What to Wear for Your Christmas Alpaca Mini
Our Christmas minis happen in the barn stall at Enchanted Farms — a Christmas tree, hay underfoot, and an alpaca dressed for the holidays right beside you. With 15 minutes and 5 edited photos, there's no time for outfit changes, so a little planning means every frame counts. Here's what looks best in the barn.
Colors that glow in the barn
The stall is warm wood, hay and evergreen, so rich, deep colors look wonderful here:
- Cranberry, burgundy and wine
- Forest, emerald and hunter green
- Denim blue and slate
- Mustard, camel and rust
- Cream or ivory as a lighter accent
Pick two or three for the whole family. Solids in different shades photograph beautifully together — nobody needs to match. A few easy palettes: cranberry + cream + camel · forest green + mustard + denim · slate blue + rust + oatmeal.
What to avoid
- Black. In the barn's low light, black clothing loses every bit of detail and turns into a flat shape next to your face — charcoal and very dark navy do the same
- All white — it glows against the dark wood
- Head-to-toe beige, tan or brown — hay, barn wood and alpaca fiber are all creams and browns, and you'll blend right in
- Neon, bright orange or hot pink — they bounce color onto faces
- Logos, characters and words
- Busy little patterns
Christmas without the costume
One plaid (buffalo check is perfect here) or one red piece per family goes a long way; everyone else in solids. Santa hats and antlers are fun for a frame or two — bring them, and we'll do the main photos without.
Texture is the theme
Knits, corduroy, velvet, flannel, wool and denim all look gorgeous next to alpaca fiber — a chunky sweater, a tweed blazer, a velvet dress on a little one. Two heads-ups: hay clings to velvet and fleece (keep a lint roller in the car), and alpacas are curious — a pompom or a dangly scarf will get a sniff, which is usually the best photo of the day.
Dress for a barn in November
The stall keeps the rain off, but it's still a barn in November. Make your layers part of the outfit — a wool coat, a cardigan, a scarf, a beanie all get photographed, and a puffer thrown over a pretty outfit will end up in the pictures. Tights or leggings under dresses, and boots for everyone: leather, rain or booties. It's a working farm, so plan on mud between the car and the stall, and leave the white sneakers at home.
Outfit Inspiration
For Girls — a velvet or corduroy dress with tights and boots; a chunky cardigan; a knit headband, beret or bow.
For Boys — a sweater or flannel over a collared shirt; corduroy or medium-wash jeans; boots. Suspenders and a beanie are very cute in the hay.
For Moms — a midi dress in burgundy or green with tights and boots, or a chunky knit with a skirt; long sleeves; a wool coat you love.
For Dads — a sweater, henley or flannel with a jacket; jeans (medium wash, not black) or chinos; boots. Skip hoodies, sneakers and anything black.
For Babies — a knit romper or overalls with tights; a bonnet or beanie that ties on; layers you can peel off. Dress them last, and bring a spare top.
Matching pajamas? Yes! They're adorable on the hay — just add boots and a coat for the walk.
What to bring
A lint roller, wet wipes (alpacas + hay + little hands), hand warmers for pockets, hair ties, and if you'd like, one small prop — a wrapped gift, a plaid blanket, a mug of cocoa. One, not a bagful.
Arrive dressed and ready
Hair, makeup and kids' shoes done before you get out of the car. Sessions run back to back, so there's no time to change once you're here.
Not sure? Ask me.
Send me a photo of what you're thinking and I'll help you choose — I have a few outfits and props on hand too.
Ready to book?
Sessions are November 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22: https://enchantingtalesphotography.pixieset.com/booking/xmas-mini-photo-session-alpaca-experience
