HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR

Christmas mini-session

Children’s Christmas Portraits in Crawley, West Sussex

Congratulations on booking your
Christmas Mini Session!

We’ll do almost all the work for you, setting everything up before you arrive, so the backdrop, set, props and lighting are all perfectly arranged beforehand.

All you need to do is to make sure any children being photographed are well-rested and dressed in a suitable outfit that will work well with the colours of the set we’ll be photographing them on.

You don’t need to use actual Christmas outfits (although you’re welcome to if you want to).

Keep in mind, socks & shoes are often optional (even the prettiest shoes only show the sole if a toddler is sitting down, so bare feet can often looks better).

If you’re planning on a skirt or dress for little ones, over-the-knee length will make posing much easier when the children are sitting down.

You can see example images of this years sets below. Each set will include accessories to suit the colour tones of the background, so we recommend selecting clothing colours for your children based on the example images.

We’ll aim to shoot a selection of images on both backgrounds if the session is going well and running on time.

For sitters/young toddlers, we keep a limited number of beautiful outfits in the studio you’re welcome to use.

Two fabulous new sets for 2026

As in previous years, we’re delighted to offer a choice of two distinctly different backdrops for 2026. You can stick to your favourite or mix and match images from both sets in one session! Take a look at the setups below to see which outfit colours and tones will complement each backdrop best.

Styling Tips for Best Christmas Portraits

  • Over-the-knee skirts or dresses: For little ones wearing dresses or skirts, we recommend hem lines that fall below the knee – this keeps things comfortable for them when sitting or playing, while keeping nappies and knickers neatly hidden!
  • Pyjamas Across Both Sets? If you’d like a two-look session or pyjama option, stick to classic tartan or solid deep tones so they pop on both the bright snow and warm wood sets. Gold/beige/tartan can all work well.

Set 1: Snowy Winter Wonder

Style Vibe: Cosy, magical, whimsical, soft neutral outdoor chic.
Colour Palette: Soft neutrals (cream, ivory, beige, taupe), muted winter pastels (soft dusty rose, sage green), or deep rich contrasts (emerald green, burgundy/wine red).
Textures & Fabrics: Chunky knits, faux fur trim, cable-knit jumpers, fleece, velvet, and corduroy.
Clothing Ideas:
Girls: Cable-knit sweater dresses with cream tights and cute boots, or a burgundy velvet dress with a soft knit cardigan, and classic Christmas dressy coats.
Boys: Chunky knit jumpers or cardigans over collared shirts, paired with dark denim or beige corduroy trousers.
Footwear & Accessories: Cute winter boots (Ugg style, leather, or suede), pom-pom beanies, soft knit scarves, and cosy earmuffs.
What to Avoid: Pure bright stark white (which can blend into the snow backdrop) and neon colours.

Set 2: Classic Cosy Library & Fireplace

Style Vibe: Warm, rich, traditional Christmas, heritage elegance.
Colour Palette: Rich jewel tones (emerald green, deep ruby red, plum), warm metallic accents (gold/brass details), and classic tartan or plaid.
Textures & Fabrics: Velvet, wool, plaid cotton, tweed, satins, and smooth knits.
Clothing Ideas:
Girls: Deep red or emerald green velvet dresses, tartan plaid pinafores over long-sleeve cream blouses. Velvet hair bows.
Boys: Tailored tweed waistcoats, button-down shirts with bowties, dark velvet blazers, or classic Fair Isle knit jumpers with dark chinos.
Cosy Alternative: High-end, classic matching Christmas pyjamas (like dark plaid or rich red velvet sets) look stunning in front of the fireplace!
Footwear & Accessories: Patent leather shoes, dressy leather loafers, dark knee-high socks, or bare feet (particularly for babies & toddlers).
What to Avoid: Casual athletic wear, logos/graphic tees, and light washed denim.

Important Notes

  • LATE ARRIVALS LEAD TO SHORTER SESSION TIMES!
  • EACH SESSION LASTS AROUND 15-20 MINUTES
  • PLEASE ARRIVE WITH YOUR CHILDREN ALREADY DRESSED IN THEIR OUTFITS FOR THE 1ST BACKDROP
  • MAXIMUM 4 KIDS & 2 ADULTS IN THE STUDIO AT ANY TIME
  • CLIENT PHOTOGRAPHY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED

Christmas Order Deadlines

Your online gallery includes options to purchase additional items such as extra digital images, prints, frames and Christmas cards etc…

If you’d like to order items from your online gallery, your order must be completed before the following dates in order for (UK) shipping before Christmas. We also recommend allowing an extra couple of days if possible to allow for any postal delays at this busy time.

  • December 9th: Folios, Wood Print Boxes, Matted Frames, Frames, Float Frames, Acrylic prints, Canvas, Gallery Board, Matted Prints, Calendars, Christmas Cards, Print Packs.
  • December 15th: Semi Gloss Prints, Matte Prints, Fine Art Prints, Deckled Prints,  Panoramic Prints.

We’ll aim to have your gallery online for you as soon as possible after your session. Usually, this will be within 7-10 days (sooner if we can).

The Birches
Mill Lane
Copthorne
RH103HW

As you enter Mill Lane, you’ll find horse fields to your right, and our home is the 6th drive on the left, with brown wooden double gates.

We usually have a grey campervan, and a white Vauxhall Corsa on the drive.

Please park on, or across the drive in front of the gates (the lane is usually very quiet, with little traffic during the day). Don’t worry about blocking us in – we won’t be going anywhere!

Please note: there is more than one road called Mill Lane in the area – so be sure to use the postcode.

If you’re familiar with What 3 Words, ///stores.crew.quiet will bring you right to the front gates of our home studio.

See You Soon!