Family Christmas Photographer - Alice Christmas Mini Photo Sessions near Long Grove IL

As soon as you know you want one! Our Santa sessions and prime holiday weekends are the first to go, followed by indoor studio minis, and then our outdoor slots. If you’re a planner, grab your date early. If you’re last-minute, it’s always worth checking – I often open an extra block of sessions when demand is high.

• Indoor Christmas Mini Sessions: Held at my cozy photography studio, located just minutes from Long Grove. It’s warm, weather-proof, and perfect for little ones.
• Outdoor Christmas Mini Sessions: We’ll find the best spots in local Long Grove parks, complete with evergreens and cozy blankets. We aim for that soft, golden hour light when possible.
• Santa Photoshoot: A short, calm, and private visit with Santa focused on genuine connection (perfect for shy or sensitive kids!). Fewer poses, more real holiday magic.

Our mini sessions are a brisk 15-20 minutes. We work efficiently to capture family portraits, sibling shots, and quick individual photos if time allows. You’ll receive a proof gallery in a few days to choose your favorite images. Simple, quick, and beautiful.

Comfortable and coordinated is the goal—not perfectly matching. Neutrals paired with seasonal tones like cream, pine green, cranberry, or denim look beautiful against our Illinois landscapes. Please avoid large logos or neon colors. Feel free to text me your outfit ideas a couple of days before; I’m happy to give quick feedback so you feel confident!

Absolutely! Grandparents are always welcome. For pets, just give me a heads-up so I can prep accordingly (treats and lint rollers at the ready!).

Our mini sessions are designed for immediate families (parents and their children). If you want to include grandparents, cousins, or multiple family groups, please book two consecutive time slots. This ensures we have ample time to capture everyone without feeling rushed.

You’re in good hands. I use gentle prompts and fun, tiny games to help kids relax and be themselves. We move fast, keep it light, and can shift gears in an instant. Wiggles are normal, and the real smiles always follow.

This is Illinois, so we watch the weather closely! If it’s pouring rain or dangerously cold, we will reschedule. If there’s a chance for a gorgeous, gentle snowfall, we’ll decide together the day before. If a spot is available, we can also move your session to my nearby studio.

Please, please reschedule if someone is sick. Your family’s health comes first. I always keep a few hold-back slots open for unexpected family illnesses because… life happens. We will find a new time that works.

It’s always a good idea to have snacks, wipes, a hairbrush, and a favorite tiny bribe (stickers or mini marshmallows work wonders!). I’ll have tissues, spare hair ties, and a lint roller on hand.

A proof gallery will land in your inbox within 3-5 days of your session. After you select your favorites, your final, fully edited images will be delivered digitally shortly after, typically within a week.

Of course! Your online gallery is connected to a professional print lab, making it easy to order holiday cards, wall art, and gift prints. I’m happy to help with recommendations if you’re not sure what to choose.

To keep the magic moving, we stick to one outfit for a standard mini session. Quick accessory swaps (like adding a hat, scarf, or bow) are always fine! If you’d like to do a full outfit change, please book a longer session or two back-to-back mini slots.

All your chosen images include professional, natural retouching. This covers small blemishes, flyaway hairs, or minor distractions in the background. More complex edits (like object removal) are available for an additional fee.