Holiday Portrait Season is Upon Us


As a Chicagoland family portrait photographer, fall is one of the busiest—and most beautiful—times of year. With both outdoor fall minis and in-studio holiday minis available, many families ask: which one should we choose?


The truth is, both options offer a wonderful experience and stunning images—it just depends on the look, feel, and flexibility you’re hoping for.


The Beauty of Outdoor Fall Minis 🍂


Fall mini sessions take place outdoors, surrounded by nature at its peak. Think glowing golden light, colorful leaves, and that crisp autumn feel.


These sessions offer:


  • Vibrant, warm tones and natural backdrops
  • A relaxed, candid feel with room to explore
  • A timeless, seasonal look without being holiday-specific


Fall minis are perfect if you love the beauty of nature and want images that celebrate the season as a whole—not just the holidays.


The Charm of In-Studio Holiday Minis 🎄


In-studio holiday minis create a completely different (but equally beautiful) experience.


With carefully styled setups—often including decorated Christmas trees—these sessions are designed to capture the magic of the holiday season in a cozy, controlled environment.


Studio sessions offer:


  • Rich, even lighting with no weather concerns
  • A polished, classic holiday look
  • A distraction-free space, especially helpful for younger kids


If you’re dreaming of photos that feel unmistakably “Christmas,” this is the perfect choice.


Key Differences to Consider


Overall Vibe

  • Fall minis: Natural, warm, and outdoorsy
  • Studio minis: Cozy, styled, and holiday-focused


Weather Flexibility

  • Outdoor sessions always carry the possibility of weather changes. While rescheduling is an option, it may not always align perfectly with busy family calendars.
  • Studio sessions eliminate that uncertainty entirely—no rain, no wind, no reschedules needed.


Little Ones & Attention Spans

  • Outdoor locations can be beautiful, but also full of distractions. For some young kiddos, that can make it harder to stay engaged.
  • Studio sessions offer a more contained environment, which can be helpful for keeping little ones focused.


Scheduling Flexibility

  • If your schedule is tight and you don’t have much flexibility to shift dates, an in-studio session may be the easier, more predictable option.


So… Which Should You Choose?


It really comes down to your personal style and what you envision for your photos:


Choose fall minis if you love natural scenery, golden tones, and a more relaxed, seasonal feel

Choose *in-studio holiday minis if you want a classic Christmas look with styled décor and zero weather stress


The Good News? You Can’t Go Wrong


No matter which session you choose, the goal is the same: a fun, relaxed experience that results in beautiful images of your family.


Whether we’re chasing golden leaves outdoors or capturing cozy holiday moments in the studio, you’ll walk away with photos you’ll love for years to come.