How to Prepare for Your Christmas Session

Thank you for booking with Alena Yarmolik Photography! Here are a few simple tips to help you look and feel your best.


Before you arrive

  • Please arrive 5 minutes early so we can start right on time.
  • Iron all clothing the day before. Wrinkles show on camera.
  • Do your makeup and hair before the session.
  • Gentlemen: a fresh haircut a few days before, and a fresh shave or a neatly trimmed beard.
  • Kids: simple hairstyles like ponytails, braids, bows or neatly combed hair.
  • Don't forget shoes and socks. Feet are often in the frame. Choose socks that match the color of your pants.


What to wear for each backdrop

Olive backdrop: cream, ivory, beige, camel, warm brown; burgundy or deep red as an accent; knits, wool and soft textures. Avoid green and olive tones (they blend into the background). Sparkle: gold or black sequins look beautiful here.


Red backdrop: white, cream, ivory; gray, black; gold or silver details. Red and deep green look beautiful here too, just not on everyone: let one or two people wear them and keep the rest in neutrals. A red dress is stunning for solo portraits. Sparkle: gold or black sequins look beautiful here.


White backdrop: deep green and red look especially beautiful here. For a clean, minimal look, cream, ivory, beige, camel and denim work great too. We can also add red décor to make it more festive. Sparkle: gold or black sequins look beautiful here.


General tips

  • Choose 2–3 colors for the whole family that go together without matching exactly.
  • Prints work great in small doses: plaid (especially red plaid), reindeer or a Nordic sweater. One or two family members in a print is plenty, and everyone else can wear solid colors.
  • Avoid big logos, writing and busy small prints.
  • Comfort matters, especially for kids. Happy kids make the best photos!
  • A little tip from me as a photographer: Moms, pick your own outfit first. Once yours is chosen, it's much easier to build everyone else's look around it. Lay all the outfits out on the bed together so you can see how they work as a family.
  • Christmas pajamas, cute socks or a festive hat are welcome extras.


Questions? Email me at alena@yarmolik.com. See you soon!

Family portrait collage with olive green, red, and white backdrops showing parents and children in festive holiday studio photoshoots.