Melissa Milano Photography · 2026

Holiday Express Sessions

A little holiday magic, without making a whole day of it.

A smiling family of four together on the red holiday background.
A family in matching red holiday pajamas together on the Waiting for Santa bed set.

Holiday Express is the one time of year I offer shorter portrait sessions! Whether it's the kids, the whole family, or your favorite four-legged family member, it's a fun and easy way to capture beautiful holiday portraits.

Choose the session length that works for you, pick your favorite holiday background, and leave the rest to me.

And one of the best parts? You'll see your photos right after your session! We'll sit down together, look through your portraits, and choose your favorites before you leave. No waiting days or weeks to find out how they turned out.

Four returning favorites

One visit. More than one holiday look.

With four beautiful holiday backgrounds available, you can enjoy different looks during the same session. Depending on the session length you choose, we'll photograph on one, two, or even three backgrounds.

A couple with their two golden retrievers against Red Wainscoting.

Red Wainscoting

01
A child in holiday pajamas sitting on the red-and-white Waiting for Santa bed set.

Waiting for Santa

02
Two smiling children in holiday pajamas holding teddy bears against Simple White.

Simple White

03
Two children on a burgundy sofa in Santa’s Living Room, without Santa.

Santa's Living Room

04

Holiday Express portraits do not include Santa. Looking for a visit with him? Explore The Storybook Santa Experience.

A little time, or a little more

Choose your holiday express session.

Choose one favorite background or give yourself time for a few different looks. Every option includes time afterward to choose your portraits with me.

10 Minute Session

  • Your choice of 1 background.
  • Includes a 20-minute Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment immediately after photography.

For families who want quick, beautiful holiday portraits.

20 Minute Session

  • Your choice of 1 or 2 backgrounds.
  • Includes a 30-minute Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment immediately after photography.

A little more variety, with extra time for younger kids.

30 Minute Session

  • Your choice of up to 3 different backgrounds.
  • Includes a 30-minute Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment immediately after photography.

Choose more variety, or simply enjoy extra time to settle in, let the kids warm up, and feel less rushed. You don't have to use all three backgrounds.

Not sure which to choose? Tell me who’s coming and what you have in mind. I’m happy to help.

A dog wearing a red polka-dot scarf on the red holiday background.Two brothers kiss their smiling sister on the Waiting for Santa bed set.

Bring your favorite people (and your four-legged kids). I'll handle the rest.

Whether it's the whole family, just the kids, or your four-legged family members, I'll guide everyone through the session and make sure we have a little fun along the way.

Before you come in

A few things you might be wondering.

Where do sessions take place?

At my Hackettstown studio. Arrival details will be provided with your booking.

When will we receive our finished portraits?

The photographs you see at your appointment are shown before final retouching. Your selected portraits are professionally retouched and delivered afterward.

Can we purchase additional portraits or artwork?

Yes. Additional digital portraits, prints, and products are available to purchase, with no minimum additional purchase.

Can we arrange an extended-family session?

For extended families, please get in touch about a custom session so we can plan enough time for everyone.

Have something more in mind? We can also talk about a more in-depth custom portrait experience with professional hair and makeup. Tell me what you’re thinking.

A mother cuddles her two children on the sofa in Santa's Living Room.

Holiday portraits you'll love long after the decorations come down.

Because these portraits aren't just for Christmas cards. They're memories you'll want to enjoy all year long.

Book Your Holiday Express Session
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