Charleston 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 & Grooming
If it fits your plans, schedule hair appointments before the session so you feel polished and confident.

Nail Care
A quick manicure or pedicure can elevate the look of close-up moments. Light polish tones tend to photograph beautifully.

Tanning Notes
If you’re considering a spray tan, keep it close to your natural tone and avoid trying anything new right before the session. Natural sun is fine—just use sunscreen, protect your skin, and watch for tan lines.

Self-Care Mindset
No need to overthink your appearance. Every person brings their own beauty, and the connection you share is what shines.

Outfit Planning
Pull together outfits that feel comfortable and coordinate well. Dress for the weather, choose colors and styles that complement each other, and keep everyone’s look cohesive without feeling too “matchy.” My style guide has more ideas if you need them.

Hype Up the Kids
Make the session sound like something fun you’ll do together. Talk about who might love the photos and look through old family pictures to build excitement.

Introduce Me Ahead of Time
Show your kids a photo of me so I’m a familiar face. My goal is to help everyone feel relaxed and enjoy the 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.

On the Day of the Shoot:

Time Management: Give yourself enough time to get ready so the start of the session feels calm and easy.

Make-up Guidance: Your make-up should amplify your natural beauty, not transform it. Accentuate your eyes, lips, and cheekbones and to create an even skin tone.

Outfit and Footwear: Make sure clothing and shoes are clean, neat, and wrinkle-free.

Child Care: Well-rested, well-fed kids make the session smoother for everyone.

Snacks and Hydration: Bring water and simple, non-messy snacks. A small sweet treat can work wonders as motivation.

Arrival Time: Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Use the last few moments in the car for wiping away “snack faces.”

Wristwear Check: Look over your wrists and remove hair ties, Apple Watches, or anything you don’t want visible in the photos.

Pocket Check: Take keys, phones, and anything bulky out of front and back pockets before we start.

Pro Tip
Essentials Bag: Pack a small bag with snacks and water, a brush or lipstick, bug spray.

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

During the Session

Your Role
• Show up, love on your family, and enjoy the time together.
• No need to think about poses or perfect smiles.
• Avoid pointing at the camera to get little ones to look.
• If a child feels shy, let it be — I’ll work with their pace and comfort.

My Approach
• I’ll move between close moments and wider scenes.
• As a mom of three, I’m comfortable with kids and have plenty of ways to keep them engaged.
• We’ll start with the specific photos you requested in your questionnaire.
• I’ll guide you with simple prompts that bring out your connection and closeness.
• I’ll take care of the light, backgrounds, and overall flow so you can stay present with your family.

Posing Tips

  1. Keep It Natural
    When in doubt, smile and look at the people you love.

  2. Stay Close
    Stand or sit close together to avoid gaps between people and create a warm, connected look.

  3. Use Your Hands
    Hands can say so much—hold hands, rest them gently on a shoulder, or share a soft hug. Keep them relaxed and true to how your family connects.

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

Editing & Gallery Delivery
Your fully edited digital gallery will be ready in about two weeks. From there, you can download your top 10 favorite images.

Add-On Options
If you fall in love with more than 10, additional digital images are $20 each, or you can purchase the remaining full gallery for $100.

Prints & Products
Bring your photos to life through the online store. Order high-quality prints, holiday cards, and photobooks directly from your gallery with an easy, user-friendly checkout.

Gallery Availability
Your gallery will stay live for three months, so be sure to download your photos during that time.

Support After Delivery
Once you’ve explored your gallery, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or requests.

I’m looking forward to creating a gallery of beautiful photos for you and your family. Please don’t hesitate to call with any questions.

Amy Hill Signature

Photography Services

Specialized photography services to capture all of life's moments.

Family of three embracing and smiling outdoors, with a girl wearing a red bow in her hair.
A young woman with long brown hair smiling near a wall of confederate jasmine.
A pregnant woman with long blonde hair wearing a white sleeveless outfit, standing outdoors against a cloudy sky, gently holding her stomach and smiling softly.
A happy couple sharing a kiss, with the woman smiling and the man holding her close.
A woman lying in bed with two young girls and a baby, all with blonde hair, in a bright, cozy bedroom.
A woman standing in front of a pink cabinet and open shelf, talking on the phone. She has blonde bob hair, glasses, and is wearing a blue striped shirt and white pants. On the shelf are books, framed photos, decorative items, and a potted plant.
A boy walking a dog on a wooden dock towards a house on a grassy hill with trees, and a group of children and adults on the porch.
Silhouettes of people on Shem Creek boardwalk at sunset, reflecting the orange and purple sky.
A group of women at a bridal shower in colorful summer dresses walking together under a large oak tree, smiling and enjoying a sunny day.