Mini sessions are 20 minutes — short, sweet, and surprisingly powerful when everyone arrives prepared.
This guide will help you get the most beautiful results possible. Read it, share it with your family, and come ready to have fun.
Clothing is one of the biggest factors in how your photos turn out. The goal is coordination — not matching.
✓ Do
- Coordinate colors — pick a palette and stick to it
- Wear solid colors or subtle textures
- Layer clothing for visual interest
- Dress everyone at a similar "formality level"
- Wear what makes you feel confident
- Break in new shoes before the shoot
✗ Avoid
- Busy patterns, logos, or large graphics
- Neon or very bright colors
- Identical outfits — it can look stiff
- Brand new clothes that don't fit comfortably
- Distracting accessories
- Colors that clash with the location
Good color palettes: Warm neutrals (cream, tan, rust, olive), cool neutrals (grey, white, navy, sage), or earthy tones (terracotta, brown, forest green). When in doubt, earth tones photograph beautifully outdoors.
20 minutes goes fast. Here's how to make every minute count.
−15
15 minutes before
Leave with buffer time. Factor in parking and walking to the exact spot. We'll send you a Google Maps link in your reminder email.
−5
5 minutes before
Arrive at the location. Do a quick mirror check — hair, collars, tucked labels. Let kids stretch their legs so they're not restless at the start.
:00
Session starts
We'll greet you, do a quick run-through of the plan, and get right into it. Trust the process — we move quickly but you'll feel relaxed.
:20
Session ends
We wrap up and you're on your way. Expect your edited gallery within 48 hours via email.
Some of our favorite shots come from pure, unscripted moments with little ones. Here's how to set them up for success.
- Schedule around nap times — a tired toddler is the #1 enemy of a great photo
- Feed them beforehand — hungry kids are grumpy kids
- Bring a small snack or favorite toy as a backup motivator
- Don't over-hype the shoot — casual and relaxed works better than "smile for the camera!"
- Let them warm up to us for a minute before we start shooting
- For pets, bring their leash and a high-value treat they don't get often
- A tired dog is a good dog — a long walk beforehand helps
We guide you through everything — you don't need to know how to pose. But knowing what to expect helps you feel less self-conscious.
- We'll give you prompts like "whisper something funny" or "walk toward me" — these create natural movement
- The best expressions come from genuine interaction, not "say cheese"
- If something feels awkward, it usually doesn't look awkward — trust us
- Look at each other more than the camera — connection photographs beautifully
- Relax your hands — tense hands are the most common thing we correct
- Take a breath before each set of shots — it naturally relaxes your face
We choose our session locations carefully for beautiful natural light and varied backdrops. A few things to know:
- Most outdoor sessions are in open shade or during golden hour — the light is soft and flattering
- Wear sunscreen if you're prone to burning — some locations have direct sun exposure
- Comfortable shoes matter — some locations involve walking on grass or uneven ground
- Check the weather the morning of — we'll contact you directly if conditions require rescheduling
- Parking details are included in your reminder email the day before
After your session, here's what to expect:
- Edited photos are delivered within 48 hours of your session
- You'll receive an email with a link to your private gallery
- Log in with the email and phone number you used to book
- Photos are full resolution — ready to print or share
- Download individually or grab everything with one "Download All" button
- Galleries are available for 90 days — save your favorites before they expire