Mini Sessions
Mini sessions are a quick, fun and efficient way to get some GREAT photos! While a mini is very similar to one of my full sessions in that we focus a lot on playful, authentic images, due to the strict time constraint there are some super important things for you to be informed on. Please take a minute to read the info below so that we can insure you have the best experience possible as well as help ME to do my best job!
• Logistics
What's really fun about minis is that most of the planning has already been done and decided on by me - you just have to focus on getting there and having fun in front of my camera! Time, date, and location will be pre-chosen. Since minis are booked in volume (multiple sessions back-to-back), I try to choose locations that are easily accessible and not super congested with other people. I want to make sure we're able to utilize your time in the best way possible!
• Time of day
Outdoor sessions will be scheduled as close to sunrise or sunset as possible (this Is called the "Golden Hour"). On sunny days the couple hours after or leading up to the sunset/rise are when the light Is PRIME for photo taking! Photo sessions midday on a sunny day can present a number of obstacles for me (shadows, squinty eyes, colors are off, etc.). I know this can at times cut it close to bedtimes, but we will be speedy and efficient and done before anyone knows what hit them. Often times kids are so distracted and having fun they don't even realize it's close to bedtime until we're done!
• Poor weather
The weather is something we unfortunately cannot control or predict, so the days leading up to your session I will be keeping my eye on the weather and if things look sketchy I'll reach out to you to discuss a backup plan! Since the weather can change so quickly, I prefer to wait until as close to your scheduled time as possible to make that decision. Winter sessions will be rescheduled if temps are below 20 degrees (windchill included) or if driving conditions are unsafe. In the warmer seasons we will reschedule if it rains, there is lightening, or temps are above 90 degrees.
• Pets
I'm always open to including your fur baby in your session, but there are some things to consider and also things I require when including an animal in photos! First, please make sure to ask me initially so that I can prepare OR determine if it won't be feasible for whatever reason. Also, please take a minute to read through the "Pets" section on the main guide page so you can decide if you and your pet are able to comply with what I have outlined there!
What to Wear
Be You
Your photo session Is an opportunity for you to show up as your best, most authentic gorgeous self. However, what this looks like might very well be different than your day-to-day version of YOU. If you've always loved the Idea of wearing a wide brimmed hat but feel a little nervous trying to pull It off with your everyday look, NOW IS THE TIME!! Have fun with this, go all out, try something new! You can do/be/look however you want. :-)
Comfort
This sounds so simple but we often forget - Make sure what you and everyone Involved wear is something that feels good!! Practice wearing your clothes ahead of time - stand, sit, bend over, walk, twirl in your outfit and make sure there aren't any unforeseen issues. Consider what your family members will feel good In also, as Itchy sweaters and too-big shoes will cause Interruptions In your session and we don't want anything holding us back!
Shoes
Consider your location for this one - for fields, don't wear heels. If it's winter/muddy, WEAR BOOTS, etc.. I'm a huge fan of sandals or bare feet, when the climate allows. And also consider COLOR - lots of kid's shoes have distracting colors or characters on them. Try to stick with neutral colors that don't clash with the rest of the color scheme.
Colors & Patterns
When in doubt, stay neutral/ earth toned. Colors such as olive, mustard, rust, brown, cream, navy, maroon, etc. look beautiful on EVERYONE. These are timeless colors and ones that look great with my editing style! Colors to avoid are fluorescents (like hot pink) because they can do funky things when photographed.
I LOVE patterns and the best way to use them Is to mix them up. Don't have everyone dress In stripes or plaid - instead choose one plaid, one floral, one solid, etc. Stay In the general color scheme and have fun!
Coordinate
The goal for your family Is to coordinate but not match (bare with me, I'll explain!). Mix up the patterns, choose a color palette of a few colors rather than just one color across the board, have some members In pants, some In shorts, some In dresses, etc.
Along with pattern there should be some solids to help break things up. Then, you can dress a more solid outfit up with fun accessories to help make It more Interesting - a patterned scarf, big jewelry, a floppy hat, a belt, snazzy shoes, etc.
Outfit Changes
Since minis are so quick, I do not recommend an outfit change unless its something that can be done very quickly! Your 15 minutes is consecutive, meaning we aren't able to pause and restart it to allow time for an outfit change. If your heart is set on this, consider clothing that can be changed into super easily.
