Christmas Portraits · Studio 25 Chicago · November 2026
Christmas in the city.
A glowing tree, a cozy sofa and the Chicago skyline behind you, fifty-one floors up in Streeterville. A few easy minutes to get the photo you will frame, send and keep.
Reserve your time
A first look at this year's set. Final styling is still being built.
Christmases Past
A few favorite families.
Every year looks a little different, but the feeling is the same: real families, easy direction, and photos you are proud to send.
In Their Words
Made for the kids.
Katie and her kids made this video after their Santa session with us. Santa knew their names, the cookies were waiting, and the whole morning was made to feel like Christmas. That is the kind of detail we bring to every family, so it never feels like a quick in and out.
The Details
Everything you need to know.
Second date coming soon
What's Included
More than a photo session.
Every Christmas session comes with the details that make families feel ready instead of rushed: styling help before you arrive, a quick polish when you get here, and a set that is already beautiful.
The Getting-Ready Guide
We help you style your family.
When you book, you get our getting-ready guide for this set: three styles to choose from, color palettes, and links to shop every piece. Here is a peek.
camel ties the black and ivory together
velvet adds richness without a busy pattern
ivory knits soften all that black
polished shoes, never sneakers
City Classic, one of three styles made for our skyline set.
Before you arrive
Your getting-ready guide takes the guesswork out of what to wear. Still not sure? Send us a few options and we will help you choose.
When you arrive
A quick polish with our trusted makeup artist before you step on set, so you feel your best in every frame.
On set
A glowing tree, a cozy sofa and the skyline fifty-one floors up, styled for the season and ready the moment you walk in.
How It Works
Simple, sweet, and done.
Reserve
Pick your date and time. Your session fee holds your spot, and your getting-ready guide arrives right away.
Arrive
Come dressed and ready. A quick polish with our trusted makeup artist, then we guide every pose so you never have to wonder what to do. Before you leave, we will book your reveal.
Your Reveal
No choosing with tired little ones in tow. A few days after your session, we meet on Zoom for a short reveal, so you can see your images together from home and pick your favorites, gifts and artwork.
Artwork & Gifts
The gifts they will keep.
Christmas sessions happen in November, so there is time to turn your favorite images into something to wrap. Every piece is finished in our studio and ready to give, and you can add any of them at your reveal.
Framed Gift Prints
A framed print up to 10x10, ready to wrap. The gift every grandparent hopes for, and it comes with the matching digital image.
Wall Art
Framed wall portraits from 16x24 up to statement sizes, so this year's photo becomes part of your home, not just your phone.
Holiday Cards
Press-printed folded cards designed with your favorite image from your session, ready to address and mail. Choose your design at your reveal.
Two Studios, Two Sets
Closer to the suburbs? We are also hosting Christmas sessions at Studio 25 Naperville.
See Studio 25 Naperville
Meet Emily
Your family, taken care of.
You do not need to know how to pose, what to wear or how to get everyone smiling at once. That is my job. As a former teacher, I have plenty of patience and a few tricks for little ones, and I have spent over fifteen years helping families relax in front of the camera, so what you take home looks like you on your best day, not like a photo shoot.
We keep each Christmas day small, just six families, so you get real time on set, easy direction for the kids and a moment to breathe. Then we meet on Zoom for your reveal, see your images together, and choose the ones you will frame, send and keep.
Emily Cummings · As seen on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, People, Forbes, HGTV and Chicago Magazine
Questions
Good to know.
How much are Christmas mini sessions in Chicago?
Our Christmas in the City mini sessions are $550 and include two fully finished images, a quick polish from our trusted makeup artist, and our getting-ready guide.
Are the sessions indoors?
Yes. Every session is photographed indoors at Studio 25 Chicago in Streeterville, on a fully styled Christmas set with the skyline behind you, so November weather never affects your photos.
How long is a Christmas mini session?
Plan on about 45 minutes: a quick makeup touch-up, then about 20 minutes of guided photographs on set.
Will this work with little kids?
Yes, and that is exactly why we keep it short. About 20 minutes on set is just right for little attention spans, and as a former teacher, Emily has plenty of patience and a few tricks for getting real smiles from toddlers and big kids alike.
Do you offer Christmas minis in the western suburbs?
Yes. We also host Christmas sessions at Studio 25 Naperville, on a white brick and evergreen set, for families in Naperville and the western suburbs. See Christmas at Studio 25 Naperville.
Who will photograph our session?
Emily photographs every Christmas in the City session herself. She also edits every image and leads your reveal, so your photos have the Ten Little Bluebirds look you know.
What is included?
A short, guided session on our Christmas set, makeup touch-ups, our getting-ready guide for the whole family, and two fully finished images of your choice.
What should our family wear?
When you book, you will get our Studio 25 Chicago getting-ready guide with color palettes made for this year's set and examples of how to dress everyone in the family. This year's set is ivory, warm wood and evergreen with a city view, so creams, camel, soft grey, chocolate brown and deep green all look beautiful. Velvet and knits photograph wonderfully. Coordinate rather than match.
Can we get more than two images?
Of course. After you book, we will send you everything you need to know about adding images, gifts and artwork, and you can choose what you love at your reveal.
Can we order prints and gifts?
Yes. Holiday cards, framed gift prints and wall art are all finished in our studio, and every piece includes the matching digital image. After you book, we will send you our artwork and gift guide, and you can choose anything you love at your reveal. Sessions are in November, so there is time to have gifts ready for the holidays.
When do we see our photos?
A few days after your session, we meet on Zoom for a short reveal to see your images together. You choose your two included images and any gifts or artwork you would like, from the comfort of home and without little ones waiting. We book your reveal time before you leave your session.
Who can be in the photos?
Christmas sessions are for your immediate family, so there is time to create beautiful images of everyone. If you would love to include grandparents or extended family, just reach out before you reserve and we will plan additional time for you.
Christmas Portraits 2026
This year's card, done.
A few relaxed minutes on a beautiful set, and your holiday photos are taken care of for the year.
Reserve your time