Helensville Homebased Childcare Christmas Photo Day 🎄
Hello whānau!
Last year, Jeanine and Rachel brought our little tamariki up to my Helensville studio for a photo morning, my studio was brand new, paint was barely dry on the walls!! So, it felt really special that I could share my new space with everyone as one of my first handful of photoshoots in here.
This year will be extra special, as I have set to work on creating a Christmas photo set. The space is going to be festive and fun and well set up for our kiddies.
Jeanine and Rachel do such an incredible job shaping our little ones’ days, they create a safe, loving space while we’re all busy working and juggling life. I’m so grateful for the warmth they bring to our kids, and I wanted to give something back.
As a gift from my family to yours, I’d love to photograph each of the kids on my Christmas set, as well as a group photo of everyone together. These portraits are something I usually create for my clients, but this one’s on me — a small way to say thank you for the care and love you all put into making this community so special.
Each whānau will receive one individual portrait and the group photo, completely free to download.
How to Get Ready
There’s not much to do — Jeanine and Rachel and I will have everything sorted!
If you can, send your child in simple, neutral clothing (avoid logos or character prints) so the focus stays on their sweet faces.
As with most of our kids, these clothes aren’t always on hand at home, you don’t need to splash out on Jamie Kay or Zara!
There are plenty of very affordable and cute options in Kmart, Postie Plus and The Warehouse.
Pre-Session Magic Kit
(aka: your fun homework before the big day)
Write Your Santa Letter
A little download, a big moment.
Whether your kids write, draw, scribble or dictate — this is such a sweet way to pause and connect before the chaos of the season kicks in.
You can tell them Santa will be there (and build the excitement), or keep it as a surprise for the day. You know what will make it magical for your child.
Print it, grab a cuppa, and sit together at the kitchen table. It’s one of those grounding, heart-filled little things that adds to the magic — and gives you a sneak peek at what they’re hoping for this year
They’ll get to hand it straight to Santa on the day.
Set the Mood — Your Santa Drive-In Playlist
You’ve packed the snacks, everyone’s (mostly) dressed, now hit play on the drive in.
This playlist is made to ease the energy and gently build the Christmas buzz.
It’s Disney meets Mariah, with a few feel-good millennial throwbacks for you.
Kids will love it. You’ll love it. And it feels like Christmas.
After Photo Day
Once the photos are ready, you’ll receive a link to view and download them — completely free. You can print anywhere you like, or order professional-quality prints straight from your gallery.
Keep the Christmas Magic Going
If you’d love to get your whole family in the frame, I’d love to invite you to book one of my Santa Experience Sessions.
And yes — I’ll say it again — get in the photos with your kids. They’ll never care what you were wearing, they’ll just love that you were there. Those photos become part of their story, and you belong in it too.
We show up in so many ways every day for our kids, showing up in the photos is just as important.
We take photos of our kids for our memories,
we get in the photos with our kids for theirs.
They’re the easiest way to tick half your Christmas list in one go — family photos, Santa experience, and photo gifts for the whānau, all in one fun session.
Held right here in the studio on the same Christmas set, with:
A printable Santa Letter (so you can find out what they want before the November sales!)
A Christmas playlist to get everyone in the mood before the session
A visit with Santa himself — hand over your letter and get your photos together
A petting zoo to start everyone off with excitement!
OR
If you’d rather celebrate without the kids, I also run Beers With The Big Guy sessions — Santa photos for grown-ups only. Bring your siblings, besties, workmates, or mums group for a relaxed, hilarious Christmas shoot.
As a thank-you to all Helensville Homebased families, I’d love to gift you a $50 voucher, which you can use either toward your Santa Experience Session or for professional prints after your session.