Hey! I'm Belle!

A senior, family, maternity, and lifestyle newborn photographer for moms who would like to document milestones

Welcome to my blog! I am a mom of 2 kids + 1 on the way! I LOVE making memories with my family & documenting each and every special moment with them. I am also a family & senior photographer based in Virginia. I hope you enjoy the blog posts that I have written & they give you the inspiration you're looking for for your own family or senior session! :)

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Red Truck Mini Session in Northern Virginia

posted on:

Oct 28, 2022

children talking, crying, and reading a book with Santa during red truck mini session in Northern VA

Northern VA Red Truck Minis

If you’ve been following me for a while, you might remember that last year’s outdoor Christmas minis were supposed to be red truck mini sessions. However, the Santa who owns the red truck had a medical emergency so I had to put together a different setup last minute. But this year, we are so happy that Santa has finally recovered and was able to make Christmas more magical this year for some families. We kicked off the Christmas season a few weeks ago with these red truck minis in Northern VA.

I know it’s probably too early for you all to think about Christmas in October; but this is actually late for me. In the Philippines, where I grew up, Christmas season starts as soon as September hits. Christmas decorations will be seen everywhere; and you will hear Christmas songs anywhere you go. Plus, doing these red truck mini sessions this early also gives everyone more wiggle room to get their Christmas cards printed. I know the holiday season can get crazy so I’d like to help families check one thing off their to-do list this Christmas.

The fall weather in Northern Virginia has been super crazy. We had days that would feel like fall in the morning, but later in the day, it would feel like summer. We also had days when it was a bit chilly the or just warm the whole day. The days were warm leading up to the day of the red truck minis, but it got cold a few days before the session… just in time for the mini sessions to really feel like Christmas. It was very similar to the weather that we had during the fall minis in Manassas, VA last month, but just a little bit colder.

The red truck mini sessions in Northern VA were super fun! Santa and I were able to spend time with kids with dog, one girl who mostly explored during last year’s fall minis in Chantilly, VA, and mostly families. I had tons of repeat clients who I’ve always enjoyed seeing. And of course, I got to meet new families. One family was from the Philippines; and it was a breathe of fresh air being able to speak in Tagalog with people outside of my home. We were all laughing so hard most of their session.

As always with young kids, you will never know what their reaction will be once Santa is there. Most of the kids are delighted and gladly chatted with Santa about their Christmas wish. Some kids had asked for the toys they wanted to get for Christmas; but some kids asked for cookies and veggies too. Santa also read a book to some. I loved getting to hear their Christmas wishes while I document this magical moment for them.

The red truck minis weren’t all fun and games, however. The babies were terrified of Santa and cried. So now, these families have the classic photo of their baby crying while being held by Santa. I know they’ll treasure these for the rest of their lives.

Overall, I think these Northern Virginia red truck mini sessions were successful. I am sure that Santa and his red truck will be back next year to make Christmas more magical for families again.