So my little company has been running for 8 years this year and I think I have been in denial about preparing early, sourcing props and compiling marketing material, especially for Christmas Portraits. Then Karen joined me….. she has been with me for 3 1/2 years now and she is totally my girl Friday. Not just because she works on a Friday but she literally is my right hand woman. She remembers everything and is totally on it when it comes to what I have to do and when.
So I love Christmas, don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas in December. However, when you own your own business you have to start thinking about seasonal events at least six months is advance. So bluebell mini session at Christmas, Autumn at Easter and Christmas back in July! It can get a little much as I don’t want to be thinking about Christmas in July!!!!
However, Karen is Mrs Christmas herself, so this does help a little when it comes to preparing early or giving me a nudge in the right direction. I am more of the Christmas Grinch when it come to preparing for Christmas in July….It is the summer for goodness sake. Karen on the other hand would have Christmas 365 days a year in my studio if I let her!
So I begrudgingly plan my Christmas sessions every year, always leaving it too late and getting slightly panicky. Then somehow, over the last three years Karen has managed to bring my planning forward little by little so that this year for the first time I felt totally in control of my Christmas sessions. No more panic internet searching for the right prop, hastily sending out emails and adverts at the last minute! There is always the hours spent searching on the internet for the perfect prop, but this year I had time.
Let me tell you it feels good!
Preparation
I had already decided on one set up, during Christmas 2018! After a trip to a near by village I had seen some white twig trees and I knew that was what I wanted. I found a supplier, book marked them and mentally nailed all the other details of my winter wonderland set up. Now it was just my second set up. I knew I wanted to keep it simple but let me tell you I am fussy and very particular. Hours were spent searching for the perfect wreath but this year it was totally fine. I had time, no stress and I found it.
I love it so much I can’t wait to hang it on the outside of my studio. When the official Christmas decorations go up that is! I would love to put it on my front door but it is huge and I don’t think we would be able to get into the house!
Christmas set up and a model call
Now all I needed was a few models to show prospective clients what everything would look like finished and I would be ready. My little models this year were amazing, as you can see, and they were all gifted images as a thank you for coming in to help me on the day.
Christmas Mini Sessions 2019
These took place a few weeks ago and it was such a great day, Karen wore her Christmas jumper and socks and I wore….my normal traditional black!! Karen did however buy me a Christmas turkey sandwich to get me in the mood!!!! We had a day of snowball fights, sleigh riding, tree decorating, present stacking…and in a few cases knocking them over! Jingling bells and lots of fun.
I think, although don’t tell Karen, that her influence is rubbing off on me. Christmas in July…I am all for it!
Missed out….
Don’t worry, I have had a few clients who were unable to attend on the day so I am having another day of Christmas Portraits on the 29th November. Still in plenty of time to capture some great images. To use, not only on Christmas cards but to give other photographic gifts to friends and family. If you would like to book in, just click on the link below and it will take you through to the available booking slots. I look forward to seeing you for more fun and festivities. Here is a little video to give you a taste of what you can expect.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
Christmas Portraits with Samphire Photography BOOK NOW for Friday 29th November LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE
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