Mini Session FAQs
Today let’s talk…mini sessions! A while back a new client let me know she had been using the same photographer for almost ten years and was hiring me for the first time for her family’s holiday photo mini session. She had a bunch of really excellent questions about how I run my minis because she knew all photographers have their own twist on mini sessions. I thought her questions were so good I decided to make a set of FAQs specific to mini sessions. These FAQs will be sent to all future mini session clients as a part of the planning and preparation documents you receive to make the most of your session, but I also wanted anyone considering me for a mini session to know the answers to these important questions. If there’s anything you still have questions about after reading, let me know and I’ll be happy to help!
Before Your Session:
What is the difference between a session with deliverables and one without deliverables?
Depending on the type of mini session being offered, you may see it listed as including deliverables, such as a certain number of digital images, or excluding deliverables. A session that excludes deliverables features a lower creative fee and allows you to create your own package of prints, products, and digitals after viewing your final gallery. While all sessions have the option to purchase products a la carte after your session, mini sessions that include deliverables have a certain number of images included in the initial price.
Can I choose the location of my mini session?
Mini session locations are predetermined depending on the session offering. Sometimes the exact location is advertised up front, other times it is determined the week of the session depending on factors such as beautiful spring blooms or fall foliage.
I need help with outfit coordination. What do you suggest?
When you book your mini session you will receive a client styling guide with wardrobe suggestions for the entire family. However, I am also happy to consult on outfit selection in advance of your session. Text or email me a photo of what you’re thinking and I will gladly weigh in on your choices. Also, if you’re looking for color inspiration, check out my social media posts from previous mini sessions with the same theme. You’ll get a good idea of both background as well as what is aesthetically pleasing to you from former clients’ outfit selection.
During Your Session:
What tips do you have for making a mini session with children most successful?
Following are my top 3 tips for a successful mini session with children. However, please check out my website for several blogs where I go into detail about preparing kiddos for mini sessions.
Practice for your session beforehand.
It may sound silly but a week or so in advance, head out to the backyard, pretend you're the photographer and engage your children in some simple following directions exercises. You don’t need to come up with any special poses, I’ll handle ALL of that during your session. Just practice giving simple directions and having them follow your cues. The more they practice, the better they’ll be on the actual day of your session!
Arrive a few minutes early to your session.
This tip’s value is twofold. First, arriving a few minutes in advance allows everyone in your group to get settled without feeling rushed to begin. It also gives children an opportunity to watch me working with others. This tends to make them more comfortable more quickly when it’s their turn for photos. Watching from the side ahead of time shows kiddos there’s nothing to be scared of, we have fun during our time together, and taking photos is a piece of cake!
Bring some small food bribes.
This is by far my most highly suggested tip for parents for photo session success. Sometimes children need a little extra motivation to cooperate throughout our time together. Before your session pack a SECRET bag (yes, secret, don’t spill the beans to them!) of small snacks that can be eaten with a mostly closed mouth. Some great options are fruit snacks, smarties, goldfish, puffs for babies, or other little candies. I’d discourage you from bringing chocolate as that can quickly become a sticky mess. If needed, we can break out the bribes in a particularly challenging moment and full mouths of snacks always look better in photos than tears.
On average, how many images do you typically deliver from a mini session?
The answer to this question truly depends on the personality make up of your group. However, during a ten minute session, I typically deliver a minimum of 15 photos in your final gallery. I have delivered up to 50 images in a ten minute mini session gallery as well! The more cooperative your group, the more poses we can accomplish in a short amount of time and the more images in your final gallery.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate on mini session day?
The answer to this one is easy! Every mini session I offer has a predetermined rain date. Be sure to check your calendar to ensure you are available both days in case we need to utilize the rain date. Your assigned time will be the same on both days.
After Your Session:
What products can be purchased after the session through the gallery website?
I offer a variety of prints and products through my gallery website. Digitals can be purchased individually. Prints range in size from wallet size through 20x30. Canvases are offered in several sizes from 8x10 to 20x30. Finally, I offer several print and product bundled packages. Purchasing items as a part of a package saves you money!
How are prints and products ordered through the gallery website delivered?
The gallery website offers a variety of shipping options to you when you place an order. Select the option you prefer and your order will ship directly to your door.
Why should I consider ordering through the gallery website as opposed to a third party vendor?
All digital image package include a complimentary print release which allows you to print your digitals through any vendor. However, I always encourage clients to consider ordering through the gallery website for a few reasons. First, prints and products ship directly to you. The process couldn’t be easier! Second, all prints and products ordered through your gallery are guaranteed for color and quality. If anything isn’t just right when it arrives to you, it will be replaced immediately free of charge!
