MINI SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
planning outfits, prepping the family, add-ons, and more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can't wait for our time together during your tree farm session! Because that time is so limited, I created this guide to help you prepare and get the most out of the session.
First, please know that it's NORMAL to be a little nervous about being photographed! Especially when you add young kids and (possibly unwilling) partners into the mix! I still get nervous before having photos taken - and I do this for a living!
This guide will hopefully help ease any nerves and ensure everyone has a GREAT time! Just remember ... you can't possibly mess it up!
- Amanda
Having your picture taken probably isn't your idea of a good time. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had fun! It's just fifteen minutes of playing with your kids and loving on your family. I promise that it'll be over before you know it! And just WAIT until you see the images. So worth the effort!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
The key to a successful mini session is to stay in ONE location! This helps us maximize our limited time together, since we won't have to waste precious minutes walking from location to location.
Please refer to your welcome email for the address and session times for each family. If you're not sure where to go or run into any trouble on the day of, please don't hesitate to call me at the phone number listed in that email.
I can't stress enough how important it is to arrive on time for mini sessions. We'll be photographing up to ten families on one day, and out of fairness to all, we cannot allow the schedule to be delayed. I highly recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to leave plenty of time for any unexpected delays, and to reduce stress!
"Where should we meet you?"
THE DETAILS
When choosing wardrobe, we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the dad is wearing a blue pastel plaid shirt, mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress.
My favorite options for tree farm portraits are soft neutrals, bold reds, and jewel tones. The weather will most likely be quite chilly in mid-November, and so I can't stress enough how important it is to layer up and dress weather-appropriately - especially children. A young child absolutely will not cooperate if he or she is cold!
Above all, make sure that you feel totally comfortable in whatever you choose! Walk around, bend over, raise your arms up, sit on the floor. Are you uncomfortable doing any of those things? If so, keep looking!
A few tips for each member of the family:
Selecting Outfits
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Mom
start with yourself!
It's important to choose your own outfit first, then build the rest of the family's attire around that. If mom is happy in what she's wearing, everyone else will be too!
For holiday sessions, you cant go wrong with a neutral sweater dress and wool tights!
A tartan scarf, well tailored cardigan, or boots are a great way to add a holiday vibe to your portrait look.
Dad
he's got it easy.
Guys can't go wrong in well tailored khakis and a button up shirt or sweater that coordinates with mom's outfit. Again, neutrals are great for portraits. Try a light or medium grey, navy blue, or even a printed flannel with a vest over top! Opt for neutral boat shoes, loafers, or dress shoes, and no sneakers.
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The Girls
It's so important to make sure kids feel warm! Nothing kills a session faster than a freezing cold child. Add a pair of wool tights and warm boots, and consider a cute hat and gloves.
For little girls, talk up how fun it's going to be to get their pictures taken and even have them try on their outfit a few times before the session. When it's finally picture day, they'll be so excited to finally wear their special outfit! A pro tip for hair: make sure it's out of their eyes!
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The Boys
For boys, opt for simple khaki or denim with a button up or polo that complements the rest of the family! If it's cooler outside, pop a sweater or vest over a button up for an absolutely darling fall look.
There's nothing cuter than a little guy in boat shoes. Any dressy casual, neutral shoe will do, just be sure to leave the light up shoes / crocs / etc. for another time!
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In my professional opinion, there are a few things that should be avoided for portrait sessions because they just don't photograph well. Stay away from the items on this list, and you'll be golden!
SNEAKERS
GRAPHIC TEES
CHARACTERS
ANYTHING WITH WORDS ON IT
CROCS
ILL-FITTING CLOTHING
SMALL STRIPE PATTERNS
IDENTICAL OUTFITS
Things to Avoid
My best advice is to stay positive and upbeat when talking to your kids about the session beforehand! I know it's hard, but try not to worry too much about your kids being good and smiling. We'll spend time playing with them and being silly, so that we get genuine smiles and laughter!
I'm not much of a "sit still and look at the camera" photographer, so you'll be prompted to play with your kids, snuggle them up, and just love on them. This keeps the session from feeling awkward, and I promise we're getting great images!
Prepping the Kids
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
Please refer to your welcome email for the rain date! Fingers crossed we won't need to use it, but it's always a good idea to be prepared.
If we do need to reschedule due to weather, I will make that call 24 hours prior to the event if at all possible. I want you to have the best possible conditions for your session, and no one wants to take photos in the rain!
It might be surprising, but there are other conditions that may also cause us to postpone. For example, gale-force winds will ruin a session pretty quickly! However, please note that we will not postpone due to cold. Be sure to dress the entire family appropriately for the weather!
Pets & Props Policy
In accordance with farm regulations, please note that pets are NOT allowed during mini sessions.
You are welcome to bring small, meaningful props to incorporate into the session, such as an ultrasound photo, festive hats, or a blanket that perfectly matches your outfits. I will provide a simple white quilt for seated poses!
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If we tell you to do something that feels funny, it’s probably because we know it’s going to make you laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
You'll receive your proofing gallery within seven days of the mini session. From there, you'll be able to view all of the final edited images from your session, select your favorites, and order any additional products you'd like! Proofing galleries will remain open for ten days. All print orders are due by December 10th to ensure a timely delivery before Christmas!
When to Expect Your Images
We know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your mini session! However if there is something we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
hello@amandawosephotography.com.