How to Plan the Perfect Holiday Mini Session
The holiday season is fast approaching and for photographers, it’s one of the busiest times of the year. That means staying organized and making the most of every minute in the studio is critical. That’s where mini‑sessions shine: they let you book multiple clients in one go, reduce time setting up and breaking down sets, and help you stay within your clients’ budgets while still delivering the classic family‑photo experience.
Below is your step‑by‑step Holiday Mini‑Session Guide to help you plan, promote, and run your sessions smoothly.
Step 1: Find Your Vibe
Start by imagining the look and feel you want for your holiday sessions:
Use platforms like Pinterest to find ideas and Milanote (our personal favorite) to build a mood board.
Save your favorite color schemes, backdrops, props, and lighting ideas.
Once your mood board is organized and ready, you can pull from it to create marketing content that helps clients visualise the experience.
Remember: your vibe may not appeal to everyone, but you’ll likely use these sessions again in the future, so pick something you’re proud to share long‑term.
Tip: We’ve got a Holiday Inspo board on our Pinterest worth checking out for ideas!
Step 2: Choose the Right Location
Location can make or break your holiday mini‑session. Here are some key considerations:
If you’re outdoors in a four‑season climate: early in the season you may still get autumn tones (which may not communicate that winter “holiday” vibe); late season and weather may become unpredictable (rain, cold) and make things harder for you and your clients.
If you’re in a warmer climate: it may be tricky to create a winter/holiday feel when the climate outside doesn’t align with the holiday.
To minimize variables, consider booking a studio space. With a studio you have control over lighting, backdrops, props, and you avoid weather risks.
Tip: Check our website and socials for the equipment and holiday props available with our rentals.
Step 3: Plan the Execution
Once you’ve defined your vibe and locked down a location, it’s time to map out the logistics.
Estimate how much time you’ll need for set‑up and break‑down.
Decide how long each client’s session will be, and whether you’ll include buffer time between sessions (to reset or handle delays).
Once you’re clear on the timing that works for you, you can secure any studio bookings and begin scheduling your mini‑sessions!
Tip: some studios offer holiday‑season discounts or reduced rates for bulk bookings — sign up for our email list for updates on any special offers.
Why Mini‑Sessions Are a Win
Holiday mini‑sessions are a powerful strategy:
They allow you to serve multiple clients in a short span of time.
They make it easier to promote a clear theme, showing clients exactly what they’re getting (set, props, vibe).
They help you stay within your clients’ budget while still delivering high quality results.
They give you content you’ll be proud of sharing now and in future marketing!
If you follow these three steps — find your vibe, choose the right location, plan execution — you’ll be well on your way to a successful holiday mini‑session campaign.
