MIAMI LAKES, FL
Mini Session
PLANNING YOUR
Mini sessions are a great way to capture beautiful memories in a short amount of time! To ensure everything runs smoothly and you get the best photos possible, here are some helpful tips to prepare for your session:
Arrive on Time (or a Few Minutes Early)
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Mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back, so arriving late will cut into your session time and will reduce the number of photos we can capture.
Traffic is the #1 reason people arrive late, so be sure to check your route ahead of time and leave early to allow for delays. It’s best to arrive at least 5-10 minutes early to park, get settled, and be ready when your session begins.​
Make Sure Everyone is Well-Rested & Fed
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A hungry or tired child (or adult!) can make a session feel stressful instead of enjoyable. Be sure everyone eats before the session and is well-rested to avoid crankiness or low energy. If your little one naps at a certain time, try to schedule the session around their best moods. Packing a small, mess-free snack and water can also be helpful for kids.​
Prepare Young Kids in Advance
​Children do best when they know what to expect! Talk to them about the session beforehand and make it sound fun. Let them know it will be quick and that I’ll be there to help guide them. If your child takes time to warm up to new environments, consider arriving a few minutes early to let them get comfortable. You can also bring along a small, familiar toy or comfort item to help them feel at ease. For more tips on helping shy children feel comfortable during a session, be sure to check out this blog post: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SESSION FOR YOUR CHILD​
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Relax, Have Fun & Trust the Process!
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The best photos happen when families interact naturally and enjoy the moment. Don’t stress about getting the “perfect” shot—some of the most beautiful images come from candid moments! I will guide you through posing and positioning, so there’s no need to worry about what to do. Just focus on enjoying the session with your loved ones. Even if a pose feels a little funny, trust that it will look amazing in the final images. If your child gets silly, let them! If something doesn’t go as planned, just smile and go with the flow. The more relaxed you are, the more natural and beautiful your photos will be!​
Bringing Pets? We Love Dogs!
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We absolutely love when pets are included in sessions! If you plan to bring your dog, please exercise them beforehand to help release some energy. A short walk or playtime before the session can make a big difference in helping them stay calm. Also, be sure to bring their favorite treats, a toy, and a leash to keep them engaged. If they have a special bandana or accessory that matches your session, feel free to bring that as well!​
Keep Outfits Simple & Comfortable
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Coordinating outfits can make a big difference in how your photos turn out! Choose clothing that complements each other rather than matching exactly. Soft, neutral, or earth tones photograph beautifully and won’t distract from your family’s expressions. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or neon colors, as they can take attention away from your faces. Most importantly, wear something comfortable—if you feel good, it will show in your photos!
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​Headbands and hats: If your baby is not used to wearing anything on their head, start practicing at home, forcing them to wear something they are not used to during the session may not be an ideal scenario. This will only upset them and make the session very challenging!
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A NOTE TO
Dads
​​Dads, please cheerfully participate. I know that many dads dread the family photo session, but fathers, please understand how important capturing your family is. These images will be left as a legacy, when your children are grown, with families of their own some day. Family photos are treasured forever and they are so important. ​
THANK YOU!
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By following these tips, you’ll help create a smooth experience and get the most out of your mini session. I’m so excited to capture these special memories for you.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! I’m happy to help!
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