Camera & Settings: Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/1.6 | 1/250 sec | ISO 200
Portrait Title: "Her First Christmas Story"
This portrait captures a tender, unrepeatable moment in a young girl's very first Christmas. Set in the warmth of her family’s beautifully decorated home, we created a scene inspired by nostalgic holiday traditions—featuring a soft white Christmas tree, carefully wrapped presents tucked into a whimsical “Santa sack,” and heirloom ornaments nestled around the family’s cherished nativity.
While I initially tried to incorporate a traditional Christmas book, the little one insisted on her favorite storybook—reminding us that the most authentic moments are the ones we don’t stage. Her quiet focus, surrounded by twinkling lights and symbols of family tradition, gave this scene an honest magic no prop could replicate.
Lighting was carefully designed to complement the intimate tone: continuous soft light from the left brought gentle emphasis to her expression, while the tree itself was lit from both sides and backlit to create dimension and glow.