Find 5 minutes to take a look at the posing ideas.  And of course, I am also always open for your creative suggestions!

How to prepare for the Christmas photo session?

So the photo session will be organised at my home mini studio.

It means no time pressure.

The Christmas decorations will be classic, the light will be mostly natural.

  • You can choose 2 outfits if you want, there will be possibility to change. And time to take pictures in different clothes.
  • Plan your outfit. Begin with the person the most difficult to dress first. Plan all other outfits around that person, remembering to coordinate colours and texture. Don’t use shirts with logos/graphics. Try to avoid having too many patterns. Take special attention on the shoes. Don’t over-match.
  • Make sure that you all in one style. For example: If you are wearing evening or cocktail dress, make sure that your husband doesn’t wear sweater or pyjamas. I am exaggerating but you’ve got my point.
  • Have fun! Relaxed families = beautiful portraits. You can’t control everything, especially your kids’ moods.
  • You know bribing children doesn’t always work and can sometimes even backfire! Let them know they are going to have FUN! Try not to threaten a punishment for not smiling, that is a sure way to give you those fake forced smiles (or none). :))))
  • Do not forget props! It can be any small items important for kids or for you which we can include in photoshoot! Favourite toys, books, blankets. From my side I will offer fake gift boxes, garlands and funny hats.
  • Plan ahead napping time. A well rested energised kid is much more cooperative than a tired grumpy kid.
  • Make sure everyone is well fed before the shoot. At photo session I can offer a snack: some cookies, milk. But make sure that after it kids will stay clean. So not a chocolate)))) And yes, of course some champaign for the parents  
  • If you dye your hair — check if it is necessary to tint it before shooting, so that later you do not get upset because of the regrown roots in the photo. Moreover, it is better to go to a hairdresser for a haircut or painting in 3-4 days of the week, and not at the day of shooting.
  • Whether to do your hair is your choice, but even just to brush it beautifully or curl them a little to make it look natural, a hairstylist can do better. So I recommend make hair and make-up with professional.
  • And one more very important nuance: ALWAYS check the manicure before shooting, and for men too)))) In portraits and in family photography, hands often fall into the frame, and it is better that the nails are well-groomed and without bright varnish, just natural.
  • If you plan to shoot barefoot, check the pedicure as well. Someone thinks that it is easy to paint nails in Photoshop, but this is quite difficult and expensive)))). Better to do everything in advance.
  • By the way, it is also better to do all cosmetic procedures (like face peeling) in advance, not a day or two before the photo session.
  • Important! Get enough sleep, be full and in a good mood. At a photo session with me, your main task is to enjoy the process. I will tell and help the rest :)) Thank you for trusting my advice!



Eugenie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse, France

BLOG & PORTFOLIO

CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Pre-wedding photo session

Why do you need a pre-wedding session?
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Winter wedding in Toulouse. Anastasia & Ben

There is no barriers for true love and beauty! It was +3 °C and our beautiful bride was in gorgeous natural silk...
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Event photo session for ANT Group

CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Surprise Engagement Session in Toulouse — Matt & Megha’s Unforgettable Moment

Capture the magic of your proposal with Eugénie Smirnova, your engagement photographer in Toulouse and Southwest France.
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse

There’s something magical about cherry blossom season — a fleeting, tender beauty that reminds us how precious the...
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Wedding at the Capitole in Toulouse, France

reading time 6 min
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

THE MOST STUNNING CHÂTEUX WEDDING VENUES IN SOUTHWEST FRANCE (Updated 2025)

reading time 4-5 min
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Capturing Timeless Moments: A Beautiful Christening in Toulouse

A christening is one of the most meaningful milestones in a family’s life—a day filled with love, tradition, and...
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Personal brand photoshoot for psychologist in Blagnac

We recently held an inspiring photo shoot with psycho practitioner Ekaterina, where we conveyed her philosophy and...
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

The art of a personal brand photography: emotions, style, and the magic of the moment

reading time 4-5 min
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Château de Mercuès perfect for elopements

Château de Mercuès offers a fairy-tale setting for a destination wedding in France. You get the prestige of a listed...
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM

I am deeply grateful to all my wonderful clients—both new and returning—for choosing me to take photos of the most...
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

How a beauty specialist photo session is organised. Step by step instruction

For beauty professionals like lash artists, high-quality visuals are essential for showcasing expertise and...
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Personal photo session in Toulouse for Anastasia

My strong believe that from time to time each women should be reminded how beautiful she is.
CHECK LIST FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSION. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Christmas wedding to remember in Toulouse, Capitole. Gillian & Scott.

Rainy, dark days in Toulouse are rare, but this one will forever hold a special glow. The bride’s stunning open dress...