preparing for your mini session
hey friend!
I’m so excited for our upcoming mini-session!
Whether you’re one of my full session clients who want to sneak in a bonus session this year, a new family who wants to get a feel for my style, or simply … mini sessions are just what work best for your family, I’m so glad you’re coming to see me!
Over the next few pages, I’ll give you ALL of the info that you’ll need to make the most of your session!
how a mini session works
First and foremost…don’t be late! I only give myself a few minutes of wiggle room between each mini session, so please be on time or early! If your time slot is for 10:30, showing up at 10:20 is a safe move.
Mini sessions last up to 30 minutes (only 15 minutes for special event minis), with a small window of time between clients. They’re crazy! But so fun!
If you want to use your mini session for a special announcement, don’t forget your props (for example … pregnancy announcements, etc.).
*Mini-Session Etiquette*
If you show up early, please wait in your car, or mingle outside of the area I am photographing until I come out to get you.
If we’re photographing outside, coming close to the family before your session and watching them can make them feel uncomfortable, and my priority is for everyone to have an awesome experience in the short time we have together!
So that I can give the family I am photographing my uninterrupted time and attention, I won’t be reachable by phone or text. In the event something arises and you cannot make your session time, go ahead and leave a message and I’ll return your call the following day.
If you are running late it’s up to you to go ahead and come to your session, based on how much time we would have to photograph when you arrive. I wouldn’t start your session if our allocated session time is cut by more than half because of the likelihood that it would run late, affecting the sessions after yours.
preparing the littles
Our time together is tight, so prepare the kiddos well for our session so we get all the best shots!
Pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small objects (like toys or lollipops) that might help me get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera.
It also helps if their bellies are full and they’ve had some good rest beforehand.
Have the kids dressed and ready to shoot so we get the most of our time together.
pets
Our dog are a huge part of our family, which is why I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session (unless I’ve noted in the booking info that the session isn’t pet-friendly). Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we'll get less pictures since it's an extra variable to work with during the session.
Please leave your dog in the car and we’ll shoot photos of the family first, then you can dash to the car and get the pup for the last portion of our session.
Giving your dog a good exercise before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treat helps too! As you know, dogs, like babies, are often on their own schedule and sometimes don’t cooperate! Your pup may not look at the camera, or may give you a kiss without warning! Just embrace the moment!
arriving at the studio (or session spot)
If we’re at the studio I will have signage indicating where to park, so just follow the signs! For other location shoots I’ll provide instructions in the booking document.
When you arrive just come to our designated shoot spot. When the session before you is done my assistant or I will come to greet you. If you don’t see one of us that means the previous session ran over a bit, and we’ll be out to greet you in a few minutes - no later than 5 minutes before your start time.
rescheduling
Outdoor mini sessions will only be postponed in the event of rain or snow/high likelihood of rain or snow. Cloudy, foggy, or hazy days will still go on as planned.
If one of your family members becomes sick, please don’t continue with the session. I will reschedule you or transfer your mini-session fee towards a future mini-session or turn it into a deposit for a full future session. Mini-session deposits are non-refundable.
what to wear (and not wear)
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Mom gets to pick her clothes first. You're going to be in most (if not all) of these photos, so make sure you're wearing clothes you love, that you can move comfortably in, and that make you feel confidant.
Build outfits for everyone else based on mom and dad’s look. Once you choose one outfit it’s easy to make choices for everyone else.
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It’s true that shoes can make an outfit. This can often be overlooked, but shoes are SO important to the overall look of your family photos. In the summer everyone might wear shoes made from natural materials (i.e. leather-like sandals or clogs). And in the winter choose a comfortable boot.
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Don’t be afraid to wear something you normally wouldn’t. For the ladies, I encourage you to embrace a flowy dress or wear fashionable linen pants. Think of pieces and accessories that are a bit more elevated than your everyday wardrobe.
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Adding a subtle gold necklace or sweet, simple set of earrings can add a lot of character to your portraits. Same thing goes for nails! Hands are naturally a major point of focus in family photos and having a clean, manicured set of nails goes a long way! For dad too!
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Most families I work with come to me because they want to frame photos from our session on the walls of their home. It may sound silly to “coordinate with the couch” but it really does make a big difference if you’re planning on creating a statement piece for your living room!
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Logos and large graphics on tshirts
Patterns that are busy and distract from faces
Intense plaid
Bold patterns
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Light reflected in eyeglass lenses can create white spots and glare, and tinted lenses cannot be lightened. If you wear glasses full time like I do, of course you’re going to wear your glasses! You wouldn’t look like yourself without them. But if you sometimes wear contacts, wear them on photo day!
Be in the moment and don’t stress about the end result. We will get some beautiful photos, you don’t need to worry. You will be more emotionally attached to the images if you have FUN while taking them. If you are worried about how your children are smiling, or if Dad is impatient (they usually are, and it’s ok!), then you will think of that every time you look at your photos. Relax! Just enjoy the time spent with your family, and I will catch some amazing moments for you that you can cherish forever!
have fun!
after the session
The proofing gallery from your session will be emailed to you a few days after your session so that you can choose your favorite images for me to edit and then I’ll get to work and send you a download link when your photos are all done!
thank you!
Mini sessions are NuTs!! It’s fast and furious, and clumsy, and kids cry, and hey …. we will laugh and have fun, and I promise you - I’ll get great photos that you’ll love!
Thank you so much for choosing me for your mini-session! I love getting a chance to see clients again, and I love making new friends on mini session day too!
If you have any questions about outfits, or how mini sessions work, please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email or text.
See you soon!
Sheri
C: | 503-577-3787
FUN FACT - both of the handsome men in this guide are two of my beautiful sons and their wives! How blessed am I?! 💙💙