Happy Monday! These last few weeks have been so busy that I’ve missed posting to the blog, but I’m really happy to be getting back into the swing of it (and I’m going to try to post a few extra in the coming weeks to make up for it because I just have so many good topics coming up that I want you to read!). Posting to this blog and sending out my monthly wedding planning newsletter are some of my favorite things to do for my business (other than actually shooting elopements and sessions, of course). Last weekend I photographed an elopement in Eureka Springs, AR – a.k.a. my favorite town in Arkansas – for the sweetest couple. I’ll be writing a blog post about that elopement soon, so keep an eye out for it.
Once or twice a year, I offer mini photo sessions – usually around Christmas time and then sometimes in the Spring or Fall as well. Today’s post is going to go in depth all about my mini sessions, and be sure to read all the way to the end for a special surprise just for the readers of my blog!
What is a mini photo session?
A lot of photographers (myself included) offer mini photo sessions. They are typically shorter and less expensive than a full session, and usually photographers will host several mini sessions over only one or two days at a time and in just one location. Sometimes photographers will set up a certain backdrop for their mini sessions or have a certain theme, like “Motherhood Minis” for Mother’s Day, “Christmas Card Minis” for Christmas cards, “Graduation Minis” for graduates of all ages, etc.
Although I generally offer mini sessions towards the end of November just in time for Christmas card photos, I always welcome any kind of session my clients are wanting – they can be for a family, a couple, headshots, or anything else. It’s so fun to see all the different ways my clients use their photos!
Why should I schedule a mini photo session?
Mini sessions are a great option for yearly photos! One of my favorite things is seeing the same clients again and again as their lives change. The photos used in this post are from a mini session I shot in November of 2022, and below are a few photos that I took of the same family when they booked a full session in the Fall of 2023.
Mini sessions can also be a great option for you if you have a small child who has a short attention span and may not be able to last through an entire hour-long session. My mini sessions last 20 minutes each and you are guaranteed 35 professionally edited high resolution photos that are perfect for printing, sending as cards or announcements, or to post on social media.
How do I prepare for my mini photo session?
In the weeks leading up to your session, don’t hesitate to reach out to me during my business hours (8:00 am-5:00 pm on weekdays) with any questions or concerns you have. You may have never gone through a photography session before, and knowing what to expect will help you feel much more comfortable in front of the camera.
After booking, you will also have access to my Welcome Guide, which includes a section on styling to help you choose outfits. When choosing what you will wear for your mini session, I always encourage you to consult with me. I will be able to give suggestions and will know what photographs well in the lighting at our session location.
What can I expect from my mini photo session?
From the time you pay your 25% nonrefundable retainer to secure your time slot, the process is very much the same as with a regular session. You’ll receive a digital Welcome Guide which contains, along with the style guide, so many helpful tips on how to get the most from your session. You’ll also receive a digital copy of the contract that we will sign at your session so that you can view it in advance. And I’ll also be available to help you with styling or answer any other questions you may have.
On the day of your session, I will request that you arrive about 15 minutes early; since there are several sessions back to back, it is very important that we start your session exactly on time. Before I start shooting, I will collect your final payment and have you sign your contract.
The session itself will last 20 minutes. This is ample time to get a wide selection of shots, but if there is something in particular that you are needing (e.g. a specific pose for the Christmas card) be sure to let me know.
After the session, it may take up to two weeks for me to deliver your gallery. And then I always appreciate when my couples leave me a Google review.
Printing your photos
Whether your photos are just for you or you plan to share them with your family or friends, a luxury photo album and high quality prints are the perfect ways to display your photos. Click here to view my prints and albums pricing page. Inside of your contract is also a Print Release so that you may print your photos from anywhere you choose.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about mini sessions! As a special offer for those of you reading, I am offering you a 15% discount on a mini session that I am planning for this summer (July 2024). The theme is “Creek Minis”, and you may or may not get wet – it’s going to be so fun! All you have to do is send me an inquiry and use code “BLOG15”, and you’ll get the discount! I haven’t even released the details of these mini shots to the public yet, but I’ll send you all the details when you inquire! *Be sure to add my email address bree.hanan.photography@gmail.com to your email contacts so that you’ll definitely receive my emails!
*All my blog posts contain a selection of images that I’ve taken. If you are interested in booking a wedding or session with me, I am more than happy to send you a full gallery upon request!
I’m a wife, a dog mom, a foodie, a wanderer, a registered nurse, and a couples/intimate wedding/elopement photographer … and this blog will cover it all! If you enjoyed this post, first of all thank you, and second of all please follow me on Instagram + Facebook and sign up for my monthly newsletter to get exclusive wedding planning advice and access to all of my new (and old) freebies! If you have any questions about elopement photography, my journey from nursing to photography, or my time spent as a full-time RVer, drop a comment and I just might write a blog post answering your question (but I definitely will)!
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