Mini Session Client Prep Guide

Let’s make the most out of our Short, Sweet and Fun time together.

I hope you are getting excited for our upcoming mini session, I know I am. I’ve selected a scenic location for the session and can’t wait to capture some beautiful images for you and your family. Below is my prep guide filled with helpful tips as well as an overview of what you can expect before, during and after your session.

Family of three outdoors, father and mother kissing their smiling toddler on the cheeks, trees in the background.

Hair and Grooming: If it aligns with your plans, consider scheduling hair appointments before the photo shoot to look your best.
Hand and Foot Care: Don't overlook a mani-pedi! Your hands and feet will feature in several shots. Opt for lighter polish shades as they photograph well.
Tanning Considerations: If you're thinking about a spray tan, aim for a hue only 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. If you haven't had a spray tan in a while—or ever—now's not the time to experiment. If possible, get some sun naturally but use sunblock and watch out for tan lines.
Self-Love: Don't fret over your appearance. Every family member is beautiful just as they are. The love you share is the most stunning aspect to capture.
Outfit Coordination: Finalize everyone's outfits. Dress appropriately for the weather and opt for coordinating colors and styles. Check out my style guide for additional tips.
Get the Kids Excited: Frame the photo session as a special family outing filled with laughter and games. Share your enthusiasm about gifting these photos to grandma or someone special, and maybe hang some on your own walls. To emphasize the importance of family photos, look at old pictures together and reminisce.
Introduce the Photographer: Show your kids a photo of me so they recognize the friendly face behind the camera. I'm here to make this a fun and memorable experience!

Leading Up to Your Session:

Three girls and a woman outdoors at sunset, smiling and hugging each other. The woman is seated, wearing a blue long-sleeve top and patterned skirt. The girls are standing, wearing casual dresses, with the one on the right hugging the woman and the other girl standing close to her.

Time Management: Allow ample time to get ready before the session. A rushed or stressful start can color your memories of the photoshoot.

Final Touch-Ups: Use the remaining time for last-minute grooming and primping.
Make-up Guidance: Your make-up should amplify your natural beauty, not transform it. Apply a bit more than usual to accentuate your eyes, lips, and cheekbones, and to create an even skin tone.
Outfit and Footwear: Ensure everyone's attire, including shoes, is neat and free from wrinkles.
Child Care: Make sure the kids are well-rested and fed to ensure a smooth session.
Snacks and Hydration: Pack water and some non-messy snacks. A small sugary treat could act as a great motivator during the shoot.
Arrival Time: Try to arrive at least 10 minutes early. Use this time to clean up any "snack faces" before stepping out of the car.
Wristwear Check: Take a moment to examine your wrists and remove any hair ties, Apple Watches, or other items you'd prefer not to show up in the photos. Keep in mind that an Apple Watch, if worn, will be prominently visible in many of the shots.

Pro Tips:

Essentials Bag: Consider bringing a bag to carry snacks, water, cell phones, apple watch, car keys, personal touch-up items like a brush or lipstick, bug spray, and even a blanket for sitting poses.

On the Day of the Shoot:

A black and white photo of a young girl and a boy smiling and hugging outdoors on a wooden bridge.

During the Session

Final Preparations:

Pocket Check: Just before we start, remove any bulky items from your pockets for a cleaner look in the photos. That includes keys and cell phones.

During the Session:

Your Role: All you need to do is love your family and have a great time!
My Approach: Sometimes, I'll be up close, other times I'll step back. As a mom of three, I adore children and have some tried-and-true techniques to engage your little ones.
Don't Worry, Be Happy: No stress needed over poses or whether your kids are smiling at the camera. I've got that covered.
Initial Shots: I'll begin by capturing the specific images you requested in your questionnaire.
Traditional & Individual Shots: I'll only ask your kids to look at the camera a couple of times—for the classic family photo and individual portraits.
Creative Directions: For the rest of the session, I'll guide you with prompts to capture the beautiful closeness and love that defines your family.
Follow My Lead: I'll be on the hunt for the perfect light and backdrop. Trust my direction to create wonderful, meaningful images of your family.

Posing Pro Tips:

Be Natural: When in doubt, smile, and look at your loved ones. Try to forget I'm there!
Close Comfort: Stand or sit closely to each other, minimizing gaps. After all, family means sticking together.
Express Love: Did you realize that, next to our eyes, our hands are the most expressive part of us? Use them to amplify the love and connection in your photos. Whether you're holding hands, resting them on a shoulder, or sharing a warm hug, keep your hands relaxed and natural. Let your genuine affection for each other radiate in every shot.

A young boy and girl hugging and smiling on a sunlit pathway with trees and greenery in the background.

A family of four on a wooden path in a park with trees, where a man is kissing a woman on the forehead, holding a baby, and there is a young boy in the foreground.

After the Session

Curated Sneak Peek Bonus: As an extra delight, I personally choose a captivating image for a "sneak peek," which you'll receive within a day of our session. Keep in mind, this is a bonus and not part of the 10 images included in your package. It's the perfect teaser for your social media and to share with family and friends.
Editing and Full Gallery: In two weeks' time, your meticulously edited digital gallery will be ready. From here, you can download your top 10 favorite images.
Add-on Options: Fallen in love with more than 10 images? Additional digital photos can be purchased for $20 each, or grab the entire remaining gallery for just $100.
Prints and More in My Online Store: I strongly recommend bringing your photos to life with our range of print products. From high-quality prints to holiday cards and photobooks, you can order directly from your online gallery.
Easy Ordering: My online store is user-friendly, making it simple to order prints, holiday cards, and photobooks tailored to your taste.
Post-Delivery Support: After you've explored your gallery, I'll touch base to offer additional assistance or to handle any special requests you may have.