My outdoor studio photography space, The Rustic Shutter, located in Grand Blanc, Michigan, is where I offer my holiday-themed Christmas mini sessions. These sessions are perfect for families who want to capture fun, fast, and affordable print-worthy pictures without booking a full-length portrait session.
A mini photo session is short by definition, so I always try to prepare for each individual group as much as possible before the session. To ensure each session runs smoothly, I ask clients to fill out a questionnaire while booking that includes the number of people in their group and the ages of any children attending. This information helps me plan go-to poses in advance, so we can make the most of our 15-minute session. After I know those client favorites have been accomplished I move on to poses that are more interactive and more in tune with your individual family dynamic.
By preparing the space in advance, I'm able to guide clients through multiple backdrops and poses seamlessly. Knowing where I want people to sit or stand in each area, and preparing the space in a way that works for one person or even your largest family groupings ensures that I am able to give you plenty of images to choose from in your proofing gallery. There is no time wasted coming up with locations, or possible posing.
I have found these 15-minute sessions are more than enough time to give you a variety in your proofing gallery, without being so long that little ones get tired and over it. I also add a five minute break between each session so that I can reset whatever props may have been moved, or adjust from a small family unit to a large one. Or even so I can get a drink of water. But, to be honest, those five minutes are normally spent chatting with my clients.
By owning my own outdoor photography studio instead of renting or using a public space, I'm able to create a range of photo settings for my clients to choose from in one session. With six unique backdrops to select from, clients can easily move between each setup without the need to schedule additional sessions on separate days. I offer a variety of themes including a vintage truck, a festive red couch against a wood wall, a neutral barn wall with a long couch that accommodates large families, a Christmas tree farm-style evergreen backdrop, an arch, and even a cozy hot cocoa station for the kids. In 2022, clients had six distinct areas to choose from during their Christmas mini sessions. I'm excited to share that I'm planning to add another area in 2023, specifically designed for young children.
Some of the props you can expect to see at the Rustic Shutter Christmas sessions include:
1964 Vintage Ford truck filled with holiday decor
Christmas trees of any and every size ( a dozen in the faux Christmas tree lot alone!)
3 vintage sofas, one red, one beige and one white
Cozy blankets and quilts make the bed of the truck soft and cozy, this makes the little ones more willing to stay in one area
Plenty of colorful throw pillows, inviting and comfortable is key
Wreaths, garland, a handful of beautifully wrapped faux gifts, and rustic lanterns all add the perfect small holiday touches
Refinished benches handcrafted,sanded and stained by my darling husband
basically any and all Christmas decorations!
If you are looking for holiday mini sessions near you, you have come to the right place. I am currently scheduling 15 minute holiday mini sessions throughout the month of November in Grand Blanc, Michigan. If you're interested in having holiday photos taken over Thanksgiving weekend with extended family in town, feel free to reach out to book a full session.
My mini sessions are perfect for updating your family photos or creating beautiful holiday cards. The postal service recommends sending out Christmas cards during the first full week of December, so booking your session in November ensures you'll receive your photos back with plenty of time to order and mail your cards.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to capture unforgettable memories with your loved ones this holiday season by booking a 15-minute Christmas mini session at The Rustic Shutter, my private outdoor studio photography space in Grand Blanc. Choose from multiple backdrops and props to create the perfect holiday-themed photos. And with the mini session format, you'll get print-worthy and card-worthy pictures without breaking the bank!
To make the most out of your session, fill out the questionnaire when booking and let us know how many people will be in your group and the ages of your children attending. This way, I can plan out some go-to poses in advance and create lasting memories with your loved ones!
With six different backdrops, including a vintage truck, a festive couch in front of a stacked wood wall, a neutral barn wall with a long couch, a Christmas tree farm style evergreen backdrop, an arch, and a warm-up/hot cocoa station, you're sure to find the perfect setting for your photos. And with plenty of colorful throw pillows, cozy blankets, wreaths, garland, beautifully wrapped faux gifts, rustic lanterns, refinished benches, and giant candy canes, we have all the props you need to create the perfect holiday ambiance.
Book your session now throughout the month of November to get your photos back in time for the holiday season. Don't miss out on this opportunity to capture unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Click the link below to check available dates and times and book your session now! I hope to see you soon!
To book your session or check available dates and times please use the link below.
This blog is written by Jessica Butterworth, a senior and family photographer at Behind the Shutter LLC in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
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