So you’ve checked out my Portland mini session calendar and you’ve signed up for some updated family photos! You might be wondering how to make the most of your mini session experience. For many of my clients, a mini session is the first time they’ve done family photos in a while. For others, it might be the very first time! This quick post will help you with a few tips to make sure your mini session experience goes smoothly.
How is a mini session different from a regular photo session?
To talk about how to have a great mini session experience, it’s important to understand how it will be different from a full portrait session experience. This way, you can come to the session knowing exactly what our goals are and what you’ll be receiving. The main thing to note is that a mini session is not meant to replace a full portrait session. A mini session is simply a “taste” of a full portrait session. It takes place in a pre-selected location, on a pre-selected date, and lasts about 10-15 minutes. You’ll have a few updated photos, often in a seasonal location. (Like my lavender mini sessions that are only available in the spring.)
Because of the time constraint, we really will only be doing a few posed photos. These are great for, say, your holiday cards or to frame and send to grandma. It’s a fantastic way to get photos in the fall leaves if you did your regular portrait session over the summer at the Oregon Coast. But if you’re hoping to get a ton of candid photos of your family exploring several different backdrops, that’s something that happens during the full hour of a longer session after everyone’s had a chance to warm up in front of the camera.
Make sure everyone’s fed and well-rested
This is a big one–especially for the littlest kiddos. Do your best to choose a time slot that doesn’t interfere with naptime. Try to have a good meal before we start photographing. No one’s at their best if they’re tired or hungry, and unlike a full session, there’s no room for a snack break at a mini session. If you have a longer drive to your mini session, try a clean snack in the car, like cheerios or animal crackers.
Arrive ready to start
It’s a great idea to get to your location about ten to fifteen minutes early, earlier if you have young children who will need to be changed or do bathroom breaks. Mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back with several other clients, so your end time stays the same no matter what time we start.
Be prepared to relax and play
I know that the time constraint of a mini session can make some parents feel like they need to be a little more strict about kids smiling on cue, but I’d encourage you to be just as laid back with your kids at a mini session as you would be at a full session. As long as you’re smiling and connecting with your kids, we’ll be able to keep the photos light and fun. But if we have to pause while you discipline a child? It’s super hard to get the kiddo back into happy, relaxed mode we want to see in photos in just a few minutes. It’s best to save those conversations for later. If possible, just plan to let kids be as they are at our session.
Always be connected with another family member
I prompt this throughout my sessions, but it’s always helpful to come into a session knowing this one already! Grown ups, no matter what is going on, you should be just soaking in the moment. Smiling, making eye contact with the kids or your spouse, putting arms around each other, holding hands–just generally being engaged and present with your family. It’s that easy!
Booking your mini session
That’s really all there is to having a great mini session experience! Set your expectations, show up early and well-fed, and be ready to relax and connect with your family! If you’re ready to think about booking your session, you can explore my Portland mini session options here. And if after reading this you feel like a full session might be a better fit? Read more about my full sessions here.
