Every year, as the holidays start creeping closer, I find myself having the same internal debate: Should I offer Holiday Mini Sessions… or skip them altogether?

The hesitation is real. My photography style has never been about perfectly posed families standing in front of an expertly styled Christmas backdrop. Those sessions are beautiful—and I admire photographers who excel at them—but they’re just not my forté. I’ve tried. I’m not great at it. And more importantly, it doesn’t light me up the way connection-filled, relaxed sessions do.

So this year, I decided to try something different.

Instead of forcing myself into a style that didn’t feel authentic, I offered very simple studio mini sessions that could be holiday-themed—or not. A plain white backdrop. A handful of fun props for anyone who wanted them. No pressure. No elaborate sets. Just space for families to be themselves.

What unfolded felt exactly right.

Some families leaned into the props and playful holiday vibes. Others skipped them entirely and focused on cuddles, laughter, and connection. The common thread wasn’t the setting—it was the joy. These sessions became less about “holiday photos” and more about freezing a moment in time with the people you love most.

And honestly? I loved them.

Will I offer Holiday Mini Sessions again next year? I’m not sure. I might decide on a late-fall outdoor mini session weekend instead, where families can bring along their own holiday touches if they want. Or I might surprise myself again. We’ll see.

What I do know is that this year’s sessions were full of warmth, laughter, and genuine moments—and I’m so grateful to have made these memories with such wonderful families. 💛

Eran Sudds is a Tsawwassen photographer who specializes in fun & natural sessions for you and your entire family. She is available for maternity, newborn, family portraits and headshots at locations in South Delta, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Contact her to book your session!