Family and Newborn Photographer Serving the OKC Metro
5 Tips for the best Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session in OKC
Posted in Family Photography, Favorite Locations Oklahoma City by Charis Elisabeth
’tis the season to be jolly…well almost! And it sure comes much faster than we think it will! Which means getting fall or holiday photos done is something to be planned for.
And if you are looking for a natural yet holiday feeling setting then a Christmas Tree Farm Mini session can be a perfect match.
The rows of evergreen trees, the cozy sweaters, the excitement of the holiday season starting to arrive. My Christmas Tree Farm Mini Sessions have become one of the most anticipated events on my calendar, and every year they fill up quickly.
If you’re hoping to book a Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session in Oklahoma City, here are a few tips to help your session go as smoothly as possible.
1. Book Early
My top tip: book your tree farm mini session early. Follow your favorite photographers and snag that spot as soon as they open up.
My Christmas Tree Farm Mini Sessions sell out completely by early September, and many of the most popular time slots disappear fast.
If these sessions are on your family’s wish list, I recommend planning ahead and booking during the summer months. Not only will you have the best selection of dates and times, but you’ll also have plenty of time to coordinate outfits and prepare without feeling rushed.
2. A tip for what to wear: Dress in Layers
If you’ve lived in Oklahoma for more than five minutes, you already know that weather predictions are often more of a suggestion than a guarantee. One day we may be sweating in short sleeves. The next year we may need coats and gloves.
Planning outfits with layers is one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable no matter what the weather decides to do. Cardigans, sweaters, vests, scarves, and jackets can all add visual interest to your photos while giving you flexibility on session day.
All of my clients get a session guide as well as a curated mood board to go with every session.
3. Let Go of Expectations
Mini sessions move quickly and because of that it’s be easy for parents to feel pressure for everything to go perfectly. The truth is that some of the sweetest photos happen when you stop worrying about perfection.
Your toddler may want to run instead of smile. Your baby may be fascinated by the Christmas trees and completely ignore the camera. Your kids may laugh at something completely random. Loosen up, lean in and love on your family and those will be the images you love!
4. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
This one is both for before your mini session, for your budget and for the session day.
Before hand: giving yourself plenty of time to get your clothes together and choose a style theme you like. Next make sure you give yourself time by adding a spot into your budget for photos (and clothing if you are buying items!)
The day of your Tree Farm Mini Session: Make sure to check your driving distance to the tree farm. Some can be a longer distance than you expect so make sure to plan with that. Wells Christmas Tree Farm and All Pines in Yukon are where I hold my christmas tree farm minis at.
Most Christmas tree farms require a short walk to reach the photo location, and I recommend arriving early enough that you aren’t rushing. In fact if you have toddlers or younger make sure to arrive in time to dress them at the location.
Other reasons to plan for extra time: to allow for parking, unloading kids, fixing a last-minute shoe issue, and making your way to the session location. Arriving a few minutes early helps everyone start the session feeling calm instead of stressed.
Because mini sessions run back-to-back, arriving late unfortunately means losing part of your session time. So I would much rather spend those minutes creating beautiful photos for your family than waiting on you to arrive.
5. Have Fun
At the end of the day, Christmas Tree Farm Mini Sessions are meant to be fun and about connecting with your family. The Christmas trees simply provide a beautiful holiday backdrop but the real focus is on you and your family. Laughing, chasing each other through the trees, snuggling under the fall sky these are the memories I want you to have.
Why Book a Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session?
One of the things I love most about Christmas tree farm session is that they feel festive without feeling over-the-top holiday themed. You won’t find awkward props or setups that don’t feel like something you’d ever have in your own home.
Instead, you get beautiful local Oklahoma trees, natural scenery, and a timeless holiday feel that works beautifully for Christmas cards, gifts for grandparents, and family memories.
A Few Tips for Your Mini Session Day
Please wait to take your own phone photos until the very end of your session. Kids often have a limited amount of excitement for photos, and if we spend that energy before the session even begins, it can make it harder to keep their attention once we’re officially getting started. I do love seeing the BTS so take them at the end and be sure to tag me!
I will always remind you but before your session, take a quick moment to remove things like:
- Digital watches
- Keys
- Phones
- Hair ties on wrists
- Sunglasses
- Bulky items in pockets
These little details are easy to overlo overlook but can make a big difference in your final images.
How to book a Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session in OKC with Charis Elisabeth Photography in 2026
The best way to get your spot is to join my newsletter. Sign up here. Newsletter subscribers receive first access to booking when Christmas Tree Farm Mini Sessions open at the end of July. Once booking opens, simply choose your preferred date and time, pay your retainer, and your session is reserved.
These sessions are one of the highlights of my year, and I would love to see your family this holiday season.
Want to get the full experience and an session where you don’t have to rush? Then check out my family session page and let’s get a family photo session on the schedule where you get to be documented as your family in a low stressed, great experience.
Other articles you might find helpful…
If you’re looking for an Oklahoma City family photographer who keeps things relaxed and real, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels honest and true to you. I’ve been photographing families for over 7 years, and I know how meaningful it is to have someone your family with calm, simple direction. Contact me here and let’s get started!
