How to prepare for your Christmas Photo Shoot
So you have booked the session, now the thought of coordinating the family and picking out outfits slipped into your mind and your head is spinning! Don’t worry, thats why I am here to help. Christmas Mini Sessions are meant to be fun, so don’t let yourself get all worked up over the many tiny details. That being said, here are some little helpful hints to get the most our of your photo shoot.

Photoshoot Location
Moira Village Hall
Ashby Rd, Moira, Leicestershire. DE12 6DZ
Plan ahead and use Google maps to determine how long it may take you to arrive at the studio location. Also take into consideration any traffic that may affect travel time to your Christmas mini session.
Moira Village is in the Parish of the market town Ashby de la Zouch in North West Leicestershire, we are also very near to the Derbyshire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire borders so access from the main travel routes M42, M1, M6, A444 and A38 is very easy. If you have visited us in previous years at the Old School Room in Blackfordby, don't worry Moira village is just next door, it's 1.5 miles from the previous location so you should be able to recognise the surroundings.
If you use What3words https://what3words.com/quirky.proves.toads it's the simplest way to bring you right to the front door! There is plenty of parking on the grounds so don't worry about space.
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Why not make a day of it and visit one of or National Forest activity centres? We have Moira Furnace, Conkers and Hicks Lodge all within less than a mile distance, all perfect for the views, activities and a seasonal hot chocolate and cake. Or splash out on a visit to the on original 1950's American Diner cart in the UK located in the next village, booking however is highly recommended as this place is always busy due to it's popularity at the weekends!
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There's nothing like being prepared!
Arrive on time – Your assistance with arriving on time is so important for a successful day. When you arrive I will ask that you wait whilst other families are being photographed, purely as other clients may get distracted. There will be a side door open for all to enter the space, this area also has toilet facilities if needed. Sessions are booked back to back and run for 20 minutes to provide you with the best collection of images.
Get to bed early and get a good nights sleep. Happy children and rested parents = beautiful portraits. Make sure your little ones take their mid day nap if they still need it. If you arrive late, you’re loosing time that we could be photographing your little ones.
No mobile cameras – During the session you are not permitted to take any pictures with your mobile phone whilst I'm shooting. It's a quick session and this will distract children to make them look away.
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Please keep an eye on your children - It is critical you supervise your children to ensure they don’t damage any of the setups or props on the day. I will be concentrating on your session, so if a children is unsupervised where I can't see them, please do not allow them to play with the props not in use. Please note, I will be running 20 sessions per day and there isn't time or resources to fix broken setups.


Let's build a connection
It is really important that you allow me to build a great connection with your children. Please let me interact with your little one while I’m shooting before you get involved unless your child is upset, this way they’re not overwhelmed.
If I need a hand getting your child’s attention, I’ll call you over to help bring out those adorable smiles and giggles. If this happens, please avoid standing behind me if I'm sitting on the floor, as your child will naturally look up in the photos. Instead, try to sit as close as possible to my camera lens. Don’t worry, I promise to smell fresh!
There’s no pressure on your children to "perform" during the session, natural moments always make the best photos. I like to keep things fun, relaxed, and easy, so there’s no need for them to be looking directly at the camera with big, perfect smiles in every shot. To help them feel more comfortable, you could show them a video we shot from last year’s photo sessions. Seeing other little ones enjoying their photoshoots can give them a good idea of what to expect and make them feel more at ease. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1Ph50CIVZr/
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Keep your style timeless!
Please bring your children dressed and ready to go in their holiday best. Unfortunately, there won’t be time for outfit changes, however both setups this year have an outdoor feel. You can add a cozy touch to their party outfits with a smart wool coat, neutral hats, gloves, or scarves to switch up their look if you wish.
No logos if possible, I suggest not to wear cheesy themed Christmas jumpers or fancy dress outfits, you want your images to be timeless. Remember, if your children are comfortable in their clothes, then they will be relaxed and calm during the session.
It is always good to pick three coordinating colours that go well together and one of those colours being a neutral colour (eg red, cream or black). You don’t necessarily need to be all matching in identical outfits. Mix it up a little with textures too but stick to your colour palette. Beginnig with the most difficult person to dress first. Plan all other outfits around that person, remembering to coordinate colors and patterns as if you were pulling one outfit together.
Consider the colours in your home when you’re planning your outfits. your portraits will ultimately hang in your home and need to fit cohesively, reflecting the personality and style of your family! Most importantly, pick 2/3 that work and choose your outfits based on that palette, more colours than that gets too busy.
Top tips for a successful Christmas Photoshoot
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Arrive early. This way you can find a parking spot nearby are not stressed and all relaxed. Try and arrive to the door 5 minutes before your time slot, and if it's closed I'll call you in once my previous clients have left. If it's a bit nippy or rainy outside, don't worry we have a waiting room for you this year in the main hallway and also access to the restrooms if needed.
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Plan your children’s naps/awake times for that day if your session is during there usual sleep time.
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Feed your children before the session to ensure they're full and happy.
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Bring any food supplies for your children to have after the session (snacks, treats, drinks, etc) We don't want crumbs or stains on those gorgeous outfits! However saying that, I know what children are like, feel free to bring anything as bribery. Colourless food like popcorn or Cheerios. Blowing bubbles, rattles and their favourite teddy often work well as a distraction.
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Clean your children’s faces (eyes, nose, mouth), it’s amazing what is always left for me to edit. Bring some wipes and tissues with you as well as a hair brush.
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Fingernails de varnished, hair cleaned and cut. Sorry, I will not be editing special requests such as editing out clothing tags, fixing chipped nail polish or frizzy hair during mini sessions.
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Remove all hair ties or kids watches before the shoot to ensure no marks are there. Bring a de-frizz spray if you think you may need it, honestly, it works wonders for that fly away crazy kids hair!
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Parents don’t forget about yourselves if you are having your images taken too. Do your hair and make up before arriving to the session.
