This year I decided to host the minis at my home studio. I didn't want to have to rely on good weather, and also planned to use the time between sessions to download and backup the files.
I knew I wanted to purchase a backdrop and had specific requirements in mind:
1- I wanted it to be bright/high key
2- It had to be as large as possible, to fit a family of 4, maybe 5
3- It had to be designed in a way that all the elements in the image were aligned to the floor. What I mean by that is that I didn't want my backdrop to have a visible perspective, because that can look fake in photos.
4- The backdrop had to work well with many kinds of outfits: formal, casual and even pajamas.
I found my Goldy Locks Christmas backdrop on www.katebackdrop.com . It was my first time buying from them and I was very pleased with my purchase. The fabric was thick, the print was sharp, and the colors, vibrant. Most importantly, the backdrop photographed well.
The next step was to conceal the bottom of the backdrop, where it touched the floor. This was key in making the set look real. Luckily, my mom and I love Christmas and between the two of us, we have a decent size collection of decor. So, I borrowed some of her stuff and used some of mine and the whole look came together.