Mini Session Guide

It's important to choose outfits that make you feel confident and reflect your family's personal style. However, some outfits photograph better than others. If you can, limit patterns to one or two max. I like to choose who will be wearing the pattern then choose colors for the rest of the family based on that pattern. Pick colors that match the season. Also, neutrals and muted colors also photograph really well. For example, instead of bright pink, blush would be better. I have created a Pinterest board here with outfit inspiration. I also have a highlight saved on my here on my Instagram with links to outfits.

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Feel free to text or email me with photos of your outfits if you need advice! I am here to help you. 

Please plan to arrive to your mini session at least 5 minutes early or 10 minutes if you plan to dress everyone when you arrive. Mini sessions are very short in time so I want to be sure that we use the entire time to capture photos of your family. If you are late, we will still end on time since all my mini sessions are back to back. 

Snacks on snacks on snacks, and if necessary, treats to bribe kiddos with! (However, it’s best not to tell kids about the treats before the session; wait until the kids start getting tired before you pull out the candy card! They’ll usually perk right up then!) Also, make

sure the snacks/treats won’t stain lips or fingers! 

Any personal appearance touchup items you might want, including things like lipstick or a hairbrush.

Prepare your kids with laid-back, low-key references to let them know what’s happening. Get them excited for the photoshoot. If you are excited, they will be too. Tell them you will be “hanging out with our friend Lauren on Saturday!” or “going to see a Christmas tree and lights!” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. This can be helpful if they have a particularly shy child. 

You can also have them help be involved in the planning process by helping decide what they should wear or fun poses that they can do with you. Lastly, you can offer them an incentive for after the photoshoot if the do well like going to get ice cream or going to their favorite restaurant. 

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Have all outfits laid out the night before so you are not running around trying to get everything together before you have to leave. 

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Make sure everyone gets a good night's sleep or nap and eats a good meal before the session.