Home for the Holidays Minis | A New Kind of Christmas Card Session in Birmingham
Every summer, as I'm planning fall photography sessions, I ask myself the same question:
"How can I make this even more meaningful for the families I photograph?"
For years, I've loved hosting fall and Christmas mini sessions at some of Birmingham's most beautiful locations—the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Jemison Trail, Altadena Park, and a few other favorite spots.
Those locations are timeless, and they'll always have a place in my fall schedule.
But many of my clients have trusted me to photograph their families year after year. As I looked back through galleries recently, I realized something...
Many of your Christmas cards have the same beautiful backdrop.
And while those locations are gorgeous, your family's story deserves something that's uniquely yours.
Introducing Home for the Holidays Minis
This year I'm so excited to introduce something brand new:
Home for the Holidays Mini Sessions.
Instead of meeting at a park or garden, I'll come to your neighborhood and photograph your family right at home.
Whether that's on your front porch, under your favorite tree, walking down your quiet street, or gathered on the front steps where your kids climb every day, these sessions are designed to capture more than smiling faces.
They're designed to capture home.
Why Photograph at Home?
One day, your children won't remember what park you took Christmas card pictures at.
But they'll remember the house where they learned to ride their bikes.
The front porch where they waved goodbye to Dad every morning.
The yard where they chased bubbles after dinner.
The front steps where they lined up for the first day of school.
Our homes quietly become the backdrop to our lives, yet they're not always included in our family photographs.
Years from now, these images won't just remind you what everyone looked like.
They'll remind you where this season of your family's story happened.
The Convenience Parents Deserve
Let's be honest...
Getting everyone dressed, loading kids into the car, hoping no one spills a snack on their outfit, finding parking, and arriving with everyone still smiling can sometimes feel like the hardest part of family photos.
Home for the Holidays Minis remove all of that.
You simply get everyone dressed, step outside, and I'll come to you.
No driving across town.
No rushing.
No extra stress.
Just your family in the place you already love most.
How These Mini Sessions Work
These sessions are still true mini sessions.
Approximately 15 minutes
Perfect for updated family photos and Christmas cards
Similar pricing to my traditional mini sessions - $185
Beautiful, natural editing consistent with every Sola Studios gallery
To make these possible, I'll schedule several families within the same neighborhood on the same day. I'll simply travel from one home to the next throughout the morning/afternoon/evening.
If enough families in your neighborhood are interested, I'll create a Home for the Holidays route just for your community.
Traditional Fall Minis Aren't Going Anywhere
If you love the classic look of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Jemison Trail, or one of my other favorite locations, don't worry!
I'll still be offering traditional fall mini sessions this year as well.
This new offering is simply another option for families who want something a little more personal and a little more convenient.
Interested?
Right now I'm gathering interest before finalizing the 2026 fall calendar.
If you'd love a Home for the Holidays Mini Session, I'd love to hear from you!
When you reach out, let me know:
What neighborhood you live in
Whether you have neighbors or friends nearby who might also be interested
Any scheduling flexibility you have
If enough families are interested in your neighborhood, I'll add it to this year's schedule.
I truly can't wait for another fall spent documenting your growing families. Thank you for allowing me to preserve these fleeting seasons year after year.
Here's to making this Christmas card season the most meaningful one yet.
— Lauren
Sola Studios
