If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in and out of a holiday photoshoot in less time than it takes to make your coffee, welcome to the magic of studio holiday mini sessions. In 2024, we kept things short, sweet, and full of holiday cheer—no snow boots required.
Held on select weekdays in November and December at my Northeast Minneapolis studio, these quick 10-minute sessions were designed to give families festive, professional images without adding stress to an already busy season. With three collection options available, you could choose exactly how you wanted to enjoy your images—whether that meant a few favorite shots for cards or a gallery to deck the halls at home.
Where it all happened
All minis took place in my light-filled studio in Northeast Minneapolis. The space has two distinct looks: a bright white side and a lime-washed blue wall side. Both are clean, modern, and intentionally minimal so the focus stays on people (and personalities), not props. We used both sides for variety and kept the color palette simple—soft whites, winter greens, and textures you can practically feel.
What the 2024 sets actually looked like
Families showed up looking amazing, kids brought their sparkle, and the sets were ready for them. Let’s take a look.
The Giant Wreath (with its very big bow)
The signature look in 2024 was a frosted oversized wreath with a large white bow. On the white wall, it read classic and airy; on the blue wall, it felt a touch moodier (still bright, still clean). Families stood, snuggled, and sat in front of it; little ones loved perching on the rocking horse while the big kids tossed faux “gifts” in the air. It’s the most “holiday” of the sets without locking you into one color scheme—neutrals, jewel tones, and soft pastels all worked.
The Flocked Tree Forest
I created a small “forest” of frosted trees, layered with warm white lights, grounded by chunky knit throws, and dotted with neutral-wrapped packages. Kids decorated, counted lights, and (inevitably) rearranged ornaments. Parents flanked them or crouched in for a few cozy frames. It gave us that wintry, outdoorsy feel—minus actual frostbite. If you were hunting for a playful backdrop with movement, this was it.
The Minimal Stockings Wall
Not into trees? The stockings-on-white wall was a favorite for families who like their holiday photos crisp and simple. Creamy knit stockings with subtle ribbons made a quiet statement and paired especially well with earth tones and classic black-and-white outfits. It’s the “clean card” look you can use for years.
The Sofa Moments
We alternated between a tufted vintage loveseat (hello, blue wall) and a simple cream sofa (on the white side) for seated portraits—perfect for cuddly shots with babies, nursing breaks that turned into beautiful photos, and camera-shy toddlers who do best while snuggled up. The sofa sets were also great for quick “everyone together” frames before we let kids hop back to the rocking horse.
Props that actually helped (and didn’t steal the show)
A white wooden rocking horse kept little legs busy and smiles natural. A vintage-style white toy truck (with tiny lit trees in the back) won “most popular with toddlers” by a landslide. We also used wrapped gifts as light-duty props for sitting, stacking, and dramatic “pretend tossing” (10/10 recommend). Everything stayed neutral and textural—nothing neon, nothing distracting.
Session structure: short, sweet, strategic
- Weekdays only. Minis ran on select weekdays in November and December. No weekend availability—those dates are for longer sessions and a little thing called “family life.”
- 10 minutes per family. That’s the sweet spot: enough time for a full set of keepers, not long enough for the wheels to come off the bus.
- Three collections. After your session, you chose the collection that fit best—whether that was “a few favorites for cards” or “give me the whole gallery, please.”
- Wardrobe note. Minis do not include studio wardrobe access. If you want full styling support and access to my curated closet, book a Signature or Petite session.
What to wear (since wardrobe isn’t included for minis)
Here’s what worked beautifully with the 2024 sets (and will still look great next year):
- Think texture, not logos. Knits, ribbed sweaters, corduroy, tulle, and quilted fabrics pop against both the white wall and the blue wall.
- Color palette that loves the sets: cream, oatmeal, camel, soft gray, forest green, wine, navy, muted pastels. If you like black, pair it with a little texture or sheen so it doesn’t read flat.
- Coordinate, don’t clone. Choose 2–3 tones and mix them intentionally. If everyone wears the exact same sweater, it starts giving “family band.”
- Shoes count. Keep them neutral or classic. Bare feet are great for sofa shots with littles.
