This year, I've been doing dozens of mini-sessions for the holidays with all sorts of themes: hot cocoa (always a favorite!), Polar Express, cookies with Santa, making toys in Santa's workshop, and snow themes of all sorts. Mini-sessions are a great value if you are looking to get a few shots to remember the season, give yourself or your child a new holiday experience, or have some fun together.
Mini-sessions often use props or elaborate set-ups that would be too high-cost or too labor-intensive for a single family shoot to be practical. Because I'm shooting more clients than usual, the extra costs are spread out and it's a more affordable way to do something special.
So how do you make the most of your mini-session? Here are a few tips I've learned:
- Show up about ten minutes before your appointed time so that you can get checked in and get oriented. It's usually a busy time, so letting children especially have a few minutes to watch what is happening can make them more comfortable with the process.
- Bring a favorite toy for your child if it's what they've been attached to this year--long after the toy is gone, you'll have this photo to remember.
- Choose outfits that are comfortable for everyone--try them on at home and wear them for a few minutes so that you know if a tag is too scratchy or a shirt is too tight before the session.
- Try to make sure everyone is ready for sitting for a few minutes--taking that last bathroom trip or having a quick snack can mean the difference in the mood captured in the photos.
- Relax and enjoy. If you aren't in the photos, take a step back and watch your child's interactions. Resist the urge to step in and give your child more directions, even if you think it's an easy fix--it's harder for kids to pay attention to more than one person giving them directions.
- Take "behind the scenes" photos to post on social media--sometimes the shots of how we got that great shot are just as fun! Don't forget to tag me on Facebook: @NoahSchafferPhotography or Instagram: @NSchafferPhotography.
- Usually within a week you will get your Shootproof link to your gallery. There, you can download your photos or--NEW!--you can place an order directly.
- Share your photos with friends and family!
I have a few more mini-sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week, so join my newsletter to be the first to be able to book because slots are limited. I'll also announce on Facebook, but VIPs will know about the shoots first. I have a couple great themes for those who haven't had a chance to get their photos done yet!
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