmas: Think traditional red and green, Christmas trees, stockings, and wreaths.
- Winter Wonderland: Blue tones, fairy lights, and snowy backdrops for a magical vibe.
- Santa’s Workshop: Great for families with kids, complete with Santa hats, toys, and candy canes.
- Minimalist Elegance: For clients who like things simple, stick to neutral tones and cozy textures.
If you have the time and resources, offering a couple of different themes can help you attract a wider range of clients.
2. Set Up the Perfect Props and Backdrops
Props and backdrops can make or break the feel of your holiday mini session. Keep it simple but impactful:
- Props: Holiday gift boxes, a Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and cozy blankets are always great. For a fun touch, throw in some faux snow or mistletoe.
- Backdrops: A snowy scene or a fireplace backdrop can add that extra holiday magic.
Pro Tip: Use props that encourage interaction! Items like Christmas ornaments or hot chocolate mugs can help clients, especially kids, feel more relaxed and playful during the shoot.
3. Get the Lighting Right
Lighting is everything. If you’re outdoors, natural light works wonders. But for indoor sessions, you’ll want to create a soft, warm glow. Diffused lighting (like using softboxes) keeps everything looking cozy and inviting without harsh shadows. Fairy lights are also great for adding that extra sparkle.
4. Plan Your Session Flow
Since mini sessions are short, being organized is key. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:
- Scheduling: Leave at least 5-10 minutes between sessions to reset your props and get ready for the next family.
- Poses: Have a few go-to poses in mind, but keep it relaxed and fun. Candid shots, like families decorating a tree or kids playing in faux snow, often capture the best moments.
Pro Tip: Send clients a brief beforehand, so they know what to expect and can think of any special shots they want. This helps streamline the process and avoids confusion on the day.
5. Offer Attractive Packages
Everyone loves a good deal, especially around the holidays. Create packages that give clients great value while still being profitable for you:
- Basic Package: Offer a set number of digital images (around 5-10) with options to buy more.
- Upgrades: Give clients the option to purchase holiday cards, printed albums, or framed prints. Zno offers beautiful Layflat Books, Print Boxes, and Tabletop Prints that make perfect holiday gifts for clients looking to preserve their memories in style.
Start with Holiday Cards. After all, what’s better than sharing those beautiful family portraits with friends and relatives? Custom holiday cards let your clients showcase their photos in a fun and festive way. You can offer a variety of designs, from classic and elegant to colorful and playful, so clients can pick the style that suits them best. Plus, adding personal messages makes the cards even more special.
For clients who want something more lasting, Printed Albums are a fantastic option. Zno’s Layflat Books are perfect for showcasing their favorite holiday moments. The thick pages lay completely flat, which means no awkward gaps in the middle of the spreads. It’s a high-quality, elegant way to preserve memories, and these albums are great for gifting or keeping as a family keepsake.
If your clients prefer something a bit more flexible, Print Boxes are a wonderful choice. Zno’s Folio Box Prints Sets include beautifully printed photos in a stylish box that can be personalized with your client’s name or a special message. These are great for clients who want to keep their photos in one place, or even use the prints as gifts for family members.
Lastly, don’t forget about Tabletop Prints. These make excellent gifts or decor for homes and offices. Zno offers options like the Slide-in Print Stand, which includes a solid wood frame with matted prints, or the Wood Frame Stand, which holds a fully assembled print inside a contemporary tabletop wood frame. They’re easy to display and a great way for clients to enjoy their holiday photos every day.
Marketing Your Holiday Mini Sessions
Once you’ve got everything set up, it’s time to let your clients know about it! Here are a few easy ways to get the word out:
- Email Newsletters: Send an early-bird discount to your existing clients to encourage bookings.
- Social Media: Share sneak peeks of your setup, behind-the-scenes shots, and countdown reminders to create excitement.
- Limited Spots: Promote your mini sessions as limited-time offers to create urgency. Clients are more likely to book when they know spots are filling up fast!
Pro Tip: Partner with local businesses or influencers to promote your sessions. Offering a giveaway for a free mini session in collaboration with a local business can increase your exposure to a wider audience.
Holiday mini sessions are a win-win for both photographers and clients. They offer a fun, festive way to capture memories, and with the right setup, you can create magical photos your clients will treasure. By offering beautiful print products from Zno, such as albums and custom holiday cards, you can elevate your mini sessions and ensure clients leave with not just digital images, but timeless keepsakes.
So, get those Christmas trees and fairy lights ready—your clients will be booking in no time!
About Zno
Zno is your One-Stop-Shop Print Lab and All-In-One software platform for professional photographers. With premium quality print products and innovative selections, impress your clients with professional printing on high-quality materials. Maximize your profits with maximum customization options and streamline your workflow with our cloud-based editing and easy ordering system. Say goodbye to complexity and hello to simplicity with Zno. Join us today and take your photography business to new heights！
