Holiday Mini Sessions
Our Holiday Mini sessions are the perfect way to get a few updated family pictures to share with friends and family during the holiday season. These are fun but fast-paced days, so to ensure a smooth day, we have all the information you need on how the day goes right here!
NEW LOCATION!
Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Mahwah, NJ
Rain Date: Saturday, November 14th
9:00 am - 11:00 am
1:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Please read all the information below, even if you have participated in our Holiday Mini Sessions previously, as some things may have changed. Let us know if you have any questions!
Location Information
Our Holiday Mini Sessions will take place at Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Mahwah, NJ (608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ).
Q: Will there be an entrance fee?
A: There is no entrance fee to the park.
Q: Where in the park will you be?
A: Follow the purple markings for where to meet us. When you get to the park, follow the main path over a bridge. Just after the bridge, the path will split - stay to the right. Follow that path (the pond should be to your left and the creek to your right). Once you reach a section of evergreen trees, you should find our team. In your reminder emails the week leading up to your session, there will be more specific information on where and how to find the volunteers that can help you find us. It is about a 6-minute walk from the parking lot, partially on unpaved walkways, so please plan your footwear accordingly. See the pictures below:
Q: If I get lost, can I call you?
A: In your reminder email that you will receive the day before the session, we will send the text number to contact our assistants if you need help finding us. Please note that during the booking process, you will be asked if we can text you updates. If you select "no" and then text that number the day of, then your texting response will be changed to "yes".
Q: Can I bring props?
A: Of course! If there is something special you would like to include in your portraits, please feel free to bring it. We will have some prop choices available during the event, but they will be limited and will be shared among mini-sessions. We frequently try to incorporate some seated poses into your mini session, so if you will be wearing clothing that you are concerned will get dirty, we suggest you bring a blanket that matches your wardrobe color scheme.
Q: Can we bring pets?
A: Yes! Pets are allowed at Ramapo Valley County Reservation but must remain on leash and be cleaned up after.
Process Upon Arrival
When you arrive at the park, you will find our volunteers who will check you in. Your reminder emails the week of your session will have more information on where to find them. They will welcome you to our event, help you find your photographer, and pick out any props or blankets if desired. Because of this, we ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your time slot.
Please make sure you have fully processed the quote that you filled out online, or you will not be considered registered, and your slot can be given away to those on the waiting list. You will receive a confirmation email when it is completed.
Late Arrivals
Due to the nature of the short 15-minute mini-sessions, we will not be able to accommodate extending sessions due to late arrival. If you arrive late, photos will only be taken for as long as is remaining in your time slot. Regardless of what time the session starts, there will be no refunds.
Payment Information
Final payments must be made by the balance due date. We will not be receiving payments on the day of the Mini Sessions.
Q: What is included in my session fee?
A: Like other sessions and events, your mini-session includes an online gallery, post-processing, and a 10% off coupon. Digital Files are purchased separately through your gallery.
Q: My plans suddenly changed. Can I get my money back or reschedule the mini-session?
A: Unless we need to use the rain date, no other dates for the mini-sessions will be added because this is our busiest time of the year. We hope that you understand! Deposits will not be refunded. Please see your contract for more information.
Post-Portrait Process and Ordering Information
Once all the images are edited (approximately 2 weeks unless the Rush Order option was added), they will be uploaded to an online gallery on our website and you will receive an email letting you know your photos are ready. An unlimited use coupon code for 10% off good for 1 month from the date the gallery is posted will be included in this email.
Q: Can I get a rush order to receive my photos faster?
A: Yes! You will have the option in your quote process to add on a "rush order" request for $150 per 15-minute slot to receive your edited photos within 3-5 days.
Q: How can I buy digital files?
A: There are several options for purchasing files directly through your online gallery. Individual files are $20 each; 3 for $30, 5 for $40, 10 for $65, 15 for $90, and 20 for $120.
Q: What are the price ranges for purchasing prints?
