How to Prepare for your Mini Session | West Kootenay Family Photographer

It’s that time of year where Mini Sessions are in full swing! Whether you are booking with myself or another photographer, it pays to be prepared. Mini Sessions are exactly what they sound like: smaller versions of the portrait packages we photographers already offer. My regular sessions typically range anywhere from 60 – 90 minutes, while these ones range from 15-20 minutes! You may be thinking, “Wow, that’s really quick!” You’re right, it is! That’s exactly why it’s a mini and why you need to be prepared. In this blog, I am going to share three key points to ensure you have a successful session with your photographer.

1.     Show up on time.

Nay, show up 10 minutes early. This way you and your family, partner, dog or self-have to time iron out any last-minute details (hair, make-up, snacks for kids). If you are the first-time slot of the day and you’re running late, that means everyone who comes after you is going to be behind. Prepare your route to the location before you go, especially if you haven’t been there before. Make sure to google map it to know how long your commute will take and this will ensure you are not rushing to get there. Arriving on time or early will put you at ease and all the stress of running late won’t even be an issue…I know how my husband and I get when we are running late! Which brings me to #2.

2.     Come happy!

This goes hand-in-hand with #1. All of those on-time guide lines 100% apply to showing up happy! On the way to your session, play some of your (or your kids) favourite tunes! If you’re bringing your little ones, get them jazzed up to have their picture taken. Snacks in the car? Heck yes! Bribe with sweets? Yes please! Bring your kiddos’ favourite toy along to the session in case they need some comfort. As awkward as it is being in front of the camera, and trust me I get it, try and let loose! The best images come when you forget the camera is even there. I’m not looking to capture a fake cheesy smile - I want to capture the essence of you. Encourage your loved ones to be themselves for the best images. Plus, they are going to be way happier and willing to be there if they don’t feel the pressure to be perfect.

3.     Coordinate.

There are no rules when it comes to what to wear for your portraits. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in the clothes you are in and that you feel like yourself. The key is to show off your personality and your happy smiling faces, not your shoes. Here are a few guidelines for selecting the perfect outfit for you. Coordinating your clothing shows that you are a group - a family. You belong together. Often people think this means they have to wear matching outfits, when in fact it’s just the opposite. Think about the style of clothes you want and coordinate that. If you are thinking dressy, ensure everyone is looking sharp! If you’re thinking more everyday casual, then make sure everyone is on the same page. Choose colours and patterns that complement each other. Choose similar tones and colours in the same family. Pinterest is such a great resource to help you decide what colours and style you want to incorporate, so use it to your advantage. Once you have your outfits picked out, lay them side by side and see if they all work together!

I hope these tips and tricks help with your next mini session! If you haven’t booked one yet for this fall and you are interested, there’s still time! I am running two days of Minis, October 13th and 14th from 3pm-5pm. E-mail me through my contact page for available time slots and more details. Spaces are limited and filling up fast!

Happy Fall!