Tips For Family Mini Session Success - Seattle Family Photographer
Mini sessions with dawndra
Please read this as it will save both of us time with questions in the future as well as make your photoshoot easier, I promise.
So much of my time seems to be answering these questions again, so let’s not waste your time as well-and let’s do this!
My mini sessions are really half sessions.
Not sure if you want a half or a full session? I will explain the difference.
MINI SESSIONS ARE 30 MINUTES - $550.00
Turn around time for your photos is 4-6 weeks
Mini sessions come with 30 beautifully edited images and they take place at LINCOLN PARK in WEST SEATTLE - MY FAVORITE PLACE- now offering year round. No exceptions, it’s my studio!
Full payment is due the day of the session via Venmo or Zelle. HERE IS MY BUSINESS VENMO
I WORRY THAT MY KIDS WON’T LAST A FULL SESSION
I hear this a lot -and believe me - they can do it! We are walking, snuggling, swinging, playing, and they get all this fun attention. Bribes are sometimes used(wink wink) But I have shot for two hours with “kids that don’t last” because we are staying busy and keeping them stimulated the entire time. Don’t forget something warm and a snack and a drink. These things can shorten the photo time for sure. Also, not telling you what to feed your children but after thousands of photoshoots I can confidently say -sugar can shorten our time. they might get the sugar high for a bit, but the crash can come quick and with a meltdown.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO SMILE AND LOOK AT THE CAMERA THE WHOLE TIME
I love photographing the connection between you and your family- and this results in more meaningful images. So you don’t have to constantly make the kids say cheese and look at me:) Let me be the boss! Never fear, I do get that smiling looking at camera shot, but not the whole session.
CAN WE DO THE BEACH? It is possible, but it depends on the time we shoot and the sun in the sky. This family above did a full session and ended at Lowman Beach Park (a part of Lincoln Park) at the end of the session.
WHAT’S THE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MINI AND A FULL SESSION?
Mini or half sessions are 30 minutes in one spot in Lincoln Park. It’s super pretty and easy to access from the parking lot, and you get 30 images. Investment $550
Full sessions- we are free to shoot for 90 minutes or longer at any park in Seattle. I do travel. Investment $950 (travel fees may apply)
Full sessions are more of a little adventure. We take our time, there’s no rush.
FULL SESSIONS COME WITH A SHORT 90 second (roughly) video of the shoot and roughly 70-100 images.
With a full session, we can walk around and dance and play. You can bring multiple outfits, blankets, snacks. If you choose that we shoot at Lincoln Park- we can add the beach at the end and walk to different areas of the park. Other shooting options- Rattlesnake Lake, Discovery Park, Gold Creek Pond, Artists Point, Whidbey Island- so many choices.
YOU CAN ADD A SECOND FAMILY TO A FULL SESSION FOR $150 extra
CAN WE BRING THE DOG?
I’ll never say no to a dog. Keep in mind for a mini you could end of with lots of wrangling the dog and kids and a little less photos. It can be a lot depending on the dog, but I LOVE THEM ALL!
CHECK OUT THESE PERFECT FALL COLORS IN THE DARK GREEN TREES(below)
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
We live in the great PNW, rain happens. We just reschedule, no biggie! If it’s calling for a little sprinkle, we may make the call to just go for it. We can totally text about it, I’m easy.
What do we wear?
EARTH TONES work wonderful in the forest. Rust, light blue, grey, browns, burgundy is great, mustard, ivory. I love ivory. These colors work so well in the green trees. If you wear green - it will blend in with the backdrop. The background is dark green, so don’t wear that:) But a sage or a light green can work.
I LOVE EARTH TONES YOU GUYS. I SAY IT AGAIN. Lighter colors stand out in the dark trees.
Need to wear black though? I get it! Rock and Roll? BE THAT! These are guidelines not rules. Darker colors tend to get lost in the trees.
But, if you want to POP out of the background wear lighter colors. Black looks great on the beach.
You can wear patterns -but be mindful. If dad wears a flannel and holds baby in a flower pattern, it can clash. We want eyes on the subject not racing all over the image. Dad with flannel and little one with different flannel, can burn your eyes(laugh emoji)
This family absolutely nailed it with colors and a little pattern!
Just think of patterns clashing when put together as in when you hold the kids, especially if they are little and need held.
Stay away from wearing the exact same colors or outfits, you tend to just blend together.
Stay away from bright or florescent colors- and from words or logos.
CAN WE BRING THE GRANDPARENTS OR SPLIT WITH ANOTHER FAMILY?
ABSOLUTELY! You still get 30 minutes, so just a little less of those intimate shots. Full sessions are great for this too! Add a second family to a full session $150 extra.
MORE ON WARDROBE…PLACES AND EXAMPLES.
HERE IS AN AMAZON LIST for ideas on what to wear.
You may already have what you need in your closet. Just text me questions, you cannot bug me.
I also love this site for dresses! Joyfolie
Think scarves for texture, hats are fun. If it’s chilly bring hot tea and hand warmers.
Most importantly, BE YOU. IF you want jeans and a t-shirt, do it!
How long until we get the photos?
Usually 5-6 weeks, but you will see “sneak peaks in the days that follow our session.
Can we order prints?
I hope you do. You can order awesome professional prints or a book even right from your gallery.
How and when do we pay?
$100 deposit to hold your spot for minis, $200 for full sessions. Full payment is due the day of the shoot- cash or Venmo, Zelle, apple cash are my go to- but I can run a card with my phone for a small fee or PayPal works too.
Also, I will pose and guide you the entire time. Let’s have some fun!
My photography style is not having you just smiling and looking at the camera(although we do get those shots), I love to focus on the CONNECTION between you. I will help you I promise!
