tips for choosing outfits, managing kids, and making the most of your session!
MINI Session
Preparing for your
to THE MINI SESSION WEBPAGE
I'm so excited to be working with you, and I can’t wait for our time together during your session. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session.
That's one of the reasons why I put together this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing outfits, prepping kids and more.
Mini sessions are short and sweet. Since we're working with a limited timeframe, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared.
Hopefully this guide helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!
Welcome
- cameron
WHAT TO EXPECT
About a week before your session, I will send you an email with directions for how to get to your session location and where we will meet. If you have any questions leading up to your session, feel free to reach out!
BEFORE
During our time together, you can expect high energy, lots of funny noises, and probably some squeels as I snap photos! I will pose you and tell you what to do with your hands, so you won’t have to worry about any of that. I take LOTS of photos to make sure I get the great shots we need, so you’ll hear my shutter snapping pretty rapidly. I also love to capture candid moments in between!
during
You can expect your photos to be sent to you in an online gallery via email about 3 weeks after your session (or 72 hours if you purchased Express Turnaround). You’ll be able to download your ten favorite high-resolution images straight from your gallery. Then the best part begins - sharing your beautiful images with friends and family!
after
1. STAY FLEXIBLE
Kids can be unpredictable at times, so I find it best to stay flexible and follow the kids’ needs. If they need to run around, I’ll let them run and be silly before being still to capture the shots we need. If they don’t want to stand but will be held, we’ll do that instead. I tend to read each child for cues to capture the best photos we can!
2. MAKE IT FUN
This one’s a big one! I love interacting with the kids to get the genuine smiles you know and love. This may mean me making crazy noises, or you helping by playing peek-a-boo behind me. Whatever gets those sweet giggles!
Managing
little ones
3. OFFER BRIBES!
When all else fails, bribes usually save the day. Be prepared by bringing some sweet favorites (don't tell the kids until the treats are needed). Treats that aren't messy work best! Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders.
4. RELAX
You don’t have to worry getting your family all in order - I’ll take care of that. I'm well versed in capturing even the busiest of little ones.
Your job is to smile and enjoy making memories with your family. Parents - try to avoid pointing at the camera or worrying about trying to get your kiddos to look at me. You can just focus on being ready for the photo yourself, and I'll take care of getting the kids' attention. The best thing you can do is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one is to get on board.
My goal for your portraits is to make images that show the love and connection between you and your family. I want them to look natural and comfortable.
When it comes to posing, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I'm not expecting you to show up and model for me...I'll help you out! I’ll guide you through the entire process with “poses” that are super easy and natural. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
I’ll give you a lot of direction for the posed photos, then allow you to be together and have fun. Just be in the present. Play games, giggle, dance. This is what you and your kids will feel and remember when they look at these photos through the years. They will have memories of the fun, the love, and the connection.
A Note on Posing
"What do i do with my hands?!"
The most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident! I want you to be comfortable, and I want you to connect with your images. With that said, here are some styling tips to help you look your best:
Styling Tips
To help you look your best
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if your partner is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, you may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout your attire. Don't be afraid to mix a few patterns or textures.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors since bright colors could reflect on to your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
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For the family
You might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress. They look great in walking and photos with movement. Long and flowy dresses and skirts always photograph well and help add some dimension and flow to your photos. Chiffon or tulle are excellent fabrics for this look.
Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years to come. Pamper yourself by getting your nails, hair, and makeup done professionally. It makes you feel beautiful, and it looks stunning on camera!
Don't forget about accessorizing! Adding a necklace or earrings will help complete your look, and add a little pop to your photos.
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Fitted dress pants or slacks and close-toed shoes are the perfect combination for men. For your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals, and loose-fitting pants at home.
You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look.
Ties or bowties, colored socks, suspenders, and watches are nice compliments to any outfit for men. Although small, they add great pops of class to your photos.
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For her
For him
I know they may be little, but many of the tips For Her and For Him still apply to the kids.
For little ones still in diapers, consider dressing them in a one-piece outfit like a jumpsuit, using a onesie as an undershirt, or adding coordinating shorts under a dress. That way their diaper won't show when they get wiggly.
Favorite shops for kid's clothing: Alice & Ames, Zara Kids, Little Planet by Carters, H&M Kids, Gap, Old Navy, Boden, Hanna Andersson, Kate Quinn, Quincy Mae, Rylee & Cru, Noralee, Pehr, Tea Collection
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For the kids
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See My Wardrobe Inspiration board on Pinterest
I know that some family members just happen to be furry, and I love when folks choose to incorporate pets into their portraits. Remember that mini sessions are very quick. Adding a pet to the mix often means adding another layer of complexity. You know your pet best - think about if bringing them along will add to your session or make things more challenging for your family to get great photos.
Keep in mind that bringing a pet along means that you'll need to choose a pet friendly location, and dogs must stay leashed the entire time.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treats! It might also be a good idea to groom them beforehand.
Managing
furry ones
I'll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for a session, and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it dumping rain.
I'll keep an eye on the forecast, and if we're expecting rain, unsafe levels of smoke, or some other weather catastrophe, we’ll reschedule to a different date! If the weather looks like it will be bad, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance. I'll send you a list of available dates/times. We should be able to get you rescheduled no problem, but if for some reason our schedules don't align, I'll give you a full refund.
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
Consider bringing along a nice blanket or quilt (but one that you don't mind setting on the ground) for little ones to lay or sit on or to have a cuddle puddle with the whole family. Being able to sit down opens up more posing options.
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Please budget extra time to find parking - especially on summer weekends and at Lincoln Park!
Parking may be limited
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Hungry and tired kids can make for grumpy kids. Please try your best to make sure everyone is fed, hydrated, and well rested before the session. We want everyone feeling their best.
Avoid hangriness
Get cozy on a blanket
Mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back, so please arrive early to make sure you get to use your full session time. Plan to arrive with plenty of time to find parking and walk to our meeting spot.
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Make sure to Arrive early!
tips and notes
a few more
Please do not attend your session if you or your kids are sick or have any COVID symptoms. At the first sign that you or your kids aren’t well, please give me a call and we will reschedule for the next available mini session date. In order to protect myself, my family, and all of the families I work with, I will be staying distanced as much as possible while still getting great images.
STaying safe and healthy
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I can’t wait for our session together! Hopefully you found this information helpful. If you have any questions or concerns leading up to your session, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My goal is to serve you the best that I can! This is going to be a fun session, so don’t stress. Relax and enjoy making these memories with your family that you’ll get to treasure forever. See you soon!
cameron@cameronzegersphotography.com