Holiday mini sessions are a fantastic way to connect with clients, fill your calendar, and generate income before year’s end. But they also come with challenges — back-to-back sessions, tight timelines, and high client expectations. The key to success? Planning ahead and using tools that help you stay organized from booking to delivery.

With Iris Works, you can streamline your holiday mini session season, automate repetitive tasks, and give your clients a professional, stress-free experience.

1. Start with a Dedicated Mini Session Calendar

• In Iris Works, go to Booking Calendars and create a separate calendar just for your holiday minis.
  
  
• Set your available dates, session length, and buffer times so you don’t get overbooked.
  
  

Add a detailed session description so clients know exactly what’s included.

2. Require Contracts and Deposits Up Front

• Attach a mini session contract to your booking calendar. This ensures every client signs before confirming.
  
  
• Use Iris Works’ Invoice feature to collect a non-refundable deposit at booking. This helps reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
  

3. Automate Communication with Workflows

• Build an Iris Works Workflow that sends automatic session reminders, prep guides, and follow-ups.
  
  
• Example:
  
  
• Booking confirmation email (sent instantly)
  
  
• Holiday styling tips email (7 days before)
  
  
• Reminder email + text message (48 hours before)
  
  
• Thank-you email with gallery link (after session)
  
  

This not only saves time but also ensures every client gets consistent, timely information.

4. Plan Your Client Experience

• Use Iris Works Questionnaires to gather family names, children’s ages, and any special requests before the session.
  
  
• Include clear parking directions and arrival times in your prep guide to avoid delays.
  

5. Schedule Your Post-Session Workflow

• Build in editing deadlines and gallery delivery dates in Iris Works.
  
  
• Consider sending a sneak peek email a few days after the session to keep excitement high while clients wait for their full gallery.
  

Make This Your Smoothest Holiday Season Yet

By setting up calendars, contracts, and automated workflows in Iris Works, you can focus on delivering an exceptional experience — instead of scrambling behind the scenes. The result? Happy clients, fewer headaches, and a holiday season that’s both profitable and enjoyable.