The session
PLEASE BE EARLY! Mini sessions are usually scheduled in volume and back-to-back, because of this it is SUPER important that you are fully ready to go by your scheduled time. The time slot you chose is when photos will start, and in order to keep everything flowing they will end exactly 15 minutes later. If for some reason you are running late, you may need to wait until the other families are done to start your session.
We will start with the more "formal," posed photos and I will work through a mental list of different photo combinations - full family, each parent with the kids, just the kids, etc. Once we've knocked those out of the park we'll finish up with some fun, playful photos!
Play!
Play is where the magic happens! Depending on who I'm taking photos of (kids, couples, Infants, etc.) I will have a variety of prompts/games/actions for you to do that will create REAL emotion and those beautiful moments we love. The absolute best thing you can do Is to approach this with a positive and fun attitude. How often do you get to unplug, play and be silly as a grown up?? LET LOOSE! If you have kids, your mood and willingness to have fun will totally trickle down to them. Don't worry about looking dumb - I've been doing this forever and can say with 100% certainty the only way you'll look "dumb" Is If you refuse to participate. Plus I'll be acting goofy right along side you. Go team! :-)
Pro Tips for kids - Please read!
Ahhh children. We’d do anything for them . . . If only they would do the same for us (like cooperate for family photos maybe?! Lol!)! Just so you know – I am a mom. I get It. On top of raising a very spirited little girl, I’ve been doing photos of children for over 15 years. I “get” kids, and because of that I have a number of little tricks up my sleeve to help them through your photo session with minimal stress and lots of fun!
- HAVE THEM HELP – Whether it’s help in choosing outfits (potentially dangerous lol), coming up with photo ideas, or help in choosing a reward for good behavior, getting them involved makes them feel important, included, and in control.
- GIVE A PEP TALK – Explain what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, how long it will go, and what they get for doing well.
- BRIBERY – I am not above a good ole bribe, and this is the perfect time to implement one! It can be a treat for after the session, a fun activity, a toy, bubbles during photos, or whatever works for your family.
- YOUR ATTITUDE – I know photo sessions have the potential to be a little stressful – you have to get everyone ready, be on time, and not be awkward in front of the camera (I’ve been there too – it’s hard!). Do your absolute best to stay positive, joyful, and laid back throughout it all. Not only will it trickle down to the kids, but photo sessions are a collaborative effort and your mood will totally help me do my job and give you the best results! Also, if you have a partner who is less than thrilled about taking photos, please communicate this advice to them. Grumpy adults are no fun for anyone!
- TAKE A STEP BACK . . . This one is tough for parents, I GET IT – you want your kids to behave and so you step in to try and help, but this is where things can sometimes fall apart. When kids have too many people telling them what to do they start to get overwhelmed and shut down. That is the #1 reason I’ve seen why kiddos get in a mood during their sessions. Do your best to not fret, take a step back, and just enjoy someone else being in charge for a while! 🙂
- TRUST ME AND FOLLOW MY LEAD – I’ve learned that sometimes we can’t outright tell a child what to do – we have to instead create a situation that will cause the reaction we want from them. During sessions I try to get on the children’s level and build a relationship with them. We will go on adventures, look for bunnies, inspect pine cones, walk like elephants, run/jump/twirl/etc. Sometimes the things we are doing aren’t the most photogenic, but trust me – I have a plan. For example: I may ask a child to show me their grumpy face, but that’s because I know right after they will laugh and I’ll get an amazing shot! Please do your best to not interfere and just trust the process – I’ve had parents yell over my shoulder to their child “Smile!!! Stop making that face!” Not knowing I had literally just asked their child to frown for me. The kiddo was doing a great job listening to me but then got conflicting feedback because parents were “trying to help.”
- STEP IN WHEN NECESSARY – Safety is priority #1, if your child is doing something unsafe you are of COURSE allowed to step in and I would actually prefer that you did! Also, if their behavior has gone totally haywire and you need to pull them aside for a few minutes you are more than welcome too. And lastly, If they are grabbing or trying to touch my camera equipment without permission PLEASE PLEASE intervene!
- PS – If your kid melts down and we need to take a minute to give them a break, It’s totally ok. Don’t stress! I’ve learned it’s better to pause for a bit, regroup, and then go from there rather than force our way through it. Remember, I’m a mom and I’ve been there MANY times. I’m not phased by kids who don’t want to cooperate, so don’t worry! We’ve got this. 🙂
