Everything you need to know before your spring, fall, or holiday mini-session
WELCOME!
You’re booked! 🎉
I’m so excited to see you for your upcoming mini-session!
Mini-sessions are short, sweet, and designed to make getting beautiful photos of your people easy. Because our time together is limited, a little preparation goes a long way—but don’t worry, you don’t need to know how to pose or have everyone perfectly behaved. That’s my job. 😉
I’ve put together a few of my favorite tips to help you feel prepared and make the most of our time together. Give this guide a quick read before your session, and as always, reach out if you have any questions!
See you on the other side of my camera soon!
~ Laura
WHAT TO EXPECT
Mini-sessions move quickly! We won’t have quite as much time as we would during a full session, but I’ll guide you through the whole thing.
My goal is to make the most of every minute while keeping things relaxed and fun. We’ll mix in some gently posed photos with plenty of natural interaction, and I’ll keep things moving so we can get a great variety of images during our short time together.
You don’t need to know how to pose, and you definitely don’t need to make everyone behave perfectly. Kids are kids, and I’m very used to working with the wiggly ones.
Your only job? Show up, relax, and have fun. I’ll take care of the rest.
A QUICK NOTE ABOUT GROUP SIZE
Mini-sessions are designed for immediate family members. Because our time together is intentionally short, keeping the group small allows us to focus on your family and make the most of every minute.
Want to include grandparents, cousins, or extended family? I’d love to work with you! Extended family sessions are available as a separate booking and give us the time and flexibility to photograph everyone together.
WHAT WILL YOUR GALLERY INCLUDE?
Beautifully posed photos ✔️
Candid, in-between moments ✔️
The little details and expressions that make your people who they are ✔️
Choosing photos can be stressful, so I’ll never make you do it. And yes—you really do get them all! I guarantee 15+ fully-edited images from every mini-session, and you’ll receive the complete gallery of finished images.
And the best part? Your gallery will be ready in less than a week.
If you’d like, I’m also happy to share a few sneak peeks on my socials while you wait. Just let me know!
PREPPING YOUR KIDS
If your kids are old enough to understand what’s happening, it’s a good idea to talk to them about their photo session ahead of time. Kids tend to feel more comfortable when they know what to expect.
Some families like to plan something fun for afterward—a special treat, a trip for ice cream, or a favorite activity—and that can be a great motivator! It also helps to make sure everyone has had something to eat and is well-rested before your session.
Tip: Bring water and a few snacks with you, just in case. You know your kids best!
Once you’ve done what you can to prepare them, give yourself (and your kids!) a little grace. They’re kids, after all, and some days just don’t go according to plan.
I’ve been photographing little ones for more than 16 years, and I’ve seen it all. Shy kids, silly kids, kids who would rather do absolutely anything than take a photo—I’ve got you.
I promise we’ll get some great photos, no matter what kind of mood they’re in. I’ll never force a child into a photo or pose if they’re unhappy. Every kiddo is different, and my goal is to let their personalities come through while keeping the experience as fun and stress-free as possible.
A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
● Neon colors: Very bright neons can reflect color onto skin, so I generally recommend softer or more muted versions of these shades.
● Large graphics or logos: These can pull attention away from faces and expressions.
● Very busy patterns: Small, high-contrast patterns can sometimes compete with the rest of the group.
● Bulky items in pockets: Phones, keys, wallets, and other pocket essentials can create distracting bumps.
● Hair ties: If you wear one around your wrist every day, just remember to take it off before we start!
And that’s really it! There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to what you wear. If something makes you feel like yourself and you love it, wear it.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
MY WHY
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I am 100% more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it.
Fellow introverts will understand. 😉
But that’s probably part of why I love what I do so much. I know what it feels like to be a little uncomfortable in front of a camera, to wonder what to do with your hands, or to think you’re just not particularly “photogenic.” I also know how meaningful it can be to have photographs of the people you love—not because everything was perfect that day, but because you were all there.
Life gets busy. Kids grow. Families change. People move, graduate, get married, become parents, become grandparents. Sometimes we don't realize how much has changed until we look back.
That's one of the reasons I believe in making time for photographs.
Not because your house needs another pretty picture on the wall (although I certainly won't complain about that!), but because you deserve to exist in photographs with the people you love. You deserve pictures where everyone is actually in the frame—not just the person who is always holding the camera.
After more than 16 years as a photographer, I still feel incredibly lucky that this is what I get to do. I get to meet families, couples, seniors, and people at so many different stages of life, and I get to help them feel comfortable enough to be themselves in front of my camera.
That’s my why.
And I’m really glad you’re here.