I’ve been photographing Christmas mini sessions in Richmond for five years now, since we moved here in 2020. With over 85 families photographed so far at my Christmas minis, I’ve got plenty of experience! I love holding these holiday photoshoots for local families. I typically have anywhere from six to 14 families for each Christmas mini session, but this year it’s looking like more!
For 2026, I’m offering two Christmas mini session options:
- November 14 & 15: Studio Christmas minis at my Chesterfield studio with the below Sugar Plum design
- November 15 & 21: Christmas tree farm minis at O’Neal’s Christmas Trees in Amelia Court House
O’Neal’s is about an hour from Richmond and so worth the drive! It gives us a beautiful Christmas tree farm backdrop for your photos.
Want to
I’m going to give you all the details and show you some examples of the set up below. As well as some past years holiday mini sessions so you can get a feel for my work! And if you are looking for a regular family session check out some of my favorite Richmond family sessions!
Christmas Mini Session Pricing Packages
Here’s everything you need to know about booking a 2026 Christmas mini session:
- Dates: November 14 and 15, 2026 and November 21, 2026
- Location: Sarah Creal Photography’s studio, Chesterfield and O’Neal’s Christmas Trees, Amelia, Virginia
- Session length: 20 minutes
- Group size: Up to six immediate family included
- The sets: Elegant Christmas mini session set with pink sofa, decorated trees, burgundy bows, and warm lights in the studio, and Christmas tree farm decorated with oversized red, green, and silver ornaments and warm string lights.
- Gallery: Online proofing gallery, with images returned within two weeks
Little Christmas Collection: $299 (7 Digital Files)
- $99 retainer to book, applied toward total
- Online proofing gallery with at least 25 images available within two weeks for viewing and selection
- Choose your favorite 7 images to be fully edited and delivered via digital download
- Additional images available for purchase at $39.99 each, or $250 for the whole gallery
All the Merry Collection: $399 (Pre-Purchase the Full Gallery!)
- $149 retainer to book, applied toward total
- All images from the session, fully edited and delivered via digital download
- No image selection needed
- Save $150 by pre-purchasing the full gallery
Mini Session Christmas Photos 2026: Sugar Plum Studio
This year’s studio Christmas mini sessions will be held at my Chesterfield, VA studio on Sunday, November 15, 2026. So if you are looking for mini Christmas photo sessions near you, you are in the right spot!
Here are some examples of this year’s set up that I have created for my families!
This is a mockup of my studio with my pink couch and burgundy and cream styling for an elegant studio look!
Christmas Mini Session Ideas in Richmond
Over the years I’ve shot Christmas minis in a lot of different spots around Richmond — at O’Neal’s Christmas Tree Farm several times, both with Santa and without including a little red sports car; red truck sessions in my own neighborhood; sessions with dogs; and one year I even flew in my favorite Santa from Texas, who spent the whole weekend at our house actually! I try not to repeat the same photography theme every year. It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to pull off new mini sessions outdoor Christmas photoshoot ideas each season, but my clients are worth every bit of it.
Here’s a look at a few of the setups I’ve created for Christmas minis over the years, so you can get a feel for the variety of looks I offer.
Rustic Greenhouse at Amaris Sanctuary 2025
This golden hour setup at Amaris Sanctuary in Midlothian, VA was inside a beautiful glass-roofed greenhouse with a flocked tree and warm chandelier light overhead. Each of the doors even had two big, beautiful green wreaths with red bows on them. This was the first time I shot here, and I was so happy I got this gorgeous, soft light that families love. One of my favorite Christmas mini session ideas!
Winter White Bed Setup at My Photo Studio 2025
This cozy set was one I did last year right in my studio in Chesterfield, VA. It had a tufted headboard, flocked trees, wrapped gifts, and a wreath overhead. I stayed very neutral with organic looking color palette of beige, tan, creams and greenery. Families loved these mini session Christmas photos for matching pajamas, or just cuddling up together for the holidays. I just remembered a funny story from that season!
One of my regular moms, Cindy Martinez-Kilgo, realized she forgot her families Santa hats! So she actually ran home mid-session to grab them because she wanted to make sure they had them on for a few of the photos! Good thing she she lived just a quick drive from my studio!
The very first year I photographed this family, they only had one daughter. The next year they came back with a new baby!
