MINI SESSIONS! 

Time to gather up your loved ones, pick some cool outfits, and get ready to love on one another -all while getting some awesome photos at a great price.

 Not sure what to expect? Keep reading for some helpful tips on how to prepare for your mini session.

WHAT IS A MINI SESSION?

If you’ve never done (or heard of) a mini session, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a miniature version of a normal full portrait session. They are quick moving sessions scheduled back to back, at one central location. These sessions usually last about 20 minutes in length, with a much smaller delivery of images (usually 20). 

If you’ve never had professional photos taken, mini sessions are an easy, inexpensive, and fun way to try it out. It’s also a great way to explore a new photographer, quickly update a few wall prints in your home, or get a few new family shots for the holiday card.

And mini sessions aren’t just for families. They are great for couples, individuals, maternity, pets, anyone!

Now that you’re all booked, here are some tips to prepare for your mini session and make it as easy and fun as possible. 

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MINI SESSION

WHAT TO WEAR? 

Styling your session doesn’t have to be stressful. The most important thing to remember is to keep it authentic to your true style – bohemian, laid-back, preppy, trendy, western, country – and then maybe take it up a notch.

“But what if we don’t have a ‘style’?” Don’t worry! Keep it real. Don’t try to be something you’re not for your professional photos. Stick with your normal look and follow these helpful tips on how to make it work.

A good rule of thumb is to coordinate but don’t match. Choose one person’s outfit first (usually mom or a little one) and then style everyone around that outfit. Pick a 2-3 color palette with neutrals that flow throughout the outfits and mix patterns, textures and fabrics. Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration on what to wear for a family photo session. 

Some other tips:

• Most importantly – dress in something you feel comfortable and confident in. It will show in the photos
• Dress for the weather
• Layering is great for visual interest (scarfs, vests, light jackets, etc.)
• Accessorize! Fun hats, suspenders, and chunky jewelry look great in photos
• Make sure your clothes fit properly and don’t bunch oddly or ride up when you are crouching, sitting, etc. Make sure clothes are not too baggy or falling off shoulders or waists and that undergarments are not showing. (Unless that’s the look you’re going for.)
• Avoid large logos, thin stripes and animated characters on clothes
• Check clothes and sweaters for holes, stains, etc.
• Avoid neon colors that may leave a color cast on faces and skin
• Shoes! Make sure they are clean, scuff-free and comfortable.
• Dress kids in clothes they are comfortable in and you don’t mind if they get a little dirty. There is a lot of running, playing, sitting, etc. during our sessions and we want the kids to have a great time!

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Please plan on arriving as close to your session time as possible. 5-10 minutes early to your session is fine, but if you arrive too early you and your family may have to wait for me to finish up with the family before you. You are welcome to walk the meeting area and deal with any last-minute issues with outfits or etc. that may arise while waiting. Mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back and any amount of time that you are late will directly impact the length of your session. Please note that due to the nature of mini sessions, time cannot be made up and any refunds will not be given for late arrivals. A good idea is to familiarize yourself with the location in your GPS to know the general travel time the day before your session. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about the meeting point!

COME PREPARED

It is a good idea to make sure your little ones are not hungry or tired. Make sure they have had a good nights sleep or a nap before their session. Feel free to bring snacks and water for kids or a favorite toy that you wouldn’t mind ending up in the photos. Mini sessions happen so quickly that it may take a little one a few minutes to warm up to a new face with a camera, and sometimes a favorite comfort item may help. Also, we don’t discourage bribery for the kids. Maybe bring something special for them to have afterwards if they cooperate (candy). 

BLANKETS OR PROPS

I do occasionally bring a blanket with me for some sitting during our session; however, if you have a sentimental blanket that you would like to use (neutrals or patchwork often look great in photos), please feel free to bring it. Also, a special prop (maternity, anniversary, milestone) that you may want to incorporate is also welcome.

A FEW HELPFUL TIPS DURING THE SESSION

Stay close to one another and always touch: hold hands, snuggle, hug, put a hand on a shoulder. Make as much contact as you can with your family. This will help show the love and connection you have for one another.

You don’t always have to be smiling and looking at the camera. We will get those shots in the beginning or I will ask you to look when needed. But look at each other, or look into the distance…these candid shots feel more natural and are usually the family favorites.

Let your kids run wild. It’s ok. They’re kids. Once we get a few posed images, let them be themselves. Try to avoid telling them to say “cheese”. Instead, tell them a funny joke, or anything you know that will make them giggle instead. Play with them, get goofy, snuggle, throw them in the air, chase them around…just play with them as you would normally do and let me capture those moments.

Dads, it will be over before you know it. Moms, don’t worry. You look beautiful. No matter how bad you think your kids behaved, I’ve seen way worse, usually in my own family. 

Remember that sometimes, kids do better for the camera when parents and caregivers aren’t looking. It’s ok to walk away for a minute to let me have a moment with them. That’s when I usually get my best portrait shots.