Mini session prep guide

WELCOME! I cant wait to share with you tips and tricks for your a fun mini session.

Mini sessions are short and sweet versions of my full sessions.

I am working in a limited time frame so it’s important to plan ahead.


Prep work

Heres small list of things i usually suggest to bring For that What incase moment:

  • Baby Wipes (Kids seem to always find rocks, dirt, candy or whatever to get dirty before)
  • Extra backup outfit- Always make sure to try on outfits when you get them ASAP just incase you need to return for a different size.
  • Make sure you feed the little ones before- Hungry kids are never good!
  • Try and get in any needed nap time in before- But don't stress if you don't, Kids can sleep in the car on the way to our session. If that is a possibility then try and leave early.
  • Bring easy snacks IE-Crackers, fruit snacks, apple sauce of course something to drink.

Arrive Early

  • Please arrive a little before your session time so you are ready to shoot AT your scheduled time (meaning having your kids in their clothing, hair fixed, face wiped, etc) Sessions will be booked back to back so if you are late, you will only have the remaining time to complete your session. This is most important! Shooting time will be 15 minutes. I Normally put in a buffer time between sessions, but this part really helps so you can start early or even on time! If you have any questions, please let me know beforehand.  



Parking

  • Parking may be limited: Some locations may have limited parking. Please leave yourself enough time to park and walk if need be.
  • If your coming to the studio, Please watch the address- in the driveway there will be a silver suburban


A small child in denim overalls walking a fluffy brown alpaca on a leash through a sunny garden path.
Two children sitting in green grass with a shaggy brown Highland cow between them on a sunny day.
A young family sits on grass with their large golden doodle dog in a backyard garden setting.

Have a game plan

  • Have a Game Plan: Due to the time restrictions on these minis I will first focus on a particular shot – I.E: family shots, individuals of children and/or sibling shots, etc. If we have time after we have gotten that shot, we will try for others so be prepared to tell me on that day which shots you prefer most. Remember that these sessions only yield 30-60 images so too many poses means fewer of each one to choose from.


Arriving

  • When you arrive: I will likely be working with the client booked before you when you arrive. Please do not disrupt that session or distract the children being photographed so I can ensure I will have the full time to work with each family. Be sure to keep those kiddos in the shade on hot days!


Prepping kids

  • Prepping your younger kids: Tell kids that they are going to play and have fun while they have their pictures taken but don’t spend too much time with rules or guidelines or what to expect in the days before. You don’t even need to tell them to smile big for me (if they smile on demand it will be a weird smile!) it will be better if I get a genuine laugh on my own. If you know that your kiddos aren’t great in front of the camera or with meeting new people, bring along a few tricks that may help. This could be a toy that I can hold to get their attention, a treat (nothing messy or that takes too long to chew) to encourage them to smile, or an idea of a game we can play to keep them interested. Sometimes it helps if mom and dad are directly behind me (jumping or being silly), to get the kids to look at the camera.  There really isn’t much “warm up” time with mini sessions so I jump RIGHT in. I usually have a fun couple toys that make funny noises too. If they like to smile to a video (baby shark, mickey mouse) try and play that as well or even peek a boo is a big one!


Animals

  • If we are working with Live animals during our session (Hank the mini cow, or chicks/Bunnies) I ask that all parents be on deck for the Safety of the children or animal. With Hank we have a handler for him but please Remember he is a farm animal and not 10lbs with horns! Hank is not a horse, so no kids are allowed to go on him. If kids are scared of him for whatever reason, I have him placed in the back and the kids in the front so they don't have to be Next to him. The more we Make a kids Touch or play with theses animals we could end up in tears so please trust the process. With Chicks- They are small and delicate.

The week before:

  • The week before I will be sending out a email with all details for clients (where I will be, What I will be wearing) As well as final address. I will be watching the weather if this is a outside session, If for some reason the Weather isn't looking great I will be in contact.

