Orange County Christmas mini sessions are here! It is the perfect time to capture the family together and the kids that are growing so fast. Hey, if you don’t know me yet, I’m Amy, a family photographer who has been photographing Orange County families since 2011 (and a mom of two myself), so I know firsthand that a short, relaxed session is the sweet spot for little ones and for the grown-ups who would rather be anywhere other than in front of a camera.

Who Orange County Christmas Mini Sessions Are For

Mini sessions are perfect for families who want updated photos without committing to a full session. They work beautifully for toddlers and babies, since short and sweet is always best, and they give you gorgeous images for holiday cards, gifts for the grandparents, and your own walls.

One mom put it best after her session:

“The whole experience with Amy was super comfortable and easy. It only took 20 minutes, which is the most my kids (or husband, let’s be real) will tolerate.”

Kyra Anne

Holiday Session Settings

Each season I offer a few different settings for Orange County Christmas mini sessions so you can choose the look that fits your family. Current options and availability are always listed on my holiday mini sessions page.

The Festive Studio in Huntington Beach

My cozy studio setup features a beautiful tree and present installation in warm neutral tones. It feels like Christmas morning, minus the wrapping paper chaos, and the weather never gets a vote.

The Redwood Forest in Yorba Linda

Towering trees and soft filtered light create a magical, woodsy backdrop that feels a world away from the beach. This one is popular with families who want to bring their pup, since dogs are welcome here.

The Non-Holiday Studio in Huntington Beach

Prefer something you can frame all year long? This styled studio space can also easily be shot without the holiday vibes, which makes it a great option for timeless family portraits.

Sessions include up to 5 family members, with a small fee for each additional person.

How It Works

1. Request your session. Choose your setting on my holiday mini sessions page and send your request. Your spot is officially reserved once the session fee is paid.
2. Enjoy a relaxed session. I’ll guide your family through easy, playful prompts so the photos feel like you. Plan on 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the setting.
3. View your gallery. Your gallery arrives within two weeks of your session.
4. Choose your favorites. Pick the collection that fits how many images you love. Every collection includes artwork credit, which you can think of as free money in the gallery store for holiday cards, prints, albums, or ornaments.

What to Wear for Christmas Photos

Start with one person’s outfit, usually Mom’s, and build everyone else around it using two or three coordinating colors. Creams, soft greens, deep reds, and warm tans photograph beautifully in both the studio and the forest. Cozy textures like knits and velvet add warmth, while big logos and neon colors tend to steal the show from your faces. Little ones are happiest in comfortable outfits they can move in, so save the scratchy tights for another day.

When to Book

Orange County Christmas mini sessions fill quickly once the holiday season arrives. If you’re dreaming of having photos on your holiday cards, aim to have your session finished by mid-November. That leaves time for your gallery to arrive, for you to choose your favorites, and for cards to print and ship. Requesting early gives you the best choice of dates and times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Orange County Christmas mini sessions take place? In a cozy studio in Lake Forest or Laguna Niguel and at a redwood forest in Yorba Linda.

Can we bring our dog? Dogs are welcome at the Redwood Forest location. The Huntington Beach studio sessions are for humans only.

How many people can be in the session? Sessions include up to 5 family members. Larger groups are welcome for a small fee per additional person.

Are digital images included in the session fee? The session fee covers planning, permits, my time photographing your family, and reserving your spot. Digital images and artwork are chosen afterward through a collection.

Do you offer full family sessions too? Yes! If you want more variety, more time, or a location of your choosing, a full family session might be the perfect fit.

Ready for Your Holiday Photos?

The holidays move fast, and the little moments move even faster. Let’s capture this season together with one of my Orange County Christmas mini sessions. so you have something beautiful to hold on to for years to come. You can see more recent work and a few holiday sessions over on my Instagram. Or you can book directly at the link below. 

Learn more and schedule here