A: Prints: 4x6 - $3; 5x7 - $5: 8x10 - $8; 11x14 - $25
These are just a small sample of print sizes and products available. Canvas prints, metal prints, and books are also available. Ask for more information!
Q: How many photos will we get?
A: It depends on the people in your session, but you could end up with anywhere between 15-50 photos. The number will be lower if your young ones are having a rough day and acting up. If they're having a great day and are active and smiling, we may get a lot more shots out of them. If your group is small and is mostly adults, you will probably have a somewhat lower number (as we won't have to take 20 pictures per pose to make sure no one is making googly eyes or pouting).
Q: How long will it take for the pictures to be ready?
A: It depends on where you are in the day's schedule. Photos will be processed chronologically. Due to the nature of the late scheduling, we will not be doing sneak peeks but instead will be focusing on getting your orders done as soon as we can.
Q: What does "Process" mean?
A: Processing or post-processing your images means we go through and fine-tune each image so it's the final work of art you would like hanging up in your home. It may include some light retouching (removal of temporary blemishes like scratches or acne), and sometimes conversion to black and white or other special color processing. This is what separates the art of photography from snapshots.
What to Wear
Colors - Gone are the days of matching attire for family portraits! These photo sessions should be about expressing your personalities, not making you look like a sports team. Choose a few colors that work together and have everyone dress in those shades. When choosing colors, try to think about what the pictures will be used for. A print hanging on your living room wall? Make sure your wardrobe colors flow with the colors in your living room.
Clothes, Accessories and Shoes - Choose a top with sleeves at least down to your elbows. Exposed arms
create an uneven balance of skin compared to the face, and most people do not like the way their upper arms photograph. If you are looking to draw attention away from your hips, stay away from pockets and other details on hips. To give the illusion of a more defined waist, choose clothes with gathering at the waist or accessorize with a high-waist belt. If you want to include a "statement" piece to accessorize with, only choose one. Ladies if you have a killer pair of heels you want to show off, bring them! But remember our location is in an outdoor park, so bring a backup pair of shoes to change into between poses. Gents, make sure socks match pants and that your shoes are clean. Avoid white sneakers! They're incredibly distracting in a portrait. Kids should look like kids. Dress them in age appropriate clothes that match the color scheme and tone of the rest of the family. Make sure shoes are clean and if appropriate, shined. Accessories follow that of ladies and gents.
Jewelry - Like accessories, picking a statement piece is good, but don't go overboard. If you have wedding or engagement rings, make sure they're cleaned for any possible close-ups. For kids, keep accessories minimal and "real" as much as possible. If your little princess refuses to leave the house without her bright pink plastic pearls, go with the flow and limit any other accessories. It will be a precious reminder of this time in her childhood and will be better than a pouting princess!
Nails & Hands - Make sure nails are trimmed and clean, either entirely unpolished or freshly painted. Having problems with old polish staining your nails? Try a little whitening toothpaste to help remove stains.
Hair - Wear your hair the way you normally would with the clothes you picked out to wear. For kids, pick simple styles that will last through the kids playing. Avoid tight ponytails, which could create a "balding" effect in the images.
Makeup - It should be slightly bolder than your everyday look, with definition on the eyes, cheeks and lips. Stay away from the "smoky eye look" which can make eyes appear sunken. To prevent dark circles under your eyes, apply a small amount of concealer that matches your skin tone under your eyes.
Bad Weather
Bad weather happens unfortunately -- so we need to have plans in the off chance we might have an unfavorable day for taking pictures!
If we are forecast for a high percentage of steady rain or thunderstorms, we may postpone to the rain date and you will be notified within a couple of days of the event.
If we are forecast for "iffy" weather (scattered thunderstorms, low percentages of rain, misty/foggy weather) we will still try to run the event. We will not shoot if thunder is audible, however. If your session gets passed due to waiting out a scattered storm, then we will reschedule you for the rain date.
If we have to postpone to use the rain date you will be notified no later than the day before the event. If you do not receive an email from us, then we will still be running the event.
Hopefully, none of this will matter and we will have a bright sunny day! Everyone think good thoughts!