Outfits

In Texas there are so many adorable places to shop- so plan ahead, Cactus & co in Godley is adorable western wear with a great customer service. Amazon is amazing for something quick but sometimes the sizes can be off or wrong even the shipping can be delayed. Carters, TJ Max, The children's place even you can find the cutest stuff at Walmart and target. Feel free to reach out if you need help!

  • Think about and dress for the weather!

Theses are a NO! Bright colors with patterns that blend in the background of the outfit

YES! Simple, with a little pattern or just all together nothing to dizzy! Jean overalls always a great pick and options  

Outfit inspiration

Collection of casual clothing items including a beige midi dress and sweater.
Casual clothing collection featuring beige sweaters and button-down shirts.
Olive green smocked midi dress with balloon sleeves and textured fabric.
Dusty rose tiered maxi dress with smocked bodice and balloon sleeves.
Olive green button-down shirt with plaid lining and chest pocket for children.
Burgundy cotton dress with balloon sleeves, button front, and tie waist detail.
Pink ribbed knit dress with button detail and long sleeves.
Two-piece girls outfit with rust ruffled cardigan and floral print dress.
Beige pleated midi dress with sheer long sleeves and pintuck details.
Off-shoulder white summer dress with ruffled neckline and brown belt featuring gathered waist and flowy skirt.
Western-style brown leather belt with ornate silver floral buckle and tooled pattern design.
A black western cowboy hat with a decorative silver and rhinestone band around the crown.
Plaid short-sleeve button-up shirt in brown and white checkered pattern with chest pocket.
Girls western-style outfit with grey sweater featuring cow pattern and matching cow print bell bottom pants.
White button-down shirt with black Highland cow and cactus pattern print for casual western style.
Blue and white striped button-down shirt with Native American-inspired geometric patterns.
Beige western-style button up shirt with cowboy hat and cactus print pattern for children.
Red gingham baby girl outfit set with ruffled crop top, denim bloomers and matching headband.
Yellow and white gingham check crop top with flutter cap sleeves and front tie detail features button closure.
Light blue velvet headband decorated with pearl beads and metallic star embellishments.

FAQ

Does your studio have a bathroom?
Yes!
What if i cant make it the day of?

Letting me know Ahead of time (more then 48 hours) is best! Retainers are non-Refundable. If i know before hand i can try and book your spot still and move your retainer to a different session. Only good for 6 months!

What if i completely forget that day?
I send out a little reminder email the week before- Please make sure to put this date and time on your calendar.
What if my child gets nervous easily?
Arrive early to have your kid watch others, the more they see other kids do there session. They see if as fun and not as scary.
How long does it take to receive the Proof Gallery??
I dont Shoot a ton of families in one day- So i can get theses back to you ASAP. Usually depending on the season, within a week or 2 you will receive a proof gallery from me for you to pick from. Once you receive the proof Gallery in your email please read the instructions
Can we upgrade our package?
YES! I need you to tell me or do it before you pay your balance before you leave our session.
When is balance due?
Balance is due before you leave. Either Venmo or Cash (I don't normally have change). If you are planning on doing cash try and have exact change.
what if weather isn't great?
Texas, Texas, Texas- I watch the Weather a week before our session, sometimes more to see what its doing. If i feel like the weather isnt going to be the best (I.e, Hard rain, thunder and lighting, or possibly hail) I Will be sending out a email a couple days before to let everyone know i am watching and will let you know by either the day before or that AM.
Can we tip you?
Tips are one of the things i never expect but its so sweet and im so thankful when i get them!


I hope these tips are helpful, but if you still have questions, feel free to email me at Brittanyrileyphotography@gmail.com for more information.

A non-refundable retainer fee is due at time of booking to secure your session date, and is applied towards your session balance.

Prices subject to change without notice. Pricing will be honored at time of booking, booking today locks in current rate.

Payments may be made by cash or card.

Pricing is non-negotiable.