Sarasota Wedding Photographer

September 18, 2024

How to Prepare for Your Mini Session | Deanna Grace Photography

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Sarasota Family Photographer - Deanna Grace Photography

How to Prepare for Your Mini Session

Mini sessions are a fantastic way to capture those little moments and seasons of life that matter the most—whether it’s for family portraits, maternity, couples, or sweet photos with your fur baby. To help you get the most out of your session, I’ve put together a few tips to make sure you’re fully prepared and feeling confident on the day of your shoot!

1. Choose Your Outfits Wisely

It’s always best to pick out or buy those outfits in advance! You’ll want to pick outfits ahead of time that not only make you feel great, but also photograph well! Coordinating colors can look beautiful without being too matchy-matchy. Think complementary tones rather than identical shades. For family sessions, neutral tones with a few pops of color tend to look timeless and elegant. Be sure to avoid logos or busy patterns, as they can distract from the emotion and connection in your photos. Of course, if it’s Christmas time, pick out those Christmas colors and prints we all love!

Pro Tip: Lay out your outfit options a few days in advance and take a photo of them together. It’s an easy way to see how everything will look on camera.

Christmas photos in Sarasota Florida.

2. Get Rest!

Especially if you have littles, go to bed early so you get a good night’s sleep. Happy, well-rested people means happy, fun, beautiful portraits. And if your little one(s) still take naps, schedule your session around their nap schedule so you have well rested kiddos!

Siesta Key family beach pictures

3. Eat something before you arrive

Similar to #2…Any one else get hangry or is it just me? Eat a good meal before leaving for your mini session. Oh… and brush your teeth so you can be sure you don’t have food stuck between them!

fort myers beach family pictures

4. Arrive Early!

Mini sessions are shorter than full sessions—usually around 20 minutes—so it’s super important to be punctual. Arriving early gives you time to find parking, fix any last-minute details, and relax before we start. This way, we can jump right into capturing those special moments!

Lido Key Beach maternity pictures.

5. Bring the Essentials

For families with little ones, bringing a few essentials can help the session go smoothly. Pack snacks, water, and a favorite toy to keep them happy and engaged. If you have pets joining in, make sure you bring treats to keep their attention. Don’t forget extra wipes or tissues for last-minute touch-ups.

sarasota family pictures.

6. Have Fun!

Above all, enjoy the process and have fun. These photos are about celebrating your family and the season. Laugh, snuggle, and be yourselves—those are the moments that create the most cherished memories!

sarasota beach family picture.
Anna Maria Island family photo.

Those are just a few tips on how to prepare for your mini session. I can’t wait to capture some sweet moments during your mini session! Remember, the key is to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience. These mini sessions are designed to be quick and easy, so don’t stress too much about the details—just focus on making memories with the people you love.

Ready to book a mini session now? CLICK HERE for more information! 🙂

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My husband and second shooter, Josh, and I adore traveling, spending days at Disney with our two kids, and capturing your love story in joyful, timeless images. 

Florida Wedding Photographer

 Hi, I’m Deanna!