CLIENT EXPERIENCE GUIDE
Hidden Pond Tree Farm
- 2026-
Photo taken at a different location.
About The Session
I am so excited that you have chosen me for your Christmas photo session this year! Please check your email frequently leading up to the session. If the forecast calls for heavy rain we will need to reschedule. If there is less than a 50% chance of rain or it is just drizzling, the session will still take place.
After our session, I will send you your gallery of soft proofs (lightly edited images). After you receive them, please make your selections within one week. At that time, you will have the option to purchase more if you wish. From there I will make any final edits that are needed and send you an email when your images are ready for download.
If you would like to order products such as prints, wall art or holiday cards you can do so from my online store when your gallery is delivered.
Location & meeting place
The session will take place at:
Hidden Pond Tree Farm
4 West Field Road
Mendham, NJ
I will send an email the day of the session of exactly where to go once you arrive. It's a large tree farm and there will be other photographers there so please check your email before you leave for the exact meeting point. Please do not ask the Hidden Pond Tree Farm staff where to go - they will NOT know.
Shoot me an email, DM, or PM if you encounter any issues or you are running late. Keep in mind that since I may be photographing other families so I may not be able to respond right away but I will check my phone when I can.
Please arrive on time. If you are late, it will come out of your session time and you will have less images to choose from.
Photo taken at a different location.
Props
I will bring a Christmas sign, a bench and small sleigh for toddlers and a neutral colored blanket. If there is a specific Christmas prop you would like to add to your session, feel free to bring it. The trees create a beautiful atmosphere so additional props really aren't necessary.
What to wear
LADIES
Christmas tree farm sessions are the perfect opportunity to dress up while still keeping things cozy! Flowing dresses, skirts, sweaters, and textured layers photograph beautifully. A long dress paired with boots is a gorgeous option, while a sweater dress, skirt with tights, or jeans with a cozy sweater can create a more relaxed look.
For colors, think warm neutrals and classic holiday tones—cream, ivory, camel, tan, brown, forest green, burgundy, deep red, and soft plaid all photograph beautifully against the greenery of the Christmas trees. See the color palette below for inspiration.
Since we'll be outdoors, don't forget to dress for the weather! Layering is a great way to stay warm without sacrificing your look. A beautiful coat, cardigan, scarf, or sweater can also add texture and interest to your images.
Some women like to get their hair and makeup professionally done for their session. It’s not necessary, but you may want to do so. This is also a great time to get a manicure! At the very least, please make sure any chipped nail polish is removed. A coat of clear polish can go a long way too!
Don't forget your accessories! Statement earrings, a simple necklace, a scarf, or even a festive hair accessory can add a little flair to your photos. Whatever you decide, your clothes should fit well and you should be comfortable!
GENTLEMEN
Fitted pants or dark denim with closed-toed shoes or boots are recommended for men. Layers such as sweaters, flannels, vests, blazers, or jackets look great over a collared shirt or simple button-down.
For a classic Christmas look, consider incorporating cream, camel, brown, forest green, burgundy, navy, or subtle plaid. Coordinating doesn't mean everyone needs to match—choose colors and textures that complement the rest of your family's outfits.
Don't forget the details! A watch, belt, textured sweater, scarf, or even a subtle holiday-inspired accessory can pull the look together.
Please make sure your clothes are ironed if needed. Nails should be clean and trimmed.
KIDS
I always suggest dressing the kids in something a little more dressy than their usual play-wear. Dresses with tights or leggings, sweaters, cardigans, corduroys, overalls, suspenders, or a classic button-down are all great options for a Christmas tree farm session.
This is also a great opportunity to incorporate cozy textures like knit sweaters, cable knits, velvet, corduroy, wool, or plaid. A cute hat, bow, headband, or pair of boots can add a festive touch without making the outfit feel overly "Christmas-y."
Please keep the weather in mind when choosing outfits. Layers, tights, leggings, and warm sweaters can help keep little ones comfortable while we're outside. If you plan to use a coat during the session, choose one that coordinates with the family's color palette rather than a brightly colored winter coat.
Please make sure you have your children try on their outfits ahead of time so you know everything fits comfortably.
If your child has long hair, please clip it back or have them wear a headband so it's not in their face.
Please make sure chipped nail polish is removed and nails are clean and trimmed for both boys and girls.
Working with Kids
Little ones may need some motivation to participate. Bring a favorite toy, preferably one that makes noise to grab the attention of babies. Toddlers and young ones are often motivated by a little treat. Small one bite treats are best. Gummies, mini marshmallows, dried fruit or cereal work great. Please avoid chocolate or anything that may stain the mouth, skin or clothes.
Photo taken at a different location.
AFTER THE SESSION
You can expect your soft proofs (lightly edited images) to be sent to you in an online gallery via email about 1 week after your session! From there, you will create a favorites list. It's ok if you can't limit your choices to just the number you originally purchased (mini sessions include 5 images); there will be on option to purchase additional images if you desire. Once your list is made, you will send me a quick email to let me know. I will then makes the final edits on the photos you have chosen and send a link for you to download them. This could take up to 2 weeks from the time you finalize your favorites list. I try my best to turn around photos as quickly as possible so it may be sooner that that.
Your digital images are high-resolution images that will print beautifully. Please print them (at a reputable lab)!
PRODUCTS
If you are looking for wall art, prints, or holiday cards, there will be a link to my online store when your gallery is delivered. I have other professional products as well from my amazing lab that I can create for you. You can find more information on these products by clicking here.
FINAL NOTE
I can’t wait for our session! Hopefully you found this information helpful. If you have any questions or concerns leading up to your session, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My goal is to serve you the best that I can! This is going to be a fun session, so don’t stress. Relax and enjoy making these memories with your favorite people. Until then, follow along with me on social media.
IG: melissaa.photography
FB: Melissa Anglesea Photography
See you soon!