samantha, magical Christmas photos throughout downtown Frankenmuth, Michigan

I was so blown away when Samantha's mother Amanda sent me a message this last September asking if I was going to be free in December to take Samantha's magical Christmas photos in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Not because of that simple and easy-to-answer question (the answer is always a resounding YES when you have the opportunity to work with this family), but because of what she said next:

I think we're planning on coming up Thursday-Friday but I want to do it on a night you're free!! [...] I'm not coming unless you're free."

As if it wasn't already enough of an honor that Amanda wanted me to take Samantha's photos a second year in a row during their mama-daughter time in Frankenmuth! To hear that someone's trip to Michigan is essentially pending on my availability though?? That was otherworldly! As I have said before, I am so incredibly blessed that this family found me on Instagram and connected with me last year. Not only are they wonderful people, but photographing Samantha is magic! She is a natural model and so much fun!

the outfit

Did you see that outfit up above? Absolutely mind-blowing! Even though I saw Samantha's adorable red Christmas outfit for last year's Christmas photos, I am still blown away by how amazing Amanda is at picking outfits for photos! So many photographers-including myself-keep a client wardrobe, offer a styling guide, and even assist in selecting outfits to help ensure that their models are as well-dressed as they can be for their sessions. This is because outfits are so crucial to a successful photo session.

For this photo session, Samantha was dressed in a cozy red and purple plaid coat with a purple fur collar, purple tights, the sweetest gold glitter shoes, and a red hat that revealed her brown curls. This outfit was perfectly suited for Frankenmuth's Christmas lights and décor, and it brought Samantha's session to a level that would not have been possible had she shown up in something less formal.

Prior to Samantha's session, I had emailed Amanda suggesting that Samantha bring her American Girl Doll with her to Frankenmuth. I knew from Instagram that Samantha had a Samantha American Girl Doll that she loved, and I thought that having the doll in the photos could create an extra dose of Christmas wonder. I am not normally one who photographs with a lot of props, but I am always all for photographing the true, authentic you and where you are in life. This is what Samantha's Samantha doll was able to help with: pulling out the real Samantha at an age where her doll makes up such a big part of her world.

Amanda and I are apparently really in sync for having only met in person one time before, because she had the same thoughts as me! She replied to that email saying that she had already bought American Girl Doll Samantha an outfit to match Samantha's! To add to the magic of this small serendipitous moment, Samantha's American Girl Doll had originally belonged to Amanda, making the doll just that more special to their family!

the magical christmas photo session

This session took place in the same place that it did the year before: Frankenmuth, Michigan. For those who might not know, Frankenmuth is a worldwide Christmas destination. It is a German town with a small Main Street, plenty of shopping, and plenty of eating. It's cozy, family-oriented, and made up almost entirely of small businesses. While Frankenmuth hosts several excellent festivals throughout the summer and fall months, it becomes a Hallmark Christmas movie scene come November. Frankenmuth is not only home to the world's largest Christmas store, but the city also decorates their Main Street so beautifully making it the perfect place for annual Christmas photos.

All this said, I have to emphasize the word small when talking about the size of this city! The small Main Street is easy to walk and photograph within a half hour, and its decorations do not change much from year-to-year. Regardless, we were able to find a couple of new-to-us spots for this year's Christmas session, and I was able to brainstorm a few other ideas for next year!

One thing that is really amazing about photographing children, especially regularly, is seeing them grow up through photos you've taken. Of course, these changes are noticeable outside of photos too: this year Samantha was taller, a little less reserved, and a little more vocal! There is nothing like a side-by-side comparison of two photos to really see the physical growth of a child though, and the charm of Frankenmuth's small size and annual decorations is that the city leaves almost no choice but to take a handful of similar photos each year that are perfect for these comparisons!

Perhaps the best comparison can be seen in the two photos below!

I cannot wait to continue capturing Samantha's growth year after year. I'm so grateful, blessed, and even a little dumbfounded that this family has let me into their lives, and more so, that they have made me a part of their Christmas traditions!

I can't wait to conquer all that Frankenmuth's Main Street has to offer (we may have done similar photos this year, but I know there is a spot or two with untapped potential) and to eventually hopefully move into photographing in the RiverPlace Shops and possibly in or around Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, all the while witnessing Samantha's growth...and amazing outfits! ;)

Thank you again, Amanda and Samantha, for another wonderful year!

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A few of my typical side notes:

• Interested in buying your loved ones a gift certificate? Gift cards are available all year round, but are currently $50.00 off! Send me an email by December 31st to take advantage of this holiday special!

• Visit my print shop for nature + landscape photos!

• Pábitel Photography is now on Society6! Visit my shop where you can find almost all of my nature + landscape work across a variety of great items for your home!

• I am currently booking all of the sessions! Contact me to learn more, or check out my services to learn more about what session types I offer.

• Download your list of my 10 Date Ideas for Guaranteed Fun in Michigan.

• My annual nature and landscape calendar, "pábitel photography in the fall," is here and available through the new year! NEW this year are 10-packs of blank greeting cards featuring photos from the calendar. Learn more about both here, and purchase the greeting cards on Etsy.

• To be the first to hear about new blog posts, business updates, and promotions, make sure to subscribe to my mailing list by checking the box found in my contact form as you fill out the form to order your calendar. ;)