Mini Session Dos & Don’ts

How to Make the Most of Your Short and Sweet Photo Session

Mini sessions move fast, but with a little prep, they can result in beautiful, joy-filled images of your family. Here are some Dos and Don’ts to make sure your session runs as smoothly as possible!

✅ DO: Show Up on Time

Mini sessions are much shorter than a full session and don’t leave much wiggle room. Please do your best to show up on time or even 5-10 minutes early to ensure you’re ready to go by your session time. Before your session, I will reach out with directions on exactly where to meet at Knox Farm.

✅ DO: Coordinate, Don’t Match

Think coordinated colors that complement one another, not totally matching outfits. Earthy tones, soft neutrals, or even a pattern or two can look great. Most importantly, be comfortable and wear something that feels like “you!”

✅ DO: Keep Smiling

I have three boys myself, so I totally understand—kids are wonderfully unpredictable, and honestly, that’s part of the magic. Let them be exactly who they are. The best thing you can do is just keep smiling at them—even if they’re doing cartwheels while I’m trying to snap a group photo! LOL. These moments, the real ones, are often the ones we treasure most.

✅ DO: Have Fun

Let go of perfection. Play. Giggle. Snuggle. Don’t be afraid to chase your kids or scoop them up mid-sprint. The most meaningful images often come from the little in-between moments when you forget the camera is even there.

🚫 DON’T:

Here are a few friendly don’ts to help your mini session feel less like a stressful to-do and more like the joyful memory you want it to be.

❌ Don’t Bring Snacks That May Be Messy

By all means, feel free to bring snacks, but make sure they are dry, non-messy ones that won’t mess up clothes! Goldfish, crackers, gummy bears, mini marshmallows are some suggestions that can work.

❌ Don’t Stress Over Perfection

Mini sessions aren’t about perfection—they’re all about the little moments that make your family yours. They’re quick, fun, and meant to capture life just as it is. So if your child isn’t in the mood to smile or decides that rock is their new best friend? Let it happen. Those are the stories you’ll smile (and laugh) about for years to come.

❌ Don’t Tell your Kids to Smile at the Camera During Solo Portraits

I always try to photograph individual portraits of each child during a mini session. And I say this with as much love as possible - please don’t stand off to the side and tell them to smile at the camera. It comes from a good place, I get it.

But what usually happens is that the kids get confused, distracted and aren’t sure whether to look at their parents or at me. This often results in them looking off to the side of the camera lens. If I need assistance getting their attention, I will let you know!

❌ Don’t Bring too many Toys

If your child has a beloved lovey or comfort item, by all means, bring it. But avoid bringing multiple toys that might turn into distractions or cause issues between siblings.

With just a little prep and a go-with-the-flow mindset, we’ll capture those fleeting, beautiful moments you’ll treasure forever.

Let the chaos be beautiful. I’ll capture the magic in between. I can’t wait to work with you and your loved ones💛