Christmas Portraits of Theo & Fynn

The countdown to Christmas has begun. Bicester mum-of-two Samantha got in the festive spirit by bringing Theo (3) and Fynn (2) to my home studio for a Christmas pyjama shoot.

Sam had hunted down some red check pyjamas for the shoot, so I matched this colour when setting up the studio. Red beads and white fairy lights wound around the headboard of my main prop – a double bed – while red pillows and a red silk throw completed the look. These details would provide splashes of detail, colour and visual interest behind the boys:

First off we started with individual portraits of Theo and Fynn, then we moved on to capture this lovely, smiling portrait of both boys together:

“What’s this under the bed?” I asked, pulling out two sets of reindeer antlers. I popped one of the headbands on and asked the boys what they thought.

“I want them!” they both said. I handed over the antlers and the boys proved they wore them best:

Next up was the Christmas cracker challenge. The boys pulled and pulled, but weren’t quite able to get into the Christmas cracker the traditional way. Not ones to be easily deterred, they ripped open the side of the cracker, and were delighted to access the hidden treasures that way instead:

“Oh look,” said Theo, looking at the joke slip inside the cracker, “Santa has invited me to his party!”

“Wow,” I said, “Then you must’ve been good this year, because Santa has also asked me to give you these…”

I reached under the bed and pulled out three boxes, each wrapped with a hand-tied ribbon and bow. The boys were delighted, and very eager to find out what might be inside:

All this unwrapping was thirsty work, so to finish up the shoot, Santa’s helpers laid on a spread of milk and Gingerbread cookies, which went down a treat:

Theo mainly preferred biting the heads of the gingerbread cookies off, and was less keen on their arms and legs… He very kindly did offer to share, though:

Suddenly the studio became incredibly quiet, as both boys munched away contentedly.

“What do you boys want for Christmas?” I asked.

“Batman!” the boys said, between mouthfuls, enabling me to capture their animated response:

The 45-minute session was coming to an end, and mum Sam needed to get the boys to playgroup.

“We want to stay here!” the boys said.

“You get to wear your Christmas jumper to playgroup today,” Sam coaxed, “And you can tell your friends what you did today.”

Sam changed the boys into their festive tops, and we said our goodbyes.

I hope to see them again at Santa’s party (if I get an invite)!

Celebrate the festive season and tick off a few gifts at the same time, with a unique Christmas Pyjama Portrait Session.

Treat the children to some new pyjamas and I’ll bring the festive fun. We’ll get everyone in the mood for Christmas celebrations, while capturing some unique and beautiful images that will make great gifts for parents, in-laws and grandparents.

My Christmas pyjama shoots involve the following:

• Individual and group portraits
• Reindeer ears portrait
• Christmas cracker portrait
• Gift unwrapping portrait
• Christmas cookies and milk portrait

And one or two other surprises! They take place at my portrait studio in Bicester.

If you are thinking of getting some portraits done for your wall or for Christmas gifts, please get in contact so we can get you booked in!:

Sarah Plater is a portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

(c) Sarah Plater Photography