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Holiday Magic in Action: A Look Back at My 2025 Mini Sessions
- nforkphotography
- Dec 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 4
The holiday season is a special time to capture moments that turn into lasting memories. This year’s holiday mini sessions brought so much joy and warmth, and I’m excited to share some highlights from the 2025 season. Whether you joined me for a session this year, or you are thinking about booking one next year, this recap offers a glimpse into the festive spirit and the beautiful moments my clients and I created together.
Capturing Holiday Memories at Northfork Photography
Every year my holiday mini sessions take place in my cozy home studio located 10 mins NW of Hythe.
This year, the sessions showcased three amazing backdrops and a variety of unique holiday props. These props included a combination of antique items I've collected or thrifted over the years, along with new holiday decor added to enhance the festive atmosphere!
My sets are always designed with a more classic or vintage feel in mind. Think "Old World Christmas". Every year I order my holiday themed backdrops from a company called Baby Dream Backdrops. I am always looking for drops that give that "Heritage Aesthetic" with lots of rich, dark, moody tones and textures, and finish off decorating my sets with plenty of heirloom style props that I've collected over the years, as well as other seasonal decor. I want these sessions to feel like my little clients are stepping into a storybook.
What Made These Sessions Special
Well, honestly...the families that come to my studio. Whether its a brand new family, or you've come to see me 5 years in a row, the kids are what make these sessions so awesome. The number one goal I have during these sessions is to create art that tells a story. In order to do that, the kids need to be their genuine selves. I will always get that posed "Christmas Card" shot to warm everyone up at the start, then the rest of the session I focus on getting genuine expressions, which I love. So, I let the kids just play. With a few directions, I encourage them to interact with the props, read a storybook, and just have fun, while every now and again saying, "look at me!", to get some more smiles. This allows me to capture that story, while letting the kids create their own Christmas Magic, resulting in a variety of beautiful images for my clients to choose from.
These sessions are so much fun, that when its over, some kids don't want to leave. This is one reason why clients book repeat sessions or recommend them to friends.
Mini Session Highlights from 2025
Looking back, several moments stood out as truly memorable:
I had a beautiful 6 month old baby boy that couldn't sit unassisted yet, so Dad dressed up as Santa and assisted in creating the image below.
I had a family of 4 kids that were cousins, 2 older kids and 2 baby and toddler age, and I adored how the older kids interacted with their little cousins. It was truly delightful.
I had one family that booked me for the 5th year in a row! Their two kids have grown so much since their first session with me in 2021.
Every session was a blast and I couldn't wait to edit all the images and deliver everyone's galleries.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Holiday Mini Session
If you’re considering booking a holiday session with me next year, here are some tips to help you prepare and enjoy the experience:
Book early: If you're lucky enough to be on my mailing list you will get access to booking before anyone else. These sessions are limited and can sell out fast!
Plan outfits ahead: Whether your child wears Christmas Pjs or a dressy holiday outfit, choose colors that complement the holiday theme but avoid overly busy patterns.
Food Allergies: All of my holiday sessions include Milk & Cookies as part of the shoot. Notify me ahead of time if your child has an allergy or intolerance and I will have substitutions for them.
Arrive on time: Mini sessions run on tight schedules, so punctuality helps maximize your time.
Relax while the kids have fun: I prefer if parents step aside and refrain from coaching their child to smile, or direct them in any way. It ends up being distracting and confusing to them. The best photos come from genuine smiles and natural moments.
These simple steps can help you get the most out of your session, and allow me to create amazing photos you can cherish.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
The 2025 holiday mini sessions were a wonderful reminder of why I love this work and why I look forward to them all year. Capturing the joy, connection, and childhood whimsy during this magical season is deeply rewarding. If you missed out this year or want to book again in 2026, I encourage you to keep an eye out for session announcements by joining my mailing list. Booking early helps secure your preferred date and time before sessions sell out. You can sign up with the link below!
Thank you to everyone who trusted me to capture photos of their kids and create holiday magic this year. Their smiles and personalities inspire me to keep creating beautiful moments year after year.
I look forward to welcoming new and returning clients for another season of festive fun in
2026!
If you want to stay updated on upcoming sessions or have questions related to newborn or maternity sessions, feel free to reach out anytime. Let’s make next year’s holiday mini sessions even more magical.
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