On November 25, I photographed my first ever Christmas mini sessions, and I couldn’t have asked for a better start to this new tradition. Instead of a classic indoor holiday setup, I brought the Christmas spirit to the sand and sea. I set up a Christmas tree, a blanket, and a few neutral wrapped presents, which were really just the boxes my parents had been saving for me over the past month. It created a simple and cozy backdrop that blended beautifully with the beach.
Four families joined me that morning, and knowing they trusted my vision meant everything. My first session began at 9 a.m., and the next two followed almost immediately. The quick pace kept the energy high, and each family brought something unique to the experience.
The weather surprised us by being much warmer than expected. My wonderful assistant, also known as my mom, made a quick run to the village for water bottles and tourist T-shirts so we could ditch our fleece lined sweatshirts in the 78 degree heat. Little moments like that always seem to become part of the story behind the photos.
These sessions were also my first using my upgraded Canon R6 Mark II with a 24 to 70 mm lens. I noticed the difference right away and loved how it handled everything from posed moments to spontaneous laughs. The setup photographed beautifully, and after each mini session, I took families down by the water for a few candid shots that can be enjoyed long after the holiday season.
The day was full of laughter, easy conversations, and even a bit of running through hoards of seagulls. By the time I packed up, I was already excited to get home and start working on each gallery. Days like this remind me why I love what I do: creating a space where families can relax, have fun, and walk away with memories that feel genuine and warm.