For 23 years I have been photographing Berlin families at Christmas time – by now, parents come to me whom I photographed as children. Every set is built by hand, by my team and me, every single year. No sitting still, no stiff smiles: at my studio children are allowed to romp, nibble and marvel. That is exactly how the photos are made that you will still want to hold in your hands twenty years from now.
Rich, warm and full of life – real baking happens here: real cookie dough, cutters, clouds of flour and the scent of fresh cookies. Your children roll, cut and nibble – while I photograph, right in the middle, the moments that cannot be posed. The cookies go home with you.
Deliberately minimal and bright: a handbuilt wooden frame, fir greenery, fairy lights – nothing else. Here, your faces take centre stage. Timeless family portraits, beautiful for maternity, baby and dog photos too.
These photos show our handmade sets from past campaigns – we build completely new ones every year. In 2026 we photograph exclusively in the two current sets: the Christmas Bakery and the Scandinavian Christmas (see above).
Four ways to your Christmas photos – from the free Heart's Choice session to a shoot in your own home. And with every package: your photos are in your online gallery the very next day.
Gift vouchers available for every package except “Heart’s Choice” – also valid for a session in the new year.
Wall or desk calendar with your favourite photos – the gift grandparents actually want.
from €59Beautifully printed cards with your photo, ready to send – envelopes included.
10 cards from €45From 13 November to 23 December both sets are fully built in the studio – handmade by my team and me, new every year. Simply book the day you like – early birds get the best pick.
Request your preferred day and package – I confirm within 24 hours and send you everything you need to prepare.
Two finished sets, music and little treats await you in the studio. Nobody has to sit still – least of all the little ones.
The very next day your photos are waiting in your private online gallery – to view, share and download.
Edited photos, cards and wall art arrive in time – promised. Perfect as gifts for the grandparents, too.
Coordinated, calm colours look best. The colour dots on the two sets above show what works for each – warm tones like cream, burgundy and fir green in the Christmas Bakery, light natural tones in the Scandinavian Christmas. After booking you will also receive my little outfit guide with examples. And don't worry: the “All In” package includes an outfit change.
Barefoot looks loveliest – or cheerful Christmas socks (Happy Socks are explicitly encouraged!). Both feel natural and cosy. If you really want shoes in your photos: please clean them thoroughly at home and bring them in a bag, so our handmade sets stay spotless.
From around 6 months – that's when babies can sit securely and explore the sets safely. For younger babies I recommend a newborn session with Christmas accents – just ask.
Absolutely! Dogs are welcome in the studio and at home – just let me know beforehand so I can plan a little extra time.
The very next day – with every package. Your photos will be waiting in your private online gallery. That makes even the last-minute dates just before Christmas Eve completely relaxed.
Ill children belong in bed, not in the studio. Just cancel as early as you can – we will find a free replacement date on one of the following days.
Yes – every package except the free “Heart’s Choice” session is available as a beautifully designed gift voucher, printable or as a PDF. Vouchers can also be redeemed in the new year.
Secure your preferred date – the Advent weekends fill up fast.
Request your Christmas photoshoot+49 157 528 899 87 · info@mlesemann.com