HELPING YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR
HELPING YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR
In this guide you'll find information about locations, timing, wardrobe tips for men and women, posing with littles, and more.
mpp MINI SESSION GUIDE
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MiniSession
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 nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken with Tyler and Milo- and I do this for a living!
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
Welcome to Your MINI SESSION Guide
Ready to start preparing for your session?
Locations
SOUTH AND CENTRAL FLORIDA
I love when clients choose a location for their session that complements their home. For example, if your home has a coastal Serena and Lily vibe, it may be fitting to take your portraits somewhere like Palm Beach, Naples, or the jetties in Fort Lauderdale. The best session locations however, are often meaningful places. I'm also happy to make recommendations. From natural springs to sprawling venues to lush and green parks and Disney World, the options for portrait and family session locations are endless in South and Central Florida!
Vizcaya
Ringling Museum
Downtown Winter Park
Ancient Spanish Monastery
Bella Collina
Rollins College
Palm Beach Island
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Port Everglades Inlet
Honeymoon Island
The Keys
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Tampa Bay
COASTAL & BEACH
Brickell
Downtown Tampa
Wynwood
Worth Avenue
URBAN
Disney World
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
ADVENTURE
Tree & Flower Farms
Butterfly World
Bok Tower Gardens
Harry P Leu Gardens
Society of the Four Arts
BOTANICAL
Wekiwa Spings
Quiet Waters Park
Tree Tops Park
Matheson Hammock State Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Ocala National Forest
Lake Louisa State Park
Fairchild Tropical Gardens
NATURE
The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my clients! if you have a particular vibe/look in mind I also know plenty of other locations so don't hesitate to ask for more!
For the elegant, historic, and European loving people
Easily my favorite location in all of South Florida (I'm not even being dramatic, it's a fact). I love Vizcaya for it's ability to transport you to a French or Italian garden, minus the airfare.
Miami
Vizcaya Museum
LOCATION FAVORITES
For the coastal and classic vibes, with a dash of whimsy and color
Palm Beach Island boasts beautiful architecture, stunning bougainvillea draped columns, and a luxury urban atmosphere. From the shops and hidden alley ways of Worth Avenue, to the pink hued The Colony Hotel, and iconic clocktower, this is stunning location year round.
Palm Beach
Worth Avenue
The perfect location for those nature lovers who also want a bit of history
Bok Tower Gardens is just under a 2.5 hour drive from South Florida and 3o minutes from Orlando. It's perfect for the nature lover but also offers several locations with gorgeous art deco and neo-Gothic inspired architecture.
LakeWales
Bok Tower Gardens
As a hybrid photographer having enough available light is key to producing beautiful photos. I typically schedule sessions within 2 hours of sunrise and 3 hours of sunset. I make sure to end sessions at least 30 minutes prior to "blue light", which is when the sun dips below the horizon. Because lighting is so key, it's incredibly important that you arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of schedule, 15 if you have kids or your pets with you.
From sunrise to sunset, timing is key to beautiful photos
TIMing AND LIGHT
all about
the lighting
Confirm your appointment and receive your welcome email.
Session Check List
Select your wardrobe based on the location we're photographing at.
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STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION
Schedule hair and/or makeup appointment. If your session is on a weekend, book asap.
03
Steam and iron. Pack toys, a pacifier, snacks, and a spare outfit for littles.
04
Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your time slot for parking and last minute delays.
05
Posing for your family session
Many of my families are past couples and they know my posing based on their experience with me during their engagement session and wedding. Photographing your little family is a little bit different than what you might be used to.
Some of my approach is similar. I do still love those beautifully staged poses that have an editorial edge. But let's face it, kids will be kids. That's why I use a lot of movement, games, and interactive prompts. I want to capture those beautiful portraits but also the moments; the photos that will help you remember how the moment felt not just how it looked.
Memory making and photo taking
Build excitement for the session ahead of time
Let them participate in choosing wardrobe
Keep it moving! If your little guy/gal isn't looking at the camera just interact with them! Don't force it.
Don't promise "treats" at the end. This tends to imply that taking photos isn't fun and they will focus on that and the "treat" promised afterwards.
Bring an extra person if possible to help get giggles and keep their attention during more formal poses.
Remember to breath! Photographing with babies and toddlers can be frustrating for parents. Just remember to be present and have fun!
Tips and tricks for photographing with littles
Bringing your pup to your session
I love photographing families with their pets! I suggest bringing an extra person to hold/play with them when they aren't in photos. Be sure to bring a photogenic leash and some treats!
Furry friends
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. My signature look is soft and natural and the best way to help me achieve that signature style is by choosing softer colors, either neutrals, pastels, or some muted jewel tones.
Wardrobe Tips
for the ladies
I'm a fan of the saying "less is more" and that definitely applies to jewelry for photoshoots. Delicate and simple jewelry always photographs beautifully. Especially rings and bracelets as you don't want to distract from the main piece- your ring!
If you're going to go for a statement, pick one piece. For example a gorgeous pair of long sparkling earrings (and then keep the rest minimal).
Don't shy away from an amazing statement shoe though! Be it a pop of color or delicate lace.
Accessories
for the ladies
Tuckernuck
Vici Dolls
Red Dress Boutique
ASOS
Morning Lavender
Hill House Home
Anthropologie
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
Petal and Pup
H&M
Nordstrom
Bloomingdales
Shop Bop
Show Me Your Mumu
for the ladies
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. It also tends to hold up better for humidity and wind.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. If you'd like recommendations for hair/makeup artists please do ask! I'd be happy to send you a list of some of my favorite artists!
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
If we're photographing somewhere formal, consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! One of my favorite looks is a sports jacket with slacks. A classic white button down and khaki pants is always a great go-to as well.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Avoid colorful sneakers, untucked button up shirts, wrinkles, and colors that don't compliment your partners/families outfit choices.
Wardrobe Tips
for the gents
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Perry Elis
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
for the gents
Do pick a color palette for the whole family that compliments the location/environment
Choose 2-3 colors and mix and match similar pattens/textures for a cohesive look
This may be simple, but don't forget to iron and steam your outfits ahead of time
Bring a backup outfit for baby (and even yourselves) in case of an accident or spit up
Build excitement for the session ahead of time to prepare your little ones
Please be on time. If your session is on a day with multiple families, being late will eat into your session time
WARDROBE DO'S
Your online gallery will be active for one year. You will have access to a digital download (both high resolution and web size), and online store for prints, and the ability to share to social media platforms. Share your link with family and friends and enjoy!
Digital download, online store, and more
Your Gallery
What happens if we are late to our session?
Being late could mean you loose valuable session time. Sessions are often booked back to back with only a 10 minute buffer between appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we send you outfit ideas or send inspiration?
Absolutely! I am happy to help you select the best outfits for your session! Send direct links or a simple iPhone photo of everything laid out!
What happens if our baby is not cooperating?
Babies will be babies! Don't force the "smile for the camera" shots. Think of games they love to play, make it fun for them, spin, twirl, laugh, run!
How long until we receive our images? Do you send sneak peeks?
Turnaround time for mini sessions is 1 week. I do not send sneak peeks for mini sessions because of the short turnaround time.
Can we order albums and other products?
How many family members can participate in a mini session?
Yes you can! I offer a full line of heirloom albums, which are perfect for families and even gifts during the holidays for grandparents!
Because you only have 20 minutes, I recommend only one family unit (parents and littles). If you'd like a more extended family session, I suggest a full 45-60 minute session to allow for all possible pairings for formal images as well as candids!
I hope this guide has been helpful while you prepare for your session! If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach our via email! I can't wait to photograph you and your family!
Thank you for reading!
