MINI SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
planning outfits, prepping the family, add-ons, and more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can't wait for our time together during your mini session this fall! Because that time is so limited, I've created this guide to help you prepare and get the most out of the session.
First, please know that it's NORMAL to be a little nervous about being photographed! Especially when you add young kids and husbands into the mix! I still get nervous before having photos taken - and I do this for a living!
This guide will hopefully help ease any nerves and ensure everyone has a GREAT time! Just remember ... you can't possibly mess it up!
- Amanda
Having your picture taken probably isn't your idea of a good time on a beautiful afternoon. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun! It's just twenty minutes of playing with your kids and loving on your wife. I promise that it'll be over before you know it! And just WAIT until you see the images. So worth the effort!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
The key to a successful mini session is to stay in ONE location! This helps us maximize our limited time together, since we won't have to waste precious minutes walking from location to location.
Please refer to your welcome email for the address and session times for each family. If you're not sure where to go or run into any trouble on the day of, please don't hesitate to text me, though I may not respond right away if I'm with another client.
I can't stress enough how important it is to arrive on time for mini sessions. I'll be photographing up to ten families on one day, and out of fairness to all, we cannot allow the schedule to be delayed. I highly recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to leave plenty of time for any unexpected delays, and to reduce stress!
"Where should we meet you?"
THE DETAILS
When choosing wardrobe, I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the dad is wearing a blue pastel plaid shirt, mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress.
My two favorite options for family portraits are soft pastels, or jewel tones. Either option can look beautiful in the fall! The weather will most likely be mild in October, but if it is cooler, be sure to plan on simple layers such as scarves, cardigans, and vests! Nothing kills a session like being cold!
Above all, make sure that you feel totally comfortable in whatever you choose! Walk around, bend over, raise your arms up, sit on the floor. Are you uncomfortable doing any of those things? If so, keep looking!
A few tips for each member of the family:
Selecting Outfits
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Mom
start with yourself!
It's important to choose your own outfit first, then build the rest of the family's attire around that. If mom is happy in what she's wearing, everyone else will be too!
Long, flowy dresses and skirts are universally flattering on all body types. Opt for something with a little cinch at the waist to give some definition, and you're golden!
A light scarf, well tailored cardigan, or boots are a great way to add a fall vibe to your portrait look.
Dad
he's got it easy.
Guys can't go wrong in a dark, well-fitted pair of jeans and a button up shirt that coordinates with your dress. I recommend a shirt on the lighter side, to balance out the potential heaviness of the dark denim. However, try to avoid stark white if you can! It can often photograph "blue" and can look a little stiff. Try a light grey, powder blue, or even a print! Opt for neutral boat shoes, loafers, or dress shoes, and no sneakers!
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Little Girls
A casual dress is perfect for little girls! Look for comfortable fabrics like cotton or linen, and opt for leggings on bottom instead of tights. This lessens any potential for complaints of being too itchy!
For little girls, talk up how fun it's going to be to get their pictures taken and even have them try on their outfit a few times before the session. When it's finally picture day, they'll be so excited to finally wear their special outfit! A pro tip for hair: make sure it's out of their eyes!
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Little Boys
For boys, opt for simple khaki or denim with a button up or polo that complements the rest of the family! If it's cooler outside, pop a sweater or vest over a button up for an absolutely darling fall look.
There's nothing cuter than a little guy in boat shoes. Any dressy casual, neutral shoe will do, just be sure to leave the light up shoes / crocs / etc. for another time!
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In my professional opinion, there are a few things that should be avoided for portrait sessions because they just don't photograph well. Stay away from the items on this list, and you'll be golden!
SNEAKERS
THE COLOR RED
GRAPHIC TEES
CHARACTERS
ANYTHING WITH WORDS ON IT
CROCS
ILL-FITTING CLOTHING
SMALL STRIPE PATTERNS
IDENTICAL OUTFITS
Things to Avoid
My best advice is to stay positive and upbeat when talking to your kids about the session beforehand! I know it's hard, but try not to worry too much about your kids being good and smiling. We'll spend time playing with them and being silly, so that we get genuine smiles and laughter!
I'm not much of a "sit still and look at the camera" photographer, so you'll be prompted to play with your kids, snuggle them up, and just love on them. This keeps the session from feeling awkward, and I promise we're getting great images!
Prepping the Kids
Gallery Upgrades
ALL THE SPECIAL EXTRAS
Your mini session investment includes the session itself and seven digital images of your choice, delivered via online gallery. However, there's so much more we can do with our time together! Inside your gallery, you'll find an online boutique where you can create artwork from your images directly from your own home, including prints, wall art, and so much more.
For reference, a typical mini session will yield about 30 unique final images to choose from. You may upgrade and receive the complete digital gallery for $99.
artwork orders must be received by NOVEMBER 10TH TO ENSURE DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
Please refer to your welcome email for the rain date! Fingers crossed we won't need to use it, but it's always a good idea to be prepared.
If we do need to reschedule due to weather, I will make that call 24 hours prior to the event if at all possible. I want you to have the best possible conditions for your session, and no one wants to take photos in the rain!
It might be surprising, but there are other conditions that may also cause us to postpone. For example, gale-force winds will ruin a session pretty quickly! However, please note that we will not postpone due to cold. Be sure to dress the entire family appropriately for the weather!
Props & Pets Policy
less is more.
Pets are only allowed if they are well-behaved and leashed the entire time. If you choose to bring a pet, you MUST also bring a friend or family member to help wrangle the pet during the session. Small, meaningful props such as ultrasound scans or a child's favorite toy are allowed, but I don't suggest bringing props just for the sake of props. Let's let YOU be the focus of the images!
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If we tell you to do something that feels funny, it’s probably because we know it’s going to make you laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
You'll receive your proofing gallery within ten days of the mini session. From there, you'll be able to view all of the final edited images from your session, select your favorites, and order any additional products you'd like! Proofing galleries will remain open for ten days.
When to Expect Your Images
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your mini session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
hello@amandawosephotography.com.