10 Tips to Make Your Mini Session a Breeze
This blog post is brought to you by Elizabeth Lang Photography in Cloverdale, Surrey.
Mini session season is just around the corner, and if you’re like most parents, you’re probably feeling a bit conflicted. You love the idea of having beautiful family photos, but the thought of getting everyone ready, posing, and dealing with any potential chaos can be a little overwhelming. But don't worry! I've got you covered with 10 tips to make your mini session experience easier, smoother, and a lot more fun!
1. Start with Your Outfit
Let’s be real: as mom, these photos are most important to you, so it’s essential to find an outfit that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. Once you’ve picked your outfit, you can coordinate your family’s clothes around it. It’s a lot easier to choose their outfits when you have yours locked in!
2. Make Sure Your Kids Are Rested
A tired kid is a grumpy kid, and no one wants that at a photoshoot. Be sure to stick to the kids’ normal routine the night before the session—no late nights, no skipping naps. A well-rested child is more likely to cooperate and enjoy the experience. And don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep yourself—you’ll need all the energy you can get!
3. Well-Fed Kiddos
Before your session, make sure your kids are well-fed. A grumbling stomach is a surefire way to create a fussy child. Serve a hearty breakfast or lunch, and pack something easy and non-messy to snack on, like cheese strings or crackers. This tip is for husbands, too—make sure everyone’s ready to go, without the hunger-induced crankiness!
4. Embrace Incentives
Kids of all ages can be motivated with a little incentive. For babies and toddlers, snacks like dried yogurt drops or baby puffs work wonders. Preschoolers often love small toys (think dollar-store surprises), while older kids and teens might respond well to promises of screen time or a trip to the ice cream shop afterward. Whatever works to keep everyone happy!
5. Stay Calm and Patient
It’s natural to want your kids to behave and cooperate during the photoshoot, but don’t expect them to be perfect. Kids can get silly, especially when they’re in front of the camera. As long as they’re not being unsafe or damaging the studio, try to stay calm and avoid scolding. Getting upset can lead to tears, which will only make the session harder. A little patience goes a long way!
6. Prep Yourself for Your Close-Up
Before the session, take some time for a little self-care. Wash and blow-dry your hair, shave if that’s part of your routine, exfoliate dry skin, and moisturize to make your skin glow. Clean off any old nail polish and make sure your hands and nails are looking neat. You’ll feel a lot more confident when you’re camera-ready!
7. Prep Your Clothes
Make sure your clothes are looking fresh and neat by ironing and lint-rolling where needed. If time allows, you can even bring your outfit with you to change into right before the shoot. And don't forget to bring clean, dry shoes to change into. A quick outfit swap can help you feel refreshed and picture-perfect.
8. Wipe Those Faces
Kids’ faces can get messy quickly, especially during breakfast or lunch. Pack some wet wipes to clean up any crumbs, sticky faces, or food messes right before the session. This ensures everyone looks fresh and ready to shine in front of the camera!
9. Plan for Some Fun
To make sure your kids stay engaged and happy, plan for a little fun before or during the shoot. Whether it’s a favorite toy or a game, having something familiar can help ease any nerves. Keeping the mood light and playful will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
10. Don’t Take It Too Seriously
Mini sessions are a wonderful way to capture your family as they are right now, but part of that is embracing the beautiful chaos of childhood. Don’t stress over getting everything perfect. Your little ones might not sit still or pose exactly as you imagined—and that’s okay! These photos are about capturing your family’s personality, quirks, and love in this moment in time.
So there you have it—10 tips to make your mini session a little easier and a lot more fun. The most important thing is to enjoy the experience and not get caught up in the little things. After all, it’s these imperfect moments that make family photos truly special!
Thank you for choosing Elizabeth Lang Photography! I can’t wait to capture these beautiful moments with your family.