Christmas Portraits 2024 are coming!
I am thrilled to announce that the Christmas Portraits are almost ready for release. It's hard to believe that I have been welcoming families into my studio for over 12 years now! Each year is a little different from the last so whether you are a repeat client or a new client, this blog will give a rundown on what you can expect and how to book a session so you don’t miss out.
This years set isn’t too different from last years with a few changes. As always the overall set is quite neutral which tends to work beautifully with all styles but this year there is a pop of champagne and peachy pinks to add some depth to the white Christmas look. I also have another setup that is more simple with our newest addition, a beautiful rattan bed. This has the versatility to keep simple with whites or add in a few cushions with some red for those who want a pop of colour.
My past clients would know that my set is a REAL set, not a backdrop like many photographers do. I find this way, we can get lots of different looks and generally, kids don’t get too bored too quickly as there are lots to look at. Yes some things are breakable but generally I try to keep these things out of reach of little ones with items that can be touched within arm’s reach.
Dates
Bookings will be opening in the coming days with sessions kicking off at the end of October/early November and as always will run through the month of November. The final weeks in November, I will be allocating some dates for pet portraits for those who want to bring along their fur babies.
Pet sessions will see a few small changes to the set to make sure it’s a little more pet-friendly and also, my white chaise will most likely be removed. So this means pet sessions will be toward the end of November. They can also be booked for those without pets if the dates work better for you, however please bear in mind that we do not have time between sets to clean so you can expect some dog fur. So if you suffer allergies, this won’t be ideal. If you have young ones, booking the first time slot of the day (usually 9am will ensure it is freshly cleaned.) But again, the set will look a little different for Pet Sessions.
If you are new to booking reading over this information will make it much easier when times are released as past clients would know, weekend spots go extremely fast.
So being ready to grab a spot if you need a weekend is super important. But as always, I recommend looking at what day works best for your children. When are they the happiest? When are they the most tired? Not that this is always easy to predict, some younger ones are much easier to gauge and book for. And many clients bring their school age children to a weekday session before school and take them in straight after. So just think about what will work best to get the best images of your children.
So please DO NOT leave it to the last minute to book. This happens every year, and every year I end up with upset clients who missed them. If dates fill or you cannot see a date that works for you please contact me ASAP and I can let you know if I may be able to cater a requested date. This generally applies to weekdays, not weekends. But I can also put you on the weekend wait list (in case we have a last-minute reschedule (due to illness).
Those who book a VIP session will have more dates available as these can be made by appointment and can include more weekend dates.
Sessions have remained the same pricing for this year again. With weekends being a little more but come with a credit for use at the time of viewing. VIP sessions are available again and these can be made by appointment with some extra weekend dates available just for VIP sessions. So if nothing works on the calender and you are wanting to book a VIP session please contact me directly.
With Pet Sessions being the same as pervious years at $245. All prices include GST.
Session Price $195
What’s Included?
Christmas-themed studio session
3 Digital images of your choice
Immediate family members can be included, including parents and their children, up to 6 people (for those with more than four children this can be done but I ask that you get in contact first)
15-20 minute Fully Guided Portrait Session
30-minute Same Day Image Viewing where you finalise your order and select images
Professional Retouching of final images selected, delivered via an online gallery ready to download
Please note - Weekend Appointments will have a minimum upgrade amount of $100
To Book a Weekend PLEASE ensure that you click on the weekend session type for $295.
Prices are inclusive of GST
Additional images and products will be available to either pre purchase
or purchase on the day. As always, no late orders will be taken. However we will be introducing a trial layby system this year.
How Do You Book?
On the day of bookings opening, you will be able to book via an online Booking Calendar. This is a new one this year that will automatically link to my client portal so should make everything a little smoother. It will have all the details needed in the blog post with the Booking Calendar at the bottom of the page. Then these simple steps will see you booked -
Select your session type (either weekend spot or standard spot), For VIP you can use the calender by clicking on the VIP option, however, please contact to request specific dates/times.
Days and Times will show up as to what is open and available (if a time vanishes, this means that someone else has booked it). Later dates will be added however as always, I see how things are progressing before adding extra dates in.
Select the date and time that works best for you and follow the prompts to pay your deposit
You will receive an email confirming your booking.
Troubleshooting - If you have any issues with seeing the booking calendar be sure to try a different device/browser.
To secure your spot, you will be required to pay $95 booking fee either through Paypal OR Bank Transfer. Bank Transfer needs to be done immediately. If not, after 48 hours your booking will lapse. As always, booking fees are non-refundable. A booking calendar will pop up when dates have opened. The link will be found here on our blog, on our socials and also on our Special Events Page.
The remaining money is due either 48 hours prior to your session date via bank transfer (so it has time to clear) or can be paid on arrival at the studio if you take cash. Cards can be used for upgrades at your viewing however we do not have time to check bank statements or pay with card prior to your session time. Sessions will not take place without full payment.
