How To Prepare For Your Mini Photography Session

Why Book A Mini Session?

A mini session is a brilliant way to access a professional photography shoot at a reduced rate, allowing you to ‘try’ the photographer before you commit to a full shoot or perhaps you simply don’t think your littles would manage more than 30 minutes! They are usually themed around a season but also can be just little ‘pop-ups’ booked as a group of friends or family.

What Happens Ahead Of A Mini Session?

Your photographer will send you a booking form to provide names of all family members, plus ages of the children. It’s also a nice idea to provide info on their favourite book or tv show, just inc case your littles are a bit shy and the photographer needs to try and build rapport quickly!
You will usually have paid at the time of booking, and confirmed a time slot. If the session is to be held outside, the photographer might have a back-up ‘rain date’ - it’s really helpful to keep this date free too if possible!

What Do I Need To Bring To A Mini Session?

Everyone that will be included, of course! If the shoot is themed (for e.g. Christmas or Easter) then your photographer may suggest you bring Christmas PJ’s, a favourite book/toy, and a couple outfit changes. If it’s just a normal mini photoshoot then a change of clothes (just in case!) is always useful.

What Should We Wear To Our Mini Session?

This is quite an important one for getting the most from your session. I always recommend neutrals, no super bright colours, no really obvious patterns. Whites, greys, beige, blacks all work well together. Kids in matching can be cute (if that’s your style!) but otherwise just something that compliments all together. I have an outfit guide with image inspirations here.

Keep scrolling for more tips!

What Happens At Our Mini Session?

Usually I will start with the whole family first, looking at the camera, then get some with each parent + kids, and some individuals. I then play a couple of game ‘prompts’ for those gorgeous photographs with belly laughs and they can include children being upside down, tickling, story-telling and more. Most importantly, try to relax + have fun!
If you have booked a Christmas or Easter (or other seasonal) Mini Session, and just want it to be the children, make sure you stay close by to reassure your littles + help get their attention!

5 Top Tips For The Session!

One
Be on time! Sounds obvious, but with a mini session the time is limited and any lateness would eat into your allocated time. I recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before you need to.

Two
Have snacks! Make sure children are fed and watered before the session, and bring some snacks with you in case we need a little boost. If you have a baby, please don’t book your session time for when they are normally napping as we can just end up with a grumpy baby!

Three
If you have reluctant or shy children, make an adventure trip of it! Explain to them a few days in advance what it will be and perhaps watch a couple of videos on YouTube of a mini session (Ksenia Pro is lovely) so they know what to expect. Children will feed off parent’s energy so if you are excited and relaxed about it, they’ll get there! They can always bring a favourite toy or comforter. I don’t mind these being in the photographs as they are still a part of your story. My son Jesse has a Wolfie from IKEA that he’s loved since he was 2 (he’s now 10) and it’s been such a huge part of our life that it would almost be odd not incuding in a family portrait!

Four
Manage expectations…. it’s always a weird thing having a camera pointed at you. I think I’m pretty good (after 12+ years) at relaxing people but a mini session by nature is a little more time sensitive and there is less time for chats over tea. If the children aren’t into it, just let them be. I can always tell that a session will go downhill if the parents are just constantly asking the children to smile or telling them off for being a certain way; they just get fed up so much quicker. Allow their personalities to shine through… even if that means lots of snuggles into your shoulder + we don’t see their face! Children always want your approval and just allowing them space to be silly or shy is part of it xx

Five
Consider how you will showcase your artwork! With each mini session there are 15 digital downloads included, I usually show the full set and my clients can buy the rest of the images for £50 if they wish. Remember, a mini session is discounted because there are less time + photos but the photographer usually is hoping you will order product.
I have partnered with two incredible UK based fine art suppliers who only sell to professional photographers (there’s an induction process!) and I promise not to charge ridiculous up-sell prices. There is a small fee added for my time and design, but not the 300% mark up that is industry standard!!

So, that was a little more word-heavy than expected, but I really hope it helped! Any further questions please do feel free to contact me via email (info@claudiarosecarter.co.uk) instagram (@familiesbyclaudiarose) or WhatsApp (07492 238 323)!

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