Mini Sessions at Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm: Holiday Photos Made Easy

2025 Mini Session Waitlist

Look, I love my cozy studio with its soft light and predictable climate. But even I can admit there’s something magical about Christmas tree farm mini sessions. The crunch of needles underfoot, the fresh pine scent in the air, the way kids light up when they spot the tiniest tree and declare “This one’s perfect!” It’s pure holiday charm with just a hint of chaos.

In 2024, I took the holiday show on the road (well, to Lino Lakes) for outdoor mini sessions at Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm, and let me tell you it was worth every frostbitten toe. The farm was brand new. This was their very first year open, and you could feel the small-town charm and excitement in every row of trees.

Fast, festive, and full of joy

These mini sessions were 10 glorious minutes of family togetherness, sibling giggles, and the occasional “don’t lick your sister’s face” reminder. Families showed up ready for a mix of whole-family portraits, kid-only cuteness, candid moments, and classic holiday smiles.

And while I don’t usually work with props, I did bring a vintage-style rocking horse for the littles, which turned out to be an unexpected scene-stealer. Turns out nothing motivates a toddler to smile quite like pretending they’re galloping through the evergreens.

Information on Family Sessions

Saturday was a dream. Sunday was... wet.

If you booked a Saturday spot, you were living the dream. The weather was crisp and clear, ideal for layering without freezing, and the light was chef’s kiss perfect. But Sunday? Mother Nature had other plans. Rain. Wind. Puddles. We had to reschedule many of those families for alternate days, which is honestly the reason I usually avoid full-day outdoor minis in the first place.

That said, we made it work. Because if parenting has taught us anything, it’s how to pivot. And everyone who rescheduled? Total champs. Some even said it gave them time to rethink outfits which, honestly, I support.

What’s included in a tree farm mini session?

These outdoor minis were quick, fun, and packed with value. Here’s what families got in 2024:

A 10-minute session at Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm
Styling help (just no borrowing from the client wardrobe this time, it stays in the studio for indoor sessions)
A full slideshow gallery, where many families saw 25 or more edited images
The choice of three collection options: 1 image, 5 images, or all the images (spoiler: almost everyone went all in)
A small holiday gift for each child, because it’s the season for surprises

Why Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm?

Besides being a postcard-perfect backdrop for holiday photos, Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm is a true hidden gem. It’s a family-run spot with all the charm and warmth you hope a tree farm will have—without the inflatable Santas or pop-up carnival vibes. It’s quiet. It’s natural. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear your kids laughing between the trees.

Even though it’s technically in Lino Lakes, it’s literally a hop, skip, and a jump from North Oaks—just across the road, in fact. I live nearby myself, so being able to photograph a North Oaks family I’ve known and adored for years, just minutes from home, was the absolute best kind of full-circle moment. There’s something special about capturing memories in your own backyard... especially when it comes with pine trees and that crisp Minnesota air.

Families loved how easy it was to get to, how peaceful it felt, and how real the whole experience was. No crowds. No chaos. Just beautiful light, lots of trees, and space for kids to be themselves. If you're looking for a place that feels genuine and festive without being over-the-top, Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm is it.

The mQn Experience

FAQ: What families want to know before booking outdoor holiday mini sessions this year.

1. What should we wear for a Christmas tree farm mini session?

Neutrals, earth tones, or rich holiday colors like forest green, burgundy, or navy all photograph beautifully among the trees. Avoid neons, loud logos, or too much plaid. Layers work well, and bonus points for cozy textures like knits or corduroy. I send styling help beforehand, so you won’t be flying blind. Just note that the studio wardrobe doesn’t travel outdoors for mini sessions.

2. Will there be a set schedule for sessions this year?

Not this time. I’m skipping the full-day marathon and instead offering a handful of weekday openings throughout November. Think of it as a sprinkle of holiday magic that fits better into real life. If you’re on my list, you’ll get first dibs on available dates as I open them up.

3. Is this a good option for families who just want one great holiday photo?

Absolutely. Even in 10 minutes, we can capture a handful of beautiful images, perfect for cards, gifts, or just documenting the season. You’ll still receive a full gallery and can choose from a few collection options—whether you want just one standout shot or the whole batch.

Looking Ahead (Because Holiday Chaos Waits for No One)

These sessions were short, sweet, and packed with genuine emotion—plus a few hilarious sibling dynamics and some this is why “we only do this once a year” eye rolls from the dads.

I loved stepping out of the studio and into the fresh air with everyone. Even with the weather drama, I’d call it a success. While I’m not planning a full-day event this time around, I’ll likely open a handful of weekday spots in November for families who want those festive outdoor photos without the frenzy.

If you want to be the first to know when those go live, get on the list early. These sessions always fill quickly, and the “let’s just squeeze it in” folks usually miss out.

Want a heads-up when outdoor holiday mini sessions happen? Join below.

Let’s make some merry memories—pine needles and all.

Mini Session Waitlist

Michele is a Minneapolis-based family photographer with 15 years of experience capturing the real, the funny, and the beautifully unscripted moments of parenthood. Known for her warm style, cheeky sense of humor, and ability to make even the most camera-shy dads relax, Michele creates timeless images without the stiff poses or fake smiles.

Her natural-light studio is in Northeast Minneapolis, but she’s always up for a good outdoor adventure—especially when it’s just across the street from her own neighborhood. When she’s not photographing families at places like Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm, you’ll find her planning styling guides, updating her gallery wall with client favorites, or sneaking off with a good audiobook and a cup of coffee.

GET IN TOUCH

0 Comments

Previous Post Next Post

On the North Oaks Trails for a Fall Family Photo Session

January 28, 2022

Family photos at a Christmas tree farm? Yes, please. See how this North Oaks family turned their holiday session at Kavan Family Farm into something timeless and relaxed.

A Family Session at the Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm in Lino Lakes, MN

July 19, 2025

That's a Wrap! 2019 Holiday Mini Sessions in the Studio

December 30, 2019

Capturing Precious Moments: A Family Photo Session in the Studio

April 25, 2023