How are mini sessions different than full sessions? Well, for the photographer, it’s like speed dating. It’s a lot, it’s fast and it’s… well it’s fast. For me, I LOVE hanging out with all of my Massachusetts clients. Whether it’s in their house or at a park, I chat the entire time. I like taking my time to get to know the kids and make them comfortable. I love hearing about your work and your life. During mini sessions, we don’t get this luxury. I have very specific times set aside for each client leaving no room to have a casual stroll and photo shoot. Which is okay! That’s the point of a mini session. To squeeze in several sessions so everyone can get those few updated family portraits they want, and they’re lots of fun to do!
Because it’s quick in nature, there are a few ways to prepare for your mini session. I also added in some outfit ideas. So, let’s start with that.
CHOOSING OUTFITS
This is the number one question I get as soon as you book your mini session with me. I know that outfitting an entire family in new outfits that are comfy and look nice can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Think SIMPLE and CLASSIC.
As you’re strolling through Old Navy or Target, keep this in mind… coordinate, DON’T MATCH. Pick a color palette, say – cream, navy, yellow and gray. Then, piece together all of your outfits with these colors. Maybe your little girl has on yellow leggings under her jean skirt with a yellow head bow and a cream top. Dad has on a grey sweater and jeans and mom has on leggings paired with a plaid blouse of blues and yellows. Mix and match, it doesn’t need to be perfect!
Next, layer. Textures are awesome. Put on that faux fur vest, have a button up under your sweater and roll the sleeves. Pick a sweater with lots of texture, eyelet fabric, etc.
Please try and stay away from bright white, BUT ivory, cream, and beige are a-okay.
Let's chat about the 90s for a quick second. Remember your outfits? Or would you rather forget them? I'm willing to bet they're not something you'd want to see hanging in a huge canvas on your living room wall, right? A simple, classic sweater and jeans would totally solve that!
Lularoe. LOVE it. But if you wear some busy Lularoe leggings in your pictures, there’s a possibility they’ll look outdated in just a couple years. You want to be able to enjoy your family portraits for years to come, and not be embarrassed by your outfit in 3 years and tuck the pictures away. But hey, if you love the busy patterns, I definitely won't stop you!
Here are some examples of some gorgeous families who really pulled it together for last year’s minis!
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BE PUNCTUAL
I schedule these sessions back to back. Please, please plan to be at our meeting spot 10 minutes early so that you’re ready to roll. I do my very best to stay on time so sessions don't run late. If you do happen to be running late, it will either cut into your session time, or you’ll have to wait for sessions to be done to step in to get your pictures taken.
If you more than 10 minutes early, please hang back a bit – choose a spot that you can see me, but not be extremely visible to the family I’m working with. If you’re running late or someone gets sick (it happens!), call or text me (508-685-0885) to let me know as soon as you can. I can then start the next group early, take a break, etc.
Coming early may also give your little one some time to warm up. They can watch what I’m doing, become familiar with the location and ease into their session with a little more comfort.
LOCATION
If you’re anything like me, you’re crazy busy, forget to answer e-mails, sometimes forget deodorant and get through each day by the skin of your teeth. So, this also means, that you’ll be scrolling through your e-mail or FB on the morning of the session trying to find where I said to meet, then looking for the location on your GPS as you're putting your seatbelt on. Literally not kidding, this is my life. So, I get it. 100%.
I haven’t chosen the exact location for the sessions yet because I'm giving the foliage a bit more time to develop; however, I'm looking at a couple of spots in either Worcester or Leicester. Both are beautiful and perfectly suitable for fall mini sessions.
I will contact each of you 24-48 hours before your session to give you the exact location. If you can’t get there to scope it out beforehand (like me. I’d totally be laughing and saying “yeah right!” as I read this), then try and plan to get there even a few minutes earlier so that you have cushion room to get lost.
PREPARE THE KIDDOS
Be sure your little one(s) get their scheduled nap for the day so they feel rested. Also, be sure their bellies are full! Bring some snacks along to avoid any hangry littles! Also, if they have a favorite toy or lovie, bring that along, too. Do they have a favorite character or song? Let me know ahead of time; I can use that to help get smiles. I have no shame when it comes to getting kids to smile!
RELAX!
This might be the toughest. I get it. You've spent money on this session. You're worried about the time limit. Will your kids behave? Will they smile? Is my husband worried about football? I just love being with you and capturing your love so think of it this way: You made it to your session! Everyone is dressed, everyone is there, YOU MADE IT! Let's all have fun together, hang out for a few minutes, and just enjoy being a family. Your love and happiness will show through your photos if you're relaxed. I’ll handle the rest.