5 ways to prepare for your
mini session!
Step 1: Book your date and time.
If you are here, chances are that you have already booked your mini session with Shots! O.C. Photography. But if you haven't, make sure you follow this link to learn more about the mini sessions currently being offered and fill out the contact form at the bottom to book or your session or be added to our mailing list for advanced access to future mini-session deals!
Step 2: Pick out coordinating-Not Matching-Outfits
Don’t try and get away with the white shirts and jeans look. Don’t do it! I know your favorite family photo growing up has all of you sitting diagonally on the stairs wearing those matching outfits, and I also know that you secretly make fun of it a little bit. It doesn’t have to be that way! If you get stuck in a rut and don’t know what to do when it comes to clothing colors and choices, pick complimentary — not matching — pieces. The easiest way to do this by picking a color palette and sticking to it. For example, picture a color palette of greys, blues, and creams. Maybe you wear a light blue dress with a cream, polka-dotted scarf while your partner wears a grey and blue plaid button up with jeans. Your oldest wears a cream dress with a blue hairband while your youngest wears a grey vest over a cream shirt with jeans. In this way, you’re not all matching, but you’ve picked complimentary colors to plan around, and you can add some interest with patterns and accessories.
Want more detailed information about outfit ideas? Check out this post!
Step 3: Prepare your family.
Photos can be stressful, but we don’t want you to feel that way for these sessions! Everything is handled for you, so that all you have to do is show up and smile. Whether bringing your significant other or littles, here are some quick tips:
- Before: Communicate what you really want for these photos with your family. One great holiday card photo? A few candid photos of the whole family? Let everyone know! Decide on outfits in advance so that you’re not stressed out that morning. If your children are old enough, clearly communicate how much these memories mean to you. With teenage children who tend to be more self-conscious, I stress the importance of including them in wardrobe choices and in arranging some kind of understanding about how photos will be chosen for cards or sharing with others. This really helps them relax and open up more during shooting.
- On the day of: Make sure everyone is well-fed and rested (snacks can go a long way)! Husbands and children alike do not shoot well on an empty stomach! Afterwards, plan a fun activity whether it’s visiting a pumpkin patch or going out to dinner. I always make the day of family photos a big event. I hype up the experience and always plan something I know my children love to do for right after. Also, while I don't typically advocate for this in day to day parenting...BRIBERY. Bribery goes along way when all you are asking for is 30 good minutes of shooting time! Trust me, I've used it on more than one occasion to turn my 4 year old's attitude around during a shoot!
Step 4: Arrive early.
Because mini session spots are back-to-back with only a few minutes between, it’s important that you arrive early so that you can be as relaxed as possible. We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your appointment time! If you are late, I can't push into the next session, so you may not receive as many images in your final gallery if you are even 5 minutes late.
Step 5: Have a plan for printing your photos!
Are you one of those families that frames their USBs for their walls? Neither are we. ( Just kidding — I totally made that up.) Your photos can’t be enjoyed as digital files, which is why you will also recieve my price list along with your gallery so that you can turn your photos into prints, holiday cards and canvases for you home (or as a gift for mom)!
Ready for your mini session? Click here to book now!
