Preparation Guide

Christmas Mini Sessions

I’m beyond excited that you’ve chosen Mike Cianci Photography to help celebrate the most wonderful time of the year—Christmas!
Our Christmas Mini Sessions are some of the most joyful and fun photoshoots we offer! We love seeing the smiles and excitement on everyone’s faces as they walk into the studio, especially the smiles of the children!

These sessions are quick and perfect for creating amazing, beautiful, shareable memories with your loved ones just in time for the holidays.

To help you get started, We’ve created a Mini Christmas Prep Guide with tips and info to make sure your session runs smoothly and successfully.

HOW TO PREPARE

  • Getting Here – We recommend checking your route a day or two before your session. Use a navigation app to get an idea of the drive time, and be mindful of possible holiday traffic, sporting events, etc that could slow things down.

  • Arriving on time – To ensure each family gets the best experience, I kindly ask that you arrive on time and wait outside until it's your turn. This helps minimize distractions for the families currently being photographed.

  • Images – Each Christmas Mini Session is designed to last up to 20 minutes, but if we wrap up sooner, that just means you rocked it! Sessions move quickly, and I’ll capture a variety of beautiful shots of your family and little ones. You’ll receive a full gallery to choose your favorite 5 final images from.

  • Please, No Phones – To keep the session running smoothly and maintain your child’s attention, we kindly ask that you refrain from using your phone to take photos while I’m shooting. Don’t worry—you’ll be receiving high-quality, professional images! If time allows at the end, feel free to capture a quick behind-the-scenes video for your social media.

HELPFUL TIPS

Arrive a few minutes early to give yourself time to settle in. A calm, relaxed arrival sets the tone for a great experience.

Plan around naps. If your little one usually sleeps during your scheduled session time, try adjusting their routine slightly so they’re well-rested and ready to go.

Feed your children. Make sure bellies are full. Feeding your children before arriving helps avoid hunger-related meltdowns. If needed, feel free to feed them in the car just before your session. And yes—bribes are totally welcome.

Fresh, clean faces. Be sure to wipe your children’s eyes, noses, and mouths before your session—it's surprising what little smudges can show up in photos. I also have wipes available in the studio if needed.

Details matter. Clean, trimmed nails and tidy hair are important. I won’t be able to retouch chipped nail polish or frizz in your final images, so a little preparation helps a lot.

Remove all accessories like hair ties and watches before the session to avoid marks on the skin. These are not items I can edit out afterward.

MOST IMPORTANTLY. If you or anyone in your group is feeling unwell on the day of your session, please contact me to reschedule. It's so important to keep the studio a safe and healthy space for all families—especially during the holiday season. Your thoughtfulness helps protect not only other clients, but also myself and my family. Thank you for understanding.

PARENTS

  • There’s no pressure for your children to “perform” during the session. The most meaningful images come from genuine moments—little giggles, curious looks, and natural interactions. I keep the experience light, playful, and stress-free, so there’s no need to worry about perfect poses or big smiles in every shot.

  • Since these mini sessions are limited to 20 minutes and other families are scheduled, we do need to stick to the allotted time. Don’t worry—I’ll guide everything to make the most of our time together. If you’re interested in a longer, more personalized full session, please feel free to reach out for more details.

  • Please closely supervise your children to prevent any damage to the props during the session. With over 40 sessions scheduled, it’s important we keep everything in great condition so all families can enjoy a wonderful experience.

We hope this guide helps you feel prepared for your session this year!
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help.

We look forward to seeing you at your upcoming appointment!