Your Guide to Christmas Tree Farm Mini Sessions in Indiana
There’s just something magical about Christmas at the tree farm. The smell of fresh evergreens, the twinkle of holiday excitement, and the chance to slow down for a few minutes with the people you love most. Every year, families from Westfield, Zionsville, Carmel, Noblesville, and Indianapolis make their way to Dull’s Christmas Tree Farm in Thorntown, Indiana for mini sessions that feel like pure holiday magic.
It’s also a little bit special: only a small handful of photographers are allowed to shoot here, and I’m honored to be one of them. That means your tree farm minis aren’t just festive photos — they’re part of a truly exclusive experience.
What are Tree Farm Mini Sessions?
A tree farm mini session is a short and sweet photography experience designed to give you beautiful holiday portraits without the time or price tag of a full session. With The Heart Narrative, minis are 15 minutes long, which is just enough time to capture a variety of portraits while keeping things fun and stress-free. The pace is fast, but intentional. It’s a great way to give you a little taste of the THN experience, without the slow down, soak it in length of a full session.
For families who are worried about November weather, I also offer September tree farm minis, when the air is warmer but you still get the same evergreen charm. Want to include extended family or capture a wider variety of images? That’s when a full family session at Dull’s Tree Farm is the better fit. Minis keep it simple; full sessions give you the whole story.
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY MINI SESSION HERE
What’s the Weather Like in November at Dull’s Tree Farm?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after five years of photographing families at Dull’s in early November, it’s that Indiana weather keeps us on our toes. One year it might be 65° and sunny, and the next it could be 10° with freezing wind and even a little snow.
My best advice? Plan for layers. Cozy sweaters, scarves, and blankets not only look great in photos but also keep kids comfortable no matter what the day brings. And if cold temps won’t be a good fit for your family, you’ll love the September minis or one of my cozy indoor holiday sessions.
What Should We Wear for Christmas Tree Farm Photos?
The Christmas trees are a deep, rich green, which makes certain colors pop beautifully. I recommend:
Neutrals or jewel tones (cream, tan, burgundy, navy, mustard)
Cozy textures like knits, flannels, and layers that feel seasonal and timeless
Avoiding neons, big logos, or distracting patterns that take away from your family’s connection
All of my clients get access to Style & Select, an online styling tool that makes it easy to pull together outfits that look great together. And if you’re feeling stuck, you can always text me for feedback — I’m happy to help. If you’d like a little more guidance, check out this great guide on the Do’s and Don’ts of styling your family for photos.
What’s the Mini Session Experience Like?
I want you to know exactly what to expect, because these minis are quick — and they run like clockwork.
When you arrive at Dull’s, my assistant will greet you and get everyone lined up. We’ll start exactly on time so we can maximize every minute of your session. We always begin with what I call the “grandma shot” — the classic family portrait where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. From there, we dive deep, have fun, and break things down into smaller groupings:
Whole family together in a few natural variations
Kids together, then each child individually
Parents together (yes, you deserve a photo too!)
If time allows, mom with kids and dad with kids
This rhythm keeps the session fun and engaging, while giving you a variety of images in a short amount of time.
Can we Bring Pets to Dull’s Tree Farm?
Absolutely! Well-behaved pets are welcome to join in your tree farm mini session. I even wrote a blog post on including pets in family photos with more tips. A few things to keep in mind:
Bring a “handler” your dog trusts (grandparent, friend, or neighbor) to help so you’re not juggling pets and kids at the same time
Plan for your pup to join the first few photos, then head back to the car once their part is done
Don’t forget a leash and a few treats to keep them focused
Arrive early and let them sniff around and get a little bit of those zoomies out.
Pets are part of the family too, and they add so much joy to these sessions.
How Many People Can Be Included in a Mini Session?
Tree farm minis are designed for immediate families only. That means parents + kids (and yes, pets too). If you’d like to include grandparents, cousins, or extended family, a full family session at Dull’s Tree Farm is the way to go.
How Do I Book a Tree Farm Mini Session?
My tree farm minis at Dull’s are always first come, first served — and because only a handful of photographers are allowed to shoot here, spots disappear quickly every year. I release dates in advance so families on my email list get the first chance to grab them. Once you’ve reserved your time, you’ll get all the details straight to your inbox, along with outfit planning access through Style & Select and prep guidance so you feel totally ready.
You can check this year’s Tree Farm Mini Session details here.
What If It Rains?
Dull’s is one of my favorite places to photograph families, but Indiana weather in November can be unpredictable. That’s why I always plan a rain date the following week (same day and times, daylight savings willing) so you’ll never miss out on your photos. You’ll hear from me as soon as a call needs to be made, and I’ll make sure your new session time is locked in. My goal is to take the stress out of weather — you just show up ready to snuggle your people, and I’ll handle the rest.
When Will I Get My Photos?
I know holiday photos aren’t something you want to wait around for. Your full gallery will be delivered within 30 days or less, guaranteed. That means you’ll have your images in plenty of time for cards, gifts, and printing your favorites for the grandparents. Quick turnaround is important to me — because I want these memories in your hands while the season still feels magical.
Are Indoor Holiday Minis Available Too?
Yes! If bundling up outdoors isn’t a good fit for your crew — or if you’d just prefer something cozy — I also offer indoor holiday mini sessions. They’re festive, fun, and styled to feel seasonal without worrying about the cold or wind. These are a great choice for families with very young children or anyone who just wants to keep things simple and warm. You can see more about those sessions here.
Final Thoughts: Why Families Love Tree Farm Minis
Tree farm minis at Dull’s aren’t just quick photos — they’re an experience families come back for year after year. The trees make the most magical backdrop, and the exclusivity of shooting at Dull’s means your portraits feel truly special. We move quickly (just 15 minutes!) but with purpose: starting with the “grandma shot,” then breaking down into fun groupings so you walk away with variety and connection in every image.
After five years of photographing Indiana families here, I can tell you this: the photos aren’t the only thing families treasure. It’s the tradition of bundling up, walking through the evergreens, and making a memory together. That’s what makes these sessions so worth it.
The Heart Narrative: Indiana Tree Farm Mini Session Photographer
Photographer
Lauren Lewis, THE HEART NARRATIVE
Location:
Dull’s Christmas Tree Farm in Thorntown, Indiana
Lauren Lewis is an award-winning lifestyle photographer, specializing in family, newborn lifestyle, and senior photography. She serves Carmel, Westfield, Indianapolis, Zionsville, Noblesville, Sheridan, and the surrounding areas.
Are you ready to book your tree farm mini session with me?
Let’s do it!! I would love to document your family at the magical Dull’s Christmas Tree Farm this holiday season. If you prefer a full family session, just fill out my contact form and we’ll get your session secured. Don’t forget to explore my other blog posts for holiday photo inspiration, outfit ideas, and tips for making the most of your session.
