Beautiful, timeless Christmas photography for families who want to remember how this season actually felt.
Christmas has a way of making the ordinary feel a little more magical.
The excitement in your children's eyes. Tiny hands reaching for Christmas lights. Bare feet running through the grass. The cuddles that happen when nobody is looking. Your family, exactly as you are in this season of life.
And that is what my 2026 Christmas Mini Sessions are all about.
I'm Ash, the photographer behind Ashleigh May Studios, specialising in newborn, maternity, motherhood and family photography in Bacchus Marsh and across Melbourne's western suburbs.
This year, I've created two beautiful Christmas mini session experiences — an elegant indoor studio option and a dreamy outdoor golden-hour option — both designed with my signature soft, natural and timeless style.
Christmas Mini Sessions in Bacchus Marsh
If you're looking for Christmas mini sessions in Bacchus Marsh, you've found them.
My Christmas minis are designed for families who want beautiful Christmas photographs without anything feeling overly themed, stiff or forced.
Instead of elaborate props or bright, traditional Christmas sets, I keep things soft, refined and timeless.
Think:
- soft twinkling Christmas lights
- warm, neutral tones
- beautiful natural textures
- elegant Christmas styling
- genuine family connection
- natural smiles and interaction
- photographs that still feel beautiful long after Christmas has passed
The Christmas setting is there to complement your family, not compete with you.
Two Christmas Mini Session Experiences
For 2026, you can choose between an indoor studio Christmas mini session or an outdoor golden-hour Christmas mini session.
Indoor Christmas Studio Minis
- A cosy, intimate Christmas setting filled with soft light, twinkling lights and elegant Christmas details.
- The studio option is perfect if you're dreaming of something warm, cosy and beautifully simple.
- It's particularly lovely for little ones, babies and families who want a more intimate setting without worrying about the weather.
- The styling has been thoughtfully created to complement my photography style — soft, neutral and timeless rather than overly bright or heavily themed.
- This is Christmas photography that feels like you.
Outdoor Christmas Golden-Hour Minis
- If you love natural light, beautiful landscapes and photographs that feel a little more relaxed and organic, the outdoor Christmas mini sessions are for you.
- Set amongst the beautiful Victorian landscape and photographed during golden hour, these sessions combine the warmth of Christmas with the natural beauty of summer.
- Think warm evening light, soft grasses, cuddles, children running, parents laughing and the kind of photographs that feel like a memory rather than a photoshoot.
- And because these sessions take place outdoors, your children don't need to sit perfectly still and smile at the camera.
- They can simply be themselves.
No Stiff Posing. No Forced Smiles.
One of the biggest things I hear from parents is:
“My kids won't behave for photos.”
And honestly?
They don't need to.
I don't expect children to sit perfectly still, look at the camera and smile on command.
My approach is gently guided and connection-focused. I'll give you direction when you need it, but I'll also allow space for the cuddles, giggles, movement and little moments that make your family uniquely yours.
Some of my favourite photographs happen in between the “perfect” ones.
A child reaching for Mum.
Dad making everyone laugh.
Siblings cuddling.
A little hand holding yours.
The way your baby looks at you.
Those are the photographs you will treasure.
Christmas Photos You'll Still Love After Christmas
Christmas photographs don't have to look like Christmas cards.
My aim is to create photographs that feel beautiful enough to live on your walls all year round.
Soft colours. Natural connection. Beautiful light. Genuine emotion.
Photographs that document your family, rather than simply documenting a Christmas backdrop.
Because one day, these photographs won't just remind you that it was Christmas.
They'll remind you how little your children were.
How they used to fit in your arms.
How they laughed.
How they looked at you.
And how this chapter of your family felt.
Christmas Mini Sessions Near Bacchus Marsh, Melton & Melbourne's West
Ashleigh May Studios is based in Bacchus Marsh, making these Christmas mini sessions a beautiful option for families looking for a photographer in:
Bacchus Marsh • Darley • Maddingley • Melton • Melton South • Melton West • Ballan • Rockbank • Cobblebank • Caroline Springs • Aintree • Werribee • Wyndham Vale • Hoppers Crossing • Sunbury • Gisborne • Macedon • Ballarat and surrounding areas.
If you're searching for Christmas mini sessions near Bacchus Marsh, Christmas family photography in Melbourne's western suburbs, or a Christmas photographer near Melton, I'd love to welcome your family.
Why Choose Ashleigh May Studios?
I'm a newborn and family photographer who believes your photographs should feel like you.
My work is soft, warm and timeless, with a focus on authentic connection rather than perfect posing.
I work with families throughout Bacchus Marsh, Melbourne's western suburbs and surrounding areas, photographing everything from maternity and newborn sessions to family portraits and milestone moments.
Christmas minis are a little shorter than my full family sessions, but the heart of my approach remains the same: connection first, photographs second.
I'll gently guide you through your session so you never have to wonder what you're supposed to do — while leaving plenty of room for your family to simply be yourselves.
2026 Christmas Mini Session Details
Indoor Studio Christmas Minis
A soft, elegant and cosy Christmas setting designed around beautiful family connection.
Outdoor Golden-Hour Christmas Minis
A natural, relaxed Christmas experience photographed amongst beautiful summer light.
Sessions are limited, with a small number of dates available across the Christmas season.
If you'd like your photographs in time to use for Christmas cards, gifts or simply to document your family this year, I recommend booking early.
[VIEW 2026 CHRISTMAS MINI SESSION AVAILABILITY]
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 Christmas mini sessions?
2026 Christmas mini sessions will be held across the Christmas season, with both indoor studio and outdoor golden-hour sessions available on selected dates.
Please check the booking page for current availability.
Where are the Christmas mini sessions held?
Indoor Christmas minis are held at my studio in the Bacchus Marsh area.
Outdoor Christmas minis are held at a carefully selected outdoor location within the Bacchus Marsh and surrounding western suburbs area.
Exact location details are provided when you book.
Are Christmas mini sessions suitable for babies?
Absolutely.
Babies, toddlers and children of all ages are welcome. My sessions are relaxed and gently guided, so there is no expectation for little ones to perform perfectly for the camera.
What should we wear for our Christmas photos?
I recommend soft, neutral and timeless clothing that complements your family rather than matching too heavily.
Think creams, whites, warm neutrals, soft earthy tones and natural textures.
Once you've booked, I'll provide guidance to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully within your chosen Christmas setting.
What happens if my child won't cooperate?
That's completely okay.
Children are unpredictable — especially when there are Christmas lights, exciting surroundings and a photographer asking them to do things!
I'll work with their personality rather than against it. We can move, play, cuddle, explore and simply give them a little time to settle.
Some of the most beautiful images happen when children aren't looking at the camera at all.
Can we include the whole family?
Yes. Christmas minis are designed for immediate families and are perfect for parents, children and siblings.
If you'd like to include extended family, please get in touch before booking so I can let you know which session option will work best.
Can we bring our dog?
If you'd like your family dog included, please check the details for your chosen outdoor session before booking, as suitability depends on the location.
How early should we book Christmas minis?
Christmas mini sessions are limited and are only offered on selected dates, so I recommend booking early — particularly if you have a specific date or preferred session type in mind.
Ready to Create Your Christmas Memories?
If you've been searching for Christmas mini sessions in Bacchus Marsh, Melton or Melbourne's western suburbs, I'd love to photograph your family this Christmas.
No forced smiles.
No awkward posing.
No need for your children to behave perfectly.
Just your people, your connection and a little Christmas magic.
I can't wait to create something beautiful with you. 🤍
