Mini Session Prep Guide

You've just booked your session with Claudette Farthing Photography, and you're super excited (as am I). But you're probably wondering: "what's next?" This guide will help walk you through the steps you need to prepare your mini session with yours truly!

Now that you’re all booked, here are some tips to prepare for your mini session and make it as easy and fun as possible. 

WHAT IS A MINI SESSION

If you’ve never done a mini session, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a miniature version of a normal full portrait session. They are quick moving sessions scheduled back to back, at one central location. These sessions usually last from 10-20 minutes in length, with a much smaller delivery of images and prints (usually 3-10). If you are late, that cuts into the time of your session. If you are 10 minutes late for your 15-minute session, your session will only be 5 minutes.

WHAT TO WEAR

• Dress for the weather. Wear coordinating clothes for the session, but don’t be overly “matchy.” Avoid plaid patterns of different colors, too many busy patterns, and logos. We recommend that you start with mom’s outfit, then coordinate the rest of the family.
• Neutrals also look beautiful, too.
• Most importantly – dress in something you feel comfortable and confident in. It will show in the photos.
• Make sure your clothes fit properly and don’t bunch oddly or ride up when you are crouching, sitting, etc. Make sure clothes are not too baggy or falling off shoulders or waists and that undergarments are not showing. (Unless that’s the look you’re going for.)
• Avoid neon colors that may leave a color cast on faces and skin.
• Shoes! Make sure they are clean, scuff-free and comfortable. Avoid flip flops and gym/running shoes
• Dress kids in clothes they are comfortable in and you don’t mind if they get a little dirty. There is a lot of running, playing, sitting, etc. during our sessions and we want the kids to have a great time!
• An APPLE WATCH and those pesky hair ties on your wrist is a NO!

Here is the link for WHAT TO WEAR Fall Family photos - https://www.claudettefarthingphotography.com/fall-family-photo-outfits-2023

WHAT TO EXPECT

My goal is to make this a fun, relaxing experience. The tips below will allow you to have the best possible session. Remember, no single session is perfect, and it does not have to be! I will guide you into poses and areas with beautiful lighting. Your job is to love on your family and just have fun!

I will only ask for your kids to look at me 1-2 times (once for the fast “traditional” shot, and once for an individual portrait"). The rest of the time I will suggest fun things (like go attack mom and dad, dance together, play, etc).