- Babies: simple one-piece outfits or knit sets photograph best. If your baby hates headbands, skip them. Holiday joy > adjusting accessories every 12 seconds. Also headbands should be smaller than your child’s head. Do not dress your baby as a grown up.
Why families kept coming back
- It’s fast. Ten minutes is magically kid-approved.
- It’s indoors. Zero layers to peel off, zero mittens to track, zero threats from the forecast.
- It’s reliable. Controlled lighting means everyone’s skin tone looks true and consistent, and we can move quickly between looks without setup delays.
- It’s flexible. Want clean and classic? Stockings wall or sofa. Want festive? Wreath and trees. Want both? We can do that in one mini—yes, really.
A peek at the flow
You arrived five minutes early, everyone came in ready to go, and we started with the set that best fit your crew. If you had a toddler, we usually opened with the rocking horse (buy-in is everything). If you had a baby, we began seated on the sofa or loveseat. Then we rotated through one more set—often wreath or trees—and wrapped with a few quick combinations so you left with variety: whole family, siblings, and one great parents-only photo (you’re welcome).
Who minis are perfect for (and when to choose a longer session)
Minis are great for families who want:
- One polished card image plus a handful for gifts and frames
- A simple, stress-free update (especially with young kids)
- A consistent, seasonal look they can repeat annually
Choose a Signature or Petite if you want:
- Wardrobe access and full styling support
- Weekend scheduling
- More time for multiple outfits, extended family, or lots of individual portraits
FAQ: Studio Holiday Mini Sessions
1) When do studio holiday mini sessions happen and how fast are images delivered?
Minis run on weekday dates in November and December. Each appointment is 10 minutes, and galleries are typically ready within 2–3 weeks—fast enough for cards, gifts, and end-of-year sharing. If you’re aiming for an early-December mail-out, grab an earlier November spot and you’ll be golden.
2) What should we wear if wardrobe isn’t included?
Keep it simple: neutrals and rich seasonal tones (cream, camel, forest, navy, wine) with at least one textured piece per person. Avoid neon and large logos. Coordinate instead of matching exactly. If you’re bringing a baby, prioritize comfort and fit over extras—clean lines photograph best. Want styling help? Book a Signature or Petite session for full wardrobe access and guidance.
3) Are minis right for my family (ages, number of people, attention spans)?
Minis are designed for immediate families and work beautifully with babies, toddlers, and school-age kids. We can absolutely include one cuddly newborn in parents’ arms. If you’re hoping to add grandparents, cousins, or multiple outfit changes, a longer session will serve you better. If you are bringing a newborn please be sure to feed BEFORE your session otherwise your holiday card will be you feeding your baby. These are 10 minute sessions, there are other people after you. Plan accordingly.
Looking ahead
The 2024 studio holiday mini sessions proved that simple sets + great light + ten focused minutes is a winning combo. If you’re already picturing your crew in front of that giant wreath or the flocked tree forest, you’re not alone—these dates go quickly every year, especially without weekend spots.
Want first dibs next season? Join the interest list, watch for the booking announcement, and be ready to snag a weekday time that works. If you prefer wardrobe access, weekend scheduling, or a more customized plan, book a Signature or Petite session instead—same studio, more time and options.
Either way, your future self will thank you when the holiday card is done before your cocoa cools.
Michele is the photographer behind MQN Photography, based in Northeast Minneapolis. Known for creating images that are classic, genuine, and just the right amount of fun, she’s been helping families capture the season without the stress for over 15 years. Her studio holiday mini sessions are a local favorite—fast, festive, and perfectly timed to fit into even the busiest December schedule. When she’s not in the studio making kids laugh or making sure no one’s collar is crooked, you can find her enjoying life in the Twin Cities suburbs with her family and dog.
Michele Quattrin of mQn Photography is a Minneapolis family photographer who documents motherhood, babies, and families with a timeless, honest style. With 15 years of experience and a background in photojournalism, she is especially drawn to the real moments that make early newborn sessions so meaningful. Her approach is gentle, polished, and natural, which makes her a great fit for Fresh 48 photography at hospitals like The Mother Baby Center at Children’s Minneapolis. Michele serves families across Minneapolis, Edina, and the Twin Cities, creating images that feel both heartfelt and refined.
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I’m Michele, the artist behind MQN Photography. I photograph growing families with beautiful light and a full-service experience.
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