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 will last 20 minutes in length, with a much smaller delivery of digital images (10-15).

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

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MINI-SESSION (or Full 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, edgy – and then maybe take it up a notch.

“But what if we don’t have a ‘style’?” Don’t worry! 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 the person planning the session) 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.)

• 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 waist 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, pilling, stains, etc.

• Avoid neon colors that may leave a color cast on faces and skin

• Shoes! Make sure they comfortable. Avoid flip-flops and gym/running shoes

• 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!

ARRIVE EARLY

Please plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early to your session to give yourself and your family plenty of time to settle in, and walk to the meeting area. 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 refunds will not be given for late arrivals. A good idea is to familiarize yourself with the location on Apple or Google Maps 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

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 afterward if they cooperate (a lollipop?) but don’t let them know what it is until they are done. 👍🏽

HAVE FUN - No need to stress 😀!

Don’t think of it as a photoshoot. Think of it as a few minutes of uninterrupted time with your family or loved one, hugging, kissing, snuggling, laughing, running, twirling…no work, phones, or email. Just a few sweet moments together. Relaxed families = beautiful photos.

See you soon!