Family Portrait Mini Session Tips

How Families Can Get the Most Out of a Photography Mini Session: 5 Essential Family Portrait Mini Session Tips

A family portrait mini session is a fantastic way to capture beautiful moments of families with small children. These sessions are quick, fun, and perfect for children who may not have the attention span for a 60 minute session. Here are five essential family portrait mini session tips to help you make the most out of your photography mini session.

Plan Your Outfits in Advance

One of the most important family portrait mini session tips is to plan your outfits ahead of time. Coordinating your outfits can make a huge difference in the overall look of your photos. Choose a color scheme that complements the setting and each other. Avoid overly busy patterns and logos that can distract from the main focus – your family. Neutrals with a pop of color or pastel shades often work beautifully in photos. Also consider wearing something that you are comfortable and confident in. A lot of the poses will involve standing, squatting down, or even laying on the ground. And so choosing a comfortable outfit that you can move around in is important 😉

Arrive Early and Be Prepared

Arriving early is key to maximizing your mini session. This ensures you have time to settle in, make any last-minute adjustments, and get comfortable before the shoot begins. Bring along any essentials you might need, such as hairbrushes, snacks, and water. Being prepared can help you feel more relaxed, which will show in your photos. If you have small children who tend to be a little shy, arriving early can be really helpful for them to take in their surroundings. Arriving right on time or late can cause shy children to feel more uncomfortable with the session and it may take 5-10 minutes for them to open up.

Communicate with Your Photographer

Communicating with your Photographer is another really important tip to help you get the most out of the session. If you have never taken family portraits, no need to come prepared with poses or anything like that 🙂 Your Photographer will guide you through the session and will make you that you are comfortable and having fun. If you have ideas, I recommend sharing them with your Photographer at some point during the session. However, I recommend against trying to orchestrate the entire session. An experienced Photographer has a good idea how to make sure the session flows and can problem solve it they notice that a kid may be shy, for example.

Keep it Light and Fun

A family portrait mini session should be enjoyable for everyone involved. Keep the mood light and playful, especially if you have young children. I believe that portraits should be fun, candid, and feel unposed. If everyone is having fun, it will show in the pictures. Along those same lines, if your children see that you are having fun, they will pick up on this and follow suit. Allow your kids to be themselves, and try not to stress about getting the perfect shot – sometimes the candid moments are the most cherished.

Focus on Connection

Finally, focus on the connection between family members during your mini session. Whether it’s holding hands, hugging, or simply looking at each other, these moments of connection create powerful, emotional images. Encourage interactions and natural poses that showcase your family’s unique bond. Your photographer will guide you, but the most meaningful photos often come from genuine interactions and expressions of love.

A family portrait mini session is an excellent way to capture beautiful, memorable images in a short amount of time. By planning your outfits, arriving early, communicating with your photographer, keeping the session fun, and focusing on connection, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Follow these family portrait mini session tips, and you’ll walk away with stunning photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.