Fall - one of the most popular times of the year!
Fall is a busy time for photographers (and families)! Especially around the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs, because we all know how gorgeous the Fall colors are here in Minnesota. The mix of reds, oranges, and yellows creates such a beautiful backdrop for family photos, and is honestly the first step into the holiday season.
Why? Because Fall Mini Sessions are the perfect opportunity to capture some quick and affordable family photos to put on your holiday cards (and your wall!).
Below is my guide to preparing for and booking your Fall mini session.
When to Book
Book the moment you start thinking about these! Trust me. As soon as you tell yourself, "Oh, I've got time, I can do that later"... the time will be gone and it will be too late! Photographers will book up, dates will be less flexible, and the Fall colors will start fading.
I know it's hard to think about Fall when you are still enjoying summer, but we all know that plans fill up FAST, so don't let this opportunity pass you by.
How to Book
I will have Fall Mini Sessions posted seasonally under my Services & Investment tab on my main website. From there, you'll simply follow the booking link to take you to my booking site.
From there, you will see all the available session dates and locations. I try to get a little variety in location to accommodate families from all over the Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs. Pay close attention to the location you select so you know where you'll be come session day!
Once you have selected the date, time and location, simply pay the retainer fee, sign the client contract, and you're booked! The remaining session amount will be due just before your session.
What's included?
Fall Mini Sessions are 15 minutes long and will include 15 fully edited, downloadable digital images for your personal use.
Once I deliver your images, you will have the option to purchase the full gallery for an additional cost if you'd like.
This allows me to keep this an affordable session type, with the flexibility of adding more images if you want.
What is the difference between a mini session and a full session?
A mini session offers clients an affordable option for professional photos, and a quick timeframe that can be ideal for families with small children (and a short attention span!). A full session is the type of session you'll want to book if you really want to spend time with multiple poses, extended family members, or a session that is specially tailored to what you're looking for.
Mini sessions are meant to offer a sampling of my photography services, while getting you some great, high-quality photos you can hang on your walls or put on a holiday card. They are also meant to be quick, to help fit into a busy schedule or squeeze in before you have to get the kids to bed.
What can I expect during my Fall mini session?
The time has arrived for your Fall mini session. Now what? Double check that you know the location of your session. I will send an email with your session details, including any directions for parking and a meet-up spot. I highly recommend arriving 10 minutes before the start of your session, just to ensure you find a place to park, can do any quick touch-ups for you or the kids, and have time to find me. I will be photographing other clients on the same day, and while I do plan a buffer in between, our time is limited together. I want to ensure you get the full use of our 15 minutes together!
During the session, I strive to make it stress-free (yes, even with kiddos!) by prompting you on any poses or movements that will help capture your family in its best form. Don't stress if a little one is crying or struggling to pay attention. Kids are kids, and we will make the most of these 15 minutes by playing games, making silly faces, or adding in a favorite toy or comfort item.
What should I wear?
These mini sessions are all outdoor sessions, so aside from making sure you are dressed weather-appropriate, I would recommend keeping your clothing more neutral or earth-toned. This includes shades of beige/tan, olive, rust, etc. Avoid flashy and bright colors. Whites and blacks are okay, but there is such thing as too much of either. White can wash out certain skin tones and tends to reflect light easily, which takes away from you, the subject. Too much black can start to drown out the details, but when paired with some brown boots or a cute Fall hat, or matched with family members in other neutral shades, it can work well.
The same goes for the kiddos if you've got them. Try to keep colors solid and neutral, and avoid loud patterns and bright colors. I know this can be hard with kids, so do your best! Don't forget about shoes, too. Kids' shoes are often in bright and crazy colors, so try to find some that aren't. Worst case, we let the littles go barefoot!
If you aren't sure what to wear or need some inspiration, let me know! I am more than happy to send over any mood boards or ideas from Pinterest to help guide you. (Pro tip - this is another great reason to book early. It gives you plenty of time to shop for outfits if you need to!)
What happens if it's raining or there's bad weather?
I will be keeping a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session. If I think for any reason the weather isn't going to cooperate, or is unsafe, we will reschedule for a different day. I will be in touch with you throughout the day (or day before) if things seem to be touch-and-go. We all know Minnesota weather can be unpredictable, so I will do my best to give enough advance notice (at least 1 hour) prior to your session if things are canceled.