Christmas Mini Sessions Derbyshire & Staffordshire | What to Expect

Christmas sessions are one of my favourite things to photograph all year. Every December I get to meet wonderful new families and welcome back familiar faces too, and there’s something so special about that cosy, excited, slightly chaotic energy that only Christmas brings out in a family.

If you’re looking for a Christmas mini session in Derbyshire or Staffordshire this year, look no further. My studio sits right on the border of the two counties near Ashbourne, so whether you’re travelling from Uttoxeter, Burton upon Trent, Derby, Leek or Ashbourne itself, you’re closer than you think.

For so many of my families, this session has become the real start of Christmas. I have clients who come back to me year after year, and they’ve told me it genuinely feels like the moment the festive season officially begins for them. Before the tree goes up, before the cards are written, there’s the mini session. Watching those same children grow up in front of my camera, Christmas after Christmas, is one of the biggest joys of what I do.

As a family photographer, my aim is always to create relaxed, natural photographs that show your family as they really are. I want to capture the cuddles, the giggles, the cheeky moments, and everything in between, not stiff, forced smiles on command.

And yes, if Grandma and Grandad want to come along too, they’re always welcome. Some of my favourite images over the years have been that little hand wrapped around Grandad’s finger, or Grandma sharing a giggle with the kids. But this season is really about your family, however that looks for you.

Booking opens to my mailing list first

Because demand for these sessions has grown so much, I’ve changed the way I’m running things this year to make sure every family gets the best possible experience.

I’ll be offering 15 slots per day across four days, and this year the sessions take place well before Christmas itself. That means I can get your beautifully edited images back to you in plenty of time, whether you want them for cards, gifts, or simply to enjoy over the festive season, rather than receiving them once Christmas has already been and gone.

I’m also doing something new with how bookings open. Slots are released to my mailing list a full day before they go out to everyone else. Last year these went quickly, so if you’d like first pick of the times and dates, make sure you’re on the list.

How a Christmas mini session works

Each session is a short, 30-minute slot, designed to be quick and fun rather than a long, drawn-out shoot. It’s just enough time to capture beautiful, relaxed images without anyone getting tired, bored, or overwhelmed.

Included in your session you’ll receive 5 digital images, professionally edited and ready to share, print, or turn into whatever Christmas keepsakes you like.

There are also lovely extras available if you’d like them:

• Snow globes
• Christmas baubles
• Print packs featuring your favourites from the session

All images are delivered digitally and well before Christmas, giving you plenty of time to get cards ordered, gifts made, or simply enjoy your photographs throughout the festive season.

What actually happens on the day?

If you’ve never had a professional family photography session with me before, you might be wondering what happens when you arrive.

The good news is: you don’t need to know how to pose.

I’ll guide you through the session and help everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. My sessions are relaxed and fun, with plenty of room for genuine interaction rather than lots of formal posing. We’ll capture a mixture of:

• The whole family together
• Parents with their children
• Sibling photographs
• Natural cuddles, giggles and interactions
• A few beautiful Christmas portraits looking towards the camera

The exact shots naturally depend on your family and how the session flows. If the kids are full of energy, we’ll work with that. If they’re feeling shy, we’ll take our time. There’s no expectation for anyone to behave perfectly. In fact, some of my favourite photographs happen in the moments between the posed shots, when nobody thinks I’m watching.

What if my child won’t smile?

One of the things I love most about family photography is knowing these photographs aren’t just for today. They’re for your future. One day your children will look back and see how small they were, and the people who loved them.

That’s what makes Christmas family photography so special. It isn’t really about getting the perfect shot. It’s about capturing the people who make Christmas feel like Christmas, for the family you have right now.

A good fit for families with additional needs

Something I’ve noticed over the years is just how many families with children who have additional needs choose a mini session for their Christmas photographs, and it makes complete sense why.

Because these sessions are short, there’s no pressure to sit still for a long stretch of time, no lengthy build-up, and no need to hold it together for hours in an unfamiliar setting. We’re in and out, capturing genuine moments quickly, which makes the whole experience far less overwhelming for children who might find a longer, more traditional session difficult.

If this sounds like your family, please do get in touch beforehand so we can talk through anything that would help your session feel comfortable and relaxed for you.

What to wear for your Christmas mini session

One of the questions I’m asked most often is: what should we wear?

This year there are two sets, one outdoor and one indoor, both styled in a traditional, cosy Christmas colour palette. Think deep reds, forest greens, warm golds, creams, beiges and tartan. I want your photographs to feel warm and timeless rather than overly bright or heavily themed.

Soft, cosy knits are perfect: chunky jumpers, cardigans, cable knits and warm layers. Tartan adds a traditional Christmas feel without everyone needing to match. Creams and beiges work beautifully as neutral base colours, with reds, greens and golds layered in throughout.

For example, you could have:

• Mum in a cream knitted jumper
• Dad in a deep green shirt or jumper
• Your little one in a tartan dress or outfit
• Any grandparents joining in a cosy neutral cardigan or tartan scarf

The key is to coordinate, not match. Choosing colours that complement one another creates a much more natural-looking photograph than everyone in identical outfits.

Colours to avoid: very bright neon colours, large logos, and lots of competing patterns.

Once you’ve booked, we can chat through outfit choices together to make sure everything works beautifully.

Photographs you’ll treasure for years

One of the things I love most about family photography is knowing these photographs aren’t just for today. They’re for your future. One day your children will look back and see how small they were, and the people who loved them.

That’s what makes Christmas family photography so special. It isn’t really about getting the perfect shot. It’s about capturing the people who make Christmas feel like Christmas, for the family you have right now.

Book your Christmas mini session in Derbyshire or Staffordshire

Whether it’s just the kids, the whole gang, or anyone in between, there’s something wonderful about having your family together in front of the camera during the most magical time of year.

My studio is based in the Derbyshire countryside near Ashbourne, right on the Staffordshire border, offering a cosy, home-from-home setting for families from both counties.

So bring the Christmas spirit, and most importantly, bring yourselves. I’ll take care of the rest.

Gemma x