Fall Minis 2025

Everything you need to know before your photoshoot!!

Photoshoots help preserve family memories and capture a moment in time. Mini sessions move especially fast so a little preparation will help your session be successful.

Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for making this session your best ever!

Adult and Big Kid Wardrobe Tips:

• Accessories- Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Avoid anything that might need to be adjusted constantly.
• Compliment your figure–don’t wear clothes that are too tight or loose, or clothes that may draw attention to your insecurities. If you're wearing layers, make sure you're happy with how your figure looks beforehand. Wear something you feel confident in.
• Avoid small stripes and small checks. This is especially important for men's and boy's shirts as many stores sell this type of shirt. (Think Vineyard Vines stripe Sankaty polos. I love them but please avoid!!) These will produce moire in your photos-this is an optical illusion that's incredibly distracting, and it is nearly impossible to fix later.
• Wrinkle Free & Try it on- Please make sure your clothes are wrinkle free and stain free. Please have everyone try on their clothes and walk around in them to make sure you will not have any wardrobe malfunctions. 
• Shoes & Boots- Heels do not work in the damp grass. Kids do not enjoy wearing uncomfortable shoes. Try your footwear on and make sure your children will want to wear them. If it's a super fancy shoe that the kids might not wear, bring a change of footwear to get to where the shoot is happening and then change right before the photoshoot begins.
•  Hair & Grooming- Outdoor shoots can mean wind. Be prepared for the imperfection of being outdoors and being exposed to the elements. Having your hair down always works best for the girls/ladies. However, if it's windy, securing it off the face is a good idea. Men, please shave the morning of your session and haircuts are best the week or two before. 
• Things to pack & things to leave behind- We want to carry with us the absolute bare minimum. Pack a small bag that can fit baby wipes and can fit your cell phone and car keys. Please bring tissues and wipe boogies as you see them! You can leave this with my camera bag and we'll keep it close during the session.
• Please plan to have nothing in your pockets or on your wrists. Sunglasses are best left in the car. Apple watches can be removed. Hair ties on wrists should be removed.
• Transition lenses do not photograph well. Please consider bringing an alternate pair of glasses or removing them. Dark glasses cannot be fixed in editing. Blue light lenses can be fixed!

How to Achieve the Coordinated Look Without Being Too Matchy Matchy:

• Start with one person's outfit and go from there- Choose your favorite outfit and then pick colors that coordinate with the rest of your family. Ladies, I recommend choosing your outfit first if you want to love your photos. Work slowly from there- picking a color or two from your outfit and building out.
• Pro-tip: Shop at one store. Stores tend to release similar color palettes for the season for men, women, and children. So if you're questioning your color coordination, going somewhere like J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, Gap, or Old Navy is a pretty safe bet to ensure similar color tones for all.
•  For easy coordinating, stick to a color palette of 3-5 colors. Start with one article of clothing and pull colors from that for everyone else to wear. Avoid everyone wearing the same color tops or bottoms, mixing it up helps prevent people blending together in the photograph. I also recommend considering color palettes that can coordinate with your home if considering hanging the images in print or canvas.
• Long dresses and skirts- There is just something about a long flowy dress that photographs so beautifully, and you will have so much fun wearing one! Pair it with boots for the ultimate fall look. Tight dresses will dramatically limit poses and movement. Short dresses make sitting poses difficult.
• Pro tip---Every year can be different. Don't feel like you have to stick to one style year to year. If you wear whites & blues one year, don't be afraid to try jewel tones the next. If you go light and airy one year, try chunky fall sweaters and boots the next. As your family grows and changes, so can your style!

Little Kids Tips Especially Ages 2-4:

• Please make sure your family eats 1-2 hours before the session to avoid anyone being “hangry” but please avoid any food or snacks that will stain the teeth or mouth area.
• Bribes! I usually bring mini marshmallows with me when photographing children because they're small and white and leave no stains. If you don't want them, please consider bringing an alternative. Sometimes a bribe goes a long way.
• I recommend letting your children know exactly what to expect and offer a reward afterwards for cooperation. This is especially important for older siblings when we're working with someone younger who doesn't understand what's going on. If your 8 year old will cooperate with little instruction, it's easier to guide your 4 year old who might need more help.
• I try to keep the sessions super positive and happy! The more relaxed everyone is, the easier it is to get natural photos.
•  Let me guide the session-  I truly want your photos to be the most amazing pictures you've ever taken. The best way to get there is to trust me. Yes, sometimes kids will be unruly and misbehave. Most of that is pretty normal. Children ages 2-4 especially are going to have trouble sitting still, so capturing authentic and beautiful interactions during the shoot is best for these ages. I will give you prompts and tips. We'll play some games and have fun. Some of my favorite photos that I've taken are of kids running and laughing. As long as everyone is happy, the photos will turn out great! The best way to keep everyone happy is to stay positive during the photoshoot.
• Often, if a child isn't cooperating, I try to start with siblings, or parents or play some games. It's better for the child to forget that they're having their photo taken if it's making them anxious.
• Children who are being themselves look beautiful in the final product. So let's have some fun!!