Photographers: Here's why you NEED to plan your 2025 Christmas Mini Sessions NOW!

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First off, CONGRATULATIONS! We made it! Whether you are a brand new photographer that just wrapped up your first round of holiday minis or a seasoned photographer that’s been here way more times than once, give your self a huge pat on the back and pour a celebratory glass or two of wine. Marathon minis are not for the faint of heart and you deserve a break, but first please read this post!

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With super crazy busy season in the rearview mirror it’s all too easy for us to pack up the props and forget about holiday minis until next year. But I’d like you to see why it’s SO important to start planning 2025 holiday sessions NOW!

I’m a part of way more Facebook photography groups than I like to admit and some common questions that I see over and over include “Why aren’t my Christmas Minis booking?” “What’s everyone’s set-ups for holiday photos?” “How are you marketing to get clients?” “I spent hundreds on my set-up and no one is booking, why??” These pain points can cause enough stress to want to throw in the towel and give up even trying. But I’m here to tell you that when executed properly, holiday minis can be your biggest money-maker for the year. And that’s exactly why you need a clear and solid blueprint now while 2024 is fresh in your head.

So what’s the secret? And what does it have to do with planning 10 months in advance?? Read on and see :)

1.) Grab a pen and paper and your deepest thoughts

Yes, it’s actually that easy. Reflection. And facts. I want you to write down the following things about your 2024 Holiday sessions:

• What did you love about your set?

• What was the biggest compliment your clients gave you about your set?

• What did you feel was missing?

• What challenges did you face with lighting, space, durability (were things getting knocked down/blown over) and accessibility (was your location easy to find, how was parking, etc)

• What was your total overhead cost? (Don’t leave anything out!)

• What was your total profit?

• How many images were included? Did you feel you gave too many??

• Did you have the option to upsell your gallery or products? If so, what was your profit?

• And most importantly, besides pooped, how did you feel after you sent off the final gallery.

I told you we’d be reflecting. This step is crucial to do as soon as possible while all of these thoughts and emotions are fresh in your brain. Don’t wait until next year to jot all this down, it will make things so much more clear when you are planning to have something tangible to look back on. Now go and tuck this note away for a later date.

2.) Grab your mail

Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, J Crew, Vineyard Vines, Nordstrom, Gap, Frontgate, etc all have these amazing holiday ads and set designs that WORK. Look at how successful theses companies are, their ads SELL! And why do they sell?? They are on-trend, gorgeous and full of eye candy. The last 5 years I’ve pulled all of my holiday session inspiration directly from all of the above stores. Find brands that you connect and identify with and study what they are putting out right now. Cut out pages that speak to you and use that as your idea board for next year. There’s no need to buy those exact products, but pull what you love from each one and make it your own.

3.) Grab a seat

Ok, so now you have a hard copy list of what worked this year and what didn’t as well as a vision board of ideas that you love! Next step is to sit back and wait for those post holiday sales! I’ve snagged trees in the past for 50-75% off, those bigger items especially are so important to find when the discount is high! Create a nice little stockpile of deals and tuck them away. You will be SO happy you did this come next year. I already have my eye on some big ticket items that I’m dying to use in 2025.

And while you’re in that seat……. WORK ON YOUR EMAIL LIST!!! I say this with such importance. There’s no easier way to market your sessions than to send out an email to your followers. Call it whatever you want, VIP group, early access, priority booking, but if you don’t already have one in place, or if you could use more addresses on that list, now is the time to start building it up! Nearly all of my Christmas families are repeat customer and they booked straight from my VIP email list. It’s such a huge stress reliever to not be posting constantly on local groups for bookings. Put yourself out there now and start collecting!

Happy Planning! Now go relax! Next year will be here before you know it!

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The BEST Park Ridge Location for your Photo Shoot that is NOT a Forest or Grassy Park

Kids scared of cicadas?? Dad with horrible allergies?? Mom paranoid about ticks?? Or are you just wanting to change up your usual outdoor photo shoot spot?? I got you covered!!

Allow me to introduce you to all of the beauty of Uptown Park Ridge! While this may not be the location that jumps to the front of your mind when you think “outdoor sunset session” I’m here to show you EVERYTHING this location has to offer. From the historic Pickwick Theater, the small town appeal of the train station, the SAFE alleyways, super cute shopping store fronts, all the yummy cafe-lit alfresco restaurants, well manicured massive library grounds and all of the secret nooks and crannies in between. And who wouldn’t love celebrating a successful photoshoot at Harp & Fiddle, Pennyville, Hay Carumba, Shakou, Holt’s or Pazzi Pizza (just to name a few!)

Now don’t get me wrong…. I love my local Park Ridge forests and parks as well, but that’s an entire different blog post for a later day. Today I’m here to show you specifically what your session in Uptown Park Ridge can look like and highlight a few of my favorite “stops” we took along the way with two of my families that I just adore, The Wilsons and the Frownes! Your uptown session can take place on either the north or south side of the train tracks, there are so many great spots to choose from!

1.) The Library

Kicking things off on the north side of the train station, we started at the Park Ridge Library. The shaded, beautifully landscaped circle in front of the building offers a shady spot for those days when the sun just hasn’t set enough yet for those glowing shots we all love. I just adore the contrast between all the greenery and the massive concrete steps. This is where your session will begin if we stay on this side of the tracks. Plus you can’t beat the easy and close parking!

2.) The Shops and The Pickwick

You’ll get your fill of all the colorful and uniquely decorated shop storefronts here! I absolutely love the old doorways and your kids will have a blast racing up and down the wide sidewalks. Get ready for a lot of holding hands, walking and laughing and impromptu snuggles.

3.) The Park Ridge Metra Station

***As a responsible and seasoned photographer I need to put a big disclaimer on this location….. It is 100% illegal to shoot on ANY train tracks. I also am VERY careful with bringing very young children here unless they are being held by a parent at all times. My families NEVER touch the actual tracks, we only use the platform when trains are not in sight. The session is halted as soon as we hear the the train signals and we wait for the train to move on before continuing.

With that all being said though, these are always some of my favorite shots from the night. The train station plays such a huge part in so many Park Ridge parent’s daily lives. And I’m sure we can all remember the countless hours we’d hold our kids and watch the passing trains to keep them happy. Plus if you time it out right that sunset there is the chef’s kiss. This is where the Wilson’s session concluded and where the Frownes’s session began. Follow along to see what’s on the south side of the tracks.

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4.) Leaf Wall

Now this is what I consider a stunning and natural backdrop! Located just south of the tracks, it changes so much depending on the time of year and adds a bit if greenery and interest to an otherwise plain wall. I hosted fall minis here last year which were some of my favorite sessions to date. Bonus: It’s right across from the outdoor dining which always has fun music!

5.) Alleyways and All the Brick

Have you ever taken a look at the back of the restaurants we all love so much?? Probably not, right??? I’ve spent countless hours when my kids were little pushing them in the stroller checking out every single inch of uptown, including back alleyways, and I’ve found some of the best bricks this town has to offer.

Thanks for following along with me for these two sessions. More and more towns have these uniquely beautiful downtown areas now….. Let me know if yours is one of them! I LOVE adding new spots on to my roster of locations to choose from!

For my photographer friends: Spend the time scouring your neighborhood inside and out. Some of my most requested spots I’ve found while hunting around. The best part too is that hopefully not many other photographers know about these places which keeps the area not overly crowded.