Our 2023 Holiday Photography Set Design
If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll know that for the past couple of years we’ve had the honour of putting together the Holiday set design for redwagon photography, here in Edmonton. Jamie focuses on creating images that are filled with “yummy light” and without the distraction of loud colours and excessive props, so we always aim to create something that works with her style and can accommodate the varying poses and number of people (and pets) that she will be photographing during her holiday sessions. So let’s dive into the details and I’ll share a bit more about what it’s like to work with Jamie at redwagon photography!
All photographs by Jamie O’Quinn / redwagon photography.
For this year’s set, our team was kind of obsessed with the idea of hanging objects from a branch for the backdrop and also for the basis of the design. We played around with several ideas of what to hang from the branch but our final design included little gold bells, pinecones, wood beads, velvet bows, dried citrus fruits and pine sprigs.
We combined some of Jamie’s studio items like the chair, blanket ladder with blankets, and her Christmas tree and paired it with items from our own staging inventory, like the rug, pillows and basket. The presents were the same set from last year, but we added a couple more this year, and the wood bead garland on the tree was also a carry-over from a previous year too!
The branches and pinecones were directly from the studio’s garden (we had a bit of fun collecting just the right branch!) and Jamie dried the citrus fruits herself too! I also greatly underestimated the time it would take me to attach all of the items to each string and then to the main branch. Thankfully, I’d given myself a tiny bit of extra time between starting to put the set together and the first session!
The set is designed so that Jamie can photograph families seated in the chair, a combo of seated and standing, as well as the chair being moved out for more casual poses. It’s important that the set be flexible as Jamie photographs families from 1 to 5 people plus pets!
What I love most about Jamie is that she prioritizes the experience for her clients and ensures they leave with the beautiful images and heirloom quality artwork that they deserve. Once you’ve enquired, you receive all the info on the session along with an investment guide. Then, an in-person (no-obligation) consultation is scheduled at her studio to:
meet Jamie in-person so she can get to know you and so that you can ensure she’s the right photographer and portrait experience you’re looking for.
see the studio space and look through the Client Wardrobe for all the outfit possibilities available for your session.
you’ll get to browse the heirloom albums, fine art prints and custom wall art that Jamie will curate after your session.
Once you’re booked in, Jamie is there to help you sort out what you’re going to wear using pieces from her curated studio wardrobe (imagine all the gorgeous, floaty dresses in sizes ranging from xs to 3x along with adorable options for the little ones) and items from your own closet. She also provides a helpful Style Guide to help coordinate outfits for your whole family.
Hair and makeup can be added onto your session and is done in studio.
On the day of your session, expect to see lots of little thoughtful touches. Jamie captures authentic moments, focusing on the love you all share, to create lasting memories you’ll treasure.
A few weeks after your session, Jamie sits down with you again for your Order & Design Appointment, where you get to see your stunning images for the first time. Jamie helps you narrow down your favourites and can create beautiful art pieces for your home - including her complimentary wall art design service. She uses a unique visualization software to show you how your images will look on your walls.
If you’re interested in working with Jamie, please reach out to her! I know I’m obviously biased, but she is truly an incredibly talented photographer who always ensures her clients comfortable and supported throughout the process. She’s full of love, has a heart of gold AND there are almost always home baked goodies to be found at the studio too.
And while her simply holiday sessions are done for this year, I highly recommend you get yourself on her newsletter list so that you get first dibs on the limited spots for next year once they are released. Plus she frequently shares delicious recipes and more insider access to other special sessions and offers.