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Christmas Mini Sessions – the magic of Christmas is coming!

“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” —Edna Ferber

Table of Contents hide
1 So, Christmas mini-sessions? What are they?
2 When are they?
3 Where do I have to come?
4 What should I wear?

Christmas mini-sessions can surely give you and all your family members that festive feeling all year round.

And I’m so excited about this year’s setup!!

As my photography style is very simple and timeless, I wanted to create something that reflects that. I have been thinking for a while about it and during one of my morning walks, surrounded by nature, I was trying to find how I could get inspired by it.

Christmas trees are surely nature-inspired but I used one already a couple of years ago. Didn’t want to use it again. And I was envisioning a white environment. Kind of the world of the Chronicles of Narnia! Snow . . .

White – Snow – Snowflakes

That was my train of thought. So I went home and searched on the internet for snowflakes and boom! Founded!

Smiling young girl with curly hair sitting on a white chair, wearing a cream knit jumper, in front of a festive white snowflake backdrop during a holiday-themed photoshoot

Sorry, maybe I bored you with the story of how I came up with this theme.

So, Christmas mini-sessions? What are they?

A mini-session is a very short version of a photography session. You will have limited time (20 minutes), fewer images to choose from and the set-up is already set for you. Of course, even the price will reflect this and therefore it will be much cheaper than a full photoshoot.

When are they?

Mini sessions are run on specific dates that I choose and you can select your preferred time slot.

The dates for Christmas mini sessions 2021 are the 13th and 14th of November. They are a yearly event and I try to do them in early November.

Where do I have to come?

The sessions are done in my studio in Twickenham, west London. You will receive all the information via email when you book.

Collage of two smiling girls in winter outfits posing against a white textured background, wearing light knits and neutral tones.

What should I wear?

When I thought about this set-up I was envisioning a wintery scene for timeless photos. So I would suggest simple and solid colours in neutral shades. Knitted clothes are perfect for the occasion. Jumpers, cardigans, dresses…textures and accessories are welcome too!

Here are some ideas for boys. I took the outfits from H&M, Gap and Next.

Flat lay of four winter girl outfits including cable-knit jumpers with a palette of beige, grey, and ivory
Flat lay of three casual boys’ winter looks featuring sweaters, jeans, and beige trousers in warm earthy tones, with coordinating colour swatches below.
Flat lay of boys’ holiday outfits with brown corduroy dungarees, light blue shirts, suspenders, and navy trousers, with a neutral and navy colour palette.

And here are some inspirations for girls. I would suggest white, cream or grey, but alternatively, a festive mood or warm tones work fine too.

Flat lay of four winter girl outfits including cable-knit jumpers, plaid skirts, and charcoal pieces, with a palette of beige, grey, and black.
Flat lay of six children's winter outfits in neutral, red, and green tones with plaid and knit textures, plus colour swatches below.
Flat lay of three autumnal-toned girl dresses in warm brown and terracotta shades, with matching colour swatches beneath.

I hope these ideas can be useful! Please check out my website to see more work and do get in touch if you have any questions!

Posted in holidays, What to wear

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“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” - Dorothea Lange

We don’t photograph just to freeze life.

We photograph so we can return to what mattered most.

So we can feel again, not just remember.

Photography is how we hold time with tenderness.

What moment would you love to hold close, to feel again?

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Open post by by_valentina with ID 17858539680592775
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” - Dorothea Lange We don’t photograph just to freeze life. 
We photograph so we can return to what mattered most. 
So we can feel again, not just remember. Photography is how we hold time with tenderness. What moment would you love to hold close, to feel again?

A quiet look behind the scenes of a newborn session.

Time, patience and care, before anything else.

These moments are made to be held. 🤍

And I’d love to create yours too

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Open post by by_valentina with ID 18151804765428766
A quiet look behind the scenes of a newborn session. Time, patience and care, before anything else. These moments are made to be held. 🤍 And I’d love to create yours too

There are moments that feel small, yet linger long after the camera is put away.

During a recent family session, I watched a little one explore the space, curious and unhurried. The parents laughed softly, sometimes holding their breath, sometimes simply letting the moment happen.

These are the moments that stay with me: the gentle glances, the tiny discoveries, the trust that lets a family relax and just be.

Photography is not just about a finished image. It’s about honouring these fleeting, imperfect seconds and turning them into something tangible, something to return to. 🤍

What small moments do you wish you could hold onto forever?

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Open post by by_valentina with ID 18064142090536406
There are moments that feel small, yet linger long after the camera is put away. During a recent family session, I watched a little one explore the space, curious and unhurried. The parents laughed softly, sometimes holding their breath, sometimes simply letting the moment happen. These are the moments that stay with me: the gentle glances, the tiny discoveries, the trust that lets a family relax and just be. Photography is not just about a finished image. It’s about honouring these fleeting, imperfect seconds and turning them into something tangible, something to return to. 🤍 What small moments do you wish you could hold onto forever?

I slowed down for a couple of weeks.
I took a pause.
Not to disappear, but to listen.

I spent time reading, sitting with quiet, doing a puzzle.
Learning again that beginnings are often the hardest part, and that one small piece can open the way forward.

It felt a lot like motherhood.
And a lot like running a business.

This is why I photograph.
To honour the slow, imperfect becoming.

I am here again, with intention. 🤍

12 2
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18070061936576526
I slowed down for a couple of weeks. I took a pause. Not to disappear, but to listen. I spent time reading, sitting with quiet, doing a puzzle. Learning again that beginnings are often the hardest part, and that one small piece can open the way forward. It felt a lot like motherhood. And a lot like running a business. This is why I photograph. To honour the slow, imperfect becoming. I am here again, with intention. 🤍

As Christmas gets closer, so much of our energy goes outward. Thinking of others, choosing gifts, holding everything together.

But when do we choose ourselves?

A portrait can be an act of self-love.
A pause.
A moment of being seen, not for who you are to everyone else, but for who you are right now.

This season, amongst all the giving, I’m gently asking:
When was the last time you chose you?

19 2
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18061869527644155
As Christmas gets closer, so much of our energy goes outward. Thinking of others, choosing gifts, holding everything together. But when do we choose ourselves? A portrait can be an act of self-love.
A pause.
A moment of being seen, not for who you are to everyone else, but for who you are right now. This season, amongst all the giving, I’m gently asking:
When was the last time you chose you?
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VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Richmond, I work with families across London to capture life’s most meaningful milestones through portrait photography.