Like always, sessions run on a tight timeframe so being on time is a must. We do not allow extra time for latecomers as sessions are usually back-to-back. If you are more than 5 minutes late, you will forfeit your session fee.
What Happens the Days Following Making Your Booking
This year, when you receive your contract and or invoice, you will automatically gain access to your own Client Portal where you will find all the guides and information you need for your session.With the option to pay via paypal or bank transfer. Please note if you pay via bank transfer, this will need to be paid straight away to confirm your spot or your session will be cancelled at the 48 hour mark. Please send a copy of the transfer to me so I can mark it off as paid.
The guides will have all the details that you will need to know for the day of your session. Including a full breakdown of pricing, upgrade pricing and pre-purchase packages that are only available before your session. The prep guide will cover where to go, parking, and a breakdown of your session including what to wear guide etc. And a viewing and post-session guide that will go over how viewings take place and also have the information for delivery of images and upgrade pricing options.
It is important to read these early on in case you have any questions at all or would like to set up a prepayment plan for a pre-purchase package. Our packages are available for pre-purchase only. Individual products etc can be purchased on the day.
IMPORTANT - You will receive email reminders on the lead up, again be sure to check junk folders or add us as a VIP. Please know that we do not follow up with every client with text to confirm they have seen emails. We assume that you have received them so if you aren’t receiving them and have looked in all hidden folders please let us know ASAP in case you have added your email incorrectly at the time of booking. This also includes when digital galleries are sent out.
Please note: We do not have time to check emails or take calls on shooting days so it is extremely important that you read over all information when you receive it as we are unable to answer last-minute questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase more on the day?
Yes as always additional purchases can be made on the day. This includes digital images and or professional products. We also offer bonuses for those who upgrade before the day. All information and a full rundown on upgrades available etc will be in your Pricing and Prep guides which are accessible after you have booked. This year we will have a new option of a direct debit layby system for upgrades made on the day.
What Products will be available to order?
We have a beautiful range of products available to order on the day. These range from professional prints and framed images to our Christmas range, including ornaments & calendars. We have some packages also available but they are pre-purchase only. All information will be available in the pricing guide.
Will Products be ready for Christmas?
For those wanting products to use as Christmas gifts it is recommended you select an early date to allow time for it to arrive. As the majority of our products are hand-crafted In the Eastern states we need to allow time for production and delivery so the earlier the better as November and December are the busiest times for both suppliers and couriers. We do everything in our power to have them here however as everyone would know, shipping on the lead up to Christmas can sometimes be unpredictable.
Do I have to do my Viewing on the Day?
Yes, All viewings are done on the day of your session. I have swapped to this method in past years and it has worked much better. Not only does it allow you see your images straight away, it allows a quicker turnaround meaning you have your images sooner.
Viewings are done in our office by either one of our Team members (assistants) or during the week generally I do the viewings after your shoot as I can allow extra time to do so.
I Need To Reschedule, what do I do?
If your session is still weeks away, rescheduling can easily be done via your booking email.
However, we ask that you ONLY reschedule if you really have no other option especially if it is a day like a weekend that we generally have assistants in for. If it is within 72 hours of your session, we end up having spots go unfilled in which case we would not be able to transfer the deposit to another day. We obviously always try to fill spots to avoid this but I have to cover my assistants regardless.
But I also don’t want you bringing in sick children, obviously sick usually means grumpy so it is less than ideal and although I love my clients I don’t love germ-sharing ;) So I always try to do the best thing for all parties involved. I ask that as soon as you know that you will not be able to make it, that you contact us ASAP via text and email (number is in guides). You do also have the option to find a friend to fill your spot for last minute reschedules.
This is another reason why it is best to book earlier spots where possible. On the off chance your children come down with something, if it is at the very end sessions may close before you can reschedule. So it just allows some breathing space.
I would Like photos of all my nieces and nephews together, Can I do this?
An extended family portrait from past years.
I get it, cousin photos make the perfect gift for Grandparents, however Extended families (multiple cousins etc) cannot be booked for one time slot AND OR without speaking to me first. If you would really like cousin photos, you need to get in contact before booking. I take into account a lot of factors before deciding such as age of the children, how many children there are etc.
As most people know, cousins together usually means lots of excitement so when there are lots of toddlers involved it generally will not work. However I have done them and once I know the ages etc I can recommend if I can cater for you and your family or not. This generally means booking back to back time slots for each family and we combine some time for shooting together. This cannot be done on our weekend time slots.
How Do I Receive my Images?
Digital Images are sent out within 10 days of your session, sometimes a lot sooner for smaller galleries. You will receive an email with a link to download your images directly. This year this will be available via your client portal.
Cannot wait to see you all again this year!
Kristy xx
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Join Our VIP list Below
You will receive an email prior to it going public. Please check junk folders as most email providers treat us as spam/junk. Please note, we only contact our VIP a few times throughout the year so not weekly spammy emails.