Nighttime Lights at O’Neal’s Christmas Tree Farm 2024
This nighttime setup at O’Neals in Amelia Court House, VA was one of my all time favs! A Christmas tree, string lights, a cozy couch, and an arch of oversized hanging ornaments in neutral tones. I shot this in 2024 and it was freezing outside! Everyone had red noses, and you could see their breath in front of the lights. It’s one of those sessions I still think back on.
Past Christmas Tree Farm Mini Sessions
One of my favorite Richmond-area locations for Christmas tree farm minis has been O’Neal’s Christmas Tree Farm in Amelia Court House, VA. I’ve shot there several times over the years, both with Santa and without. The year I did this shot below, I decided to plan them at night for more a real holiday feeling!
The Week Before Your Christmas Mini Session
Before your photography session, I ask each family to send me their clothing sizes in case you want to use my client closet, along with everyone’s heights so I know how to plan out posing. I also like to know everyone’s names, something specific each kid is into, and any music your family likes. As an occupational therapist, I use those little details to connect with your kids and help them feel comfortable with me before we even start shooting.
In the days leading up to your session:
- Keep sleep routines consistent
- Avoid major schedule changes
- Don’t introduce brand-new shoes or outfits
- Lower stimulation instead of building excitement
The night before, here’s what I recommend:
- Lay out all outfits
- Pack a bag with snacks, wipes, water, a hairbrush, bows, and a backup shirt for dad
- Set out your own outfit and steam it if needed
- Charge your phone
- Aim for an early bedtime if possible
- Tell your kids and teens the plan in a calm, upbeat voice
- Take three deep breaths before bed — you’re doing great
What to Bring to Your Session
For mini Christmas photoshoots, I recommend bringing one of your child’s favorite stuffies or a special comfort item to help them feel more at ease. I also bring a few universal toys that fit the aesthetic of that year’s set and don’t have any visible branding — things like rattles, trucks, presents with lights on them, and stockings.
On the morning of your session:
- Keep the schedule slow and gentle
- Hydrate yourself and the kids
- Feed everyone a protein-based breakfast
- Turn on calming music — lo-fi or worship music works wonders
- Avoid yelling, rushing, or lecturing — it backfires
- Build in extra time for unexpected chaos
- Say, “Today is just about us having fun together”
Start earlier than you think you need — not so you can do more, but so you can move slower.
A few phrases that help on the way there:
- “We’ll take this one step at a time.”
- “You don’t have to smile.”
- “I’ll stay close.”
You’re not managing behavior on session day. You’re protecting nervous systems — even in teenagers.
What to Expect During Your Holiday Mini Session
Your child does not need to be calm for the session to go well. They need you regulated enough to stay connected. Children borrow regulation before they learn it. When your body slows down, your voice softens, your expectations loosen, your child feels it, even if their behavior hasn’t caught up yet. Connection photographs better than compliance.
Before we start, I like to tell kids: “Miss Sarah is going to take pictures of us having fun. You just have to be yourself.” Pressure shuts kids down. Playfulness opens them up.
During the session, here’s what you can expect from me:
- I never force kids into poses
- I follow their lead
- I take breaks when needed
- I use a soft voice, humor, and therapeutic strategies
- If chaos ensues, I promise it photographs beautifully
- We’ll laugh, move, snuggle, play, and get those real moments you love
Some of the most meaningful images happen after a reset hug or a whispered reassurance. As your photographer, I’m watching for connection, not perfection.
And for moms: relax your shoulders, drop your tongue from the roof of your mouth, and release the pressure of perfection. You are enough exactly as you are. Your kids don’t need to perform; they just need you present. My mantra for session day is simple: we are here to connect, not to be perfect.
Looking for Christmas Mini Sessions Near You in Richmond, VA?
Ready to book your Christmas mini session? If you’re searching for Christmas mini sessions near you in Richmond, Midlothian, or Chesterfield, I’d love to have your family or kids in front of my camera this November. Visit my booking page below to grab your spot before they fill up.
Take a look at my full family photography portfolio to see more of my work!
Hi! I’m Sarah, founder of Sarah Creal Photography. I’ve been photographing families in the Richmond area for six years and I’d love to do the same for you. I’m a member of PPA, Professional Photographers of America, and have over 90 reviews on Google.
Sarah Creal is a family, maternity, newborn, and birth photographer serving Richmond, Virginia and Lawton, Oklahoma. With 10+ years in business and 95 five-star reviews, she is known for relaxed, connected photography and her ability to work with children and families of different needs. Sarah was also an occupational therapist for 25 years and is a member of Professional Photographers of America and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
