mini session guide

Planning your session- outfits, what to expect, preparing your family and more!

A family shares joyful moments together during a golden hour photo session in a wooded outdoor setting.
A child in suspenders and white shirt stands in foreground while couple embraces near trees at sunset.
a note about this guide


I'm super excited to work with you and can't wait for our mini session! It's totally normal to feel a little nervous about getting your photos taken – even I get nervous when it comes to doing my own photos and I do this for a living! No matter what stage of life you're in, whether your kids are tiny or all grown up (or even furry!), this moment deserves to be captured beyond just your phone. I love offering them all year round for this reason! Life moves fast – kids grow, loved ones pass, and sometimes we forget to stop and really soak it all in. That’s what I love about photography – it helps you remember those precious moments, the people you adore, and the memories you're creating for the future!

a note about this guide


I'm super excited to work with you and can't wait for our mini session! It's totally normal to feel a little nervous about getting your photos taken – even I get nervous when it comes to doing my own photos and I do this for a living! No matter what stage of life you're in, whether your kids are tiny or all grown up (or even furry!), this moment deserves to be captured beyond just your phone. I love offering them all year round for this reason! Life moves fast – kids grow, loved ones pass, and sometimes we forget to stop and really soak it all in. That’s what I love about photography – it helps you remember those precious moments, the people you adore, and the memories you're creating for the future!

My goal is to do lifestyle photography with you and your loved ones, having fun and being yourselves. If we can share some laughs along the way, even better! Though our time is short—there's tons of opportunities to catch the sweet moments and get amazing shots. Just trust me.

Planning a session can feel overwhelming, so I’ve put together a helpful guide to cover everything you might need to know. It includes tips on what to wear, whether to bring pets, and how to handle them, plus more!

-Monica


Baby wearing cream-colored outfit with ruffled details lies on brown fabric background.
A couple embraces outside a storefront while others sit at chairs nearby on a sunny afternoon.

a note for the guys

I totally get it – getting your picture taken probably isn’t at the top of your "fun activities" list. It can feel a little awkward at first, but I promise, by the end of the session, you’ll be surprised how easy and fun it can be! You might even end up enjoying yourself more than you expected! 99% guaranteed!

a note for the guys

I totally get it – getting your picture taken probably isn’t at the top of your "fun activities" list. It can feel a little awkward at first, but I promise, by the end of the session, you’ll be surprised how easy and fun it can be! You might even end up enjoying yourself more than you expected! 99% guaranteed!

we will start on time!


Since this is a mini session, I’ve got back-to-back bookings, so it’s really important to stay on schedule! If you’re planning to change outfits on site or need time for anything else, please plan ahead so we can start right on time and make the most of our session together. I suggest arriving about 10-15 minutes early just to give yourself a little buffer in case of traffic or delays. And just a heads-up: if you do run late, I won’t be able to extend your session time, so let’s aim to start as close to on time as possible!

A cheerful family scene with individuals standing together outside a storefront building in casual fall attire.
Three figures in vintage style dresses sit together on exposed tree roots by a serene lake on a sunny afternoon.
prepping your little ones


Before the session, pack a bag with some snacks, water, and maybe a toy or lollipop to help grab their attention when we need it. If your kiddos are old enough to understand, it’s a great idea to prep them for the session. Let them know how important the photos are to you so they can be on their best behavior. Some families even make it fun by picking out a special treat for after the session, like an ice cream cone, if they listen well!

Also, a full belly and a good nap beforehand can work wonders! Once you’ve prepped them physically and mentally, remember to give everyone (yourself included) some grace! Kids have their own rhythms, and I’ve seen it all – no worries if things don’t go perfectly. I’ll make sure we capture some amazing photos, no matter what mood they’re in. In fact, I welcome the chaos! The absoulte raw chaos make the best shots quite frankly! So let it go and have fun with it! As for pre teens or teens, I got one word, bribes sis. They will do it if they're hooked up with a dinner at their favorite place, coffee, even cash! I work great with them and I'm usually able to get some good shots out of them so don't fret.

Person enjoying a joyful moment with a happy Border Collie dog who has its tongue out.
furbabies


I absolutely love when families include their furbabies in the session because they’re such an important part of the family! Just a heads-up though, bringing your furry friend along means we’ll have a bit less time for photos since we’re juggling an extra element.

To make things smoother, I suggest bringing an extra person with you who can help with the pet – someone who can get their attention and hold the leash when they’re not in the shot. Since we’ve got limited time, it’s super helpful to have that extra set of hands!

A couple in white clothing walks their dog across a rustic wooden bridge surrounded by green trees.



Also, a little pre-session prep for your pet goes a long way – try to get them some exercise beforehand, and bring their favorite treats or toys! Depending on their fur, you might also want to give them a quick grooming before the shoot. All of this will help us get the best shots with your adorable companion!

outfits: TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST


When you're picking out outfits for the family, focus on coordinating colors rather than matching perfectly. The goal is to create a cohesive look where the colors and wardrobe pieces compliment each other, but don't necessarily match. This will give your photos more visual interest and let each person’s personality shine!

Instead of everyone wearing the same color on top and bottom, try to mix things up a bit. Think about using "dominant colors" (the ones that stand out most in an outfit) and "accent colors" (the smaller pops of color). Aim for each family member to have a different dominant color, then mix in a variety of accent colors to tie everything together. This approach will keep your photos looking balanced, dynamic, and totally fabulous! I am always happy to provide free styling consultation.

inclement weather


If the weather’s a concern, I’ll reach out as soon as possible. If we need to reschedule, I’ll work with you to find a new date that fits your schedule. I know getting ready for a photoshoot takes time, and it’s a bummer when weather doesn’t cooperate. If it looks like rain, I usually try to make the call about 12 hours in advance to give you plenty of time to adjust.

A cozy family photo session in autumn woods with fallen leaves and a warm red blanket.
A close-up shot of a white wedding dress and purple shirt as two people embrace on a wooden deck.

posing


Don't worry about posing – I’ve got you covered! I’ll guide you through natural, easy poses, easy prompts and if I ask you to do something that feels a little silly, it’s probably to get that perfect laugh shot! I’ll also keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything stays in place. The goal is for you to feel relaxed and have fun during your session! I will hype y'all up as well and you will get to look on my camera to get an idea how amazing y'all look!

posing


Don't worry about posing – I’ve got you covered! I’ll guide you through natural, easy poses, easy prompts and if I ask you to do something that feels a little silly, it’s probably to get that perfect laugh shot! I’ll also keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything stays in place. The goal is for you to feel relaxed and have fun during your session! I will hype y'all up as well and you will get to look on my camera to get an idea how amazing y'all look!

Three sheet ghosts float eerily in a dark autumn forest setting, creating a spooky Halloween atmosphere.
when to expect your photos


I’ll start sorting through your photos right after the session to pick the best ones. You’ll get a sneak peek within 2-3 days with my favorite shots (I never can decide how many so it's random), and the full gallery will be ready in about 2-3 weeks!

thank you!


I know this guide is a lot, but I hope it covers everything you need to prep for your session! If I missed anything or you need a recommendation, feel free to email me at info@monicabartelsphotography.com. I’m here to help!