First of all—thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your family. It truly means a lot, and I’m so excited to capture this season of your lives in a way that feels honest, natural, and uniquely you.

If you’ve never done a mini session before (or even if you have), you might be wondering how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time. The good news? It’s a lot simpler than you think.

Let Go of Perfect—Lean Into Real

Every family is different, and that’s exactly how I approach each session.

If your family is more on the snuggly, emotional side, we’ll capture those quiet, heartfelt moments—tight hugs, soft smiles, and genuine connection. If your crew is playful and full of energy, we’ll lean into that too—expect movement, laughter, and maybe a little chaos (the good kind).

I take my cues from you. The best thing you can do is show up as yourselves. That’s where the magic lives.

And if I suggest a pose or prompt that doesn’t feel natural? Tell me! We’ll pivot. Nothing about your session should feel forced.

Arrive Early (and Breathe)

Mini sessions are short and sweet, which means timing matters.

Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes early so you’re not rushing. This gives everyone a moment to settle in, adjust outfits if needed, and start the session feeling calm instead of frazzled.

Happy Kids = Better Photos

A little prep goes a long way—especially with younger kids.

Make sure everyone is well-rested
Feed them beforehand
Bring a few dry, non-messy snacks just in case

Even with all that, kids will still be kids—and that’s perfectly okay.

Some of my favorite images come from the in-between moments: when they’re exploring, giggling, or doing their own thing.

What to Wear for Your Spring Session

When it comes to spring sessions, color matters more than anything else.

The locations I’ve chosen typically feature beautiful pink cherry blossoms during your session dates, which means your outfits should complement—not compete with—the scenery. Colors like orange or deeper yellow can clash with those soft pink tones, so it’s best to avoid them.

Instead, I recommend starting with neutrals as your base. From there, you can layer in color thoughtfully:

Stick to cool tones like soft pinks, blues, and greens
Pastel yellow can work, but keep it light and subtle
Navy is always a great choice for grounding your palette
Muted tones like mauve are perfect if you want something a bit richer

One thing to watch for: pinks with strong orange undertones (like coral). These can clash with the blossoms, so it’s best to lean toward cooler pinks instead.

If you’re unsure, simple and soft is always the safest—and most timeless—approach.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out the inspiration images below as well as my family Pinterest board where I’ve curated outfit ideas to help you visualize everything coming together.

Your Only Job? Love on Your People

Seriously—that’s it.

I’ll make sure we get a few classic “everyone looking at the camera” shots (perfect for holiday cards), usually at the beginning. After that, the focus shifts to connection.

Snuggle your kids. Laugh with them. Hold hands. Be present.

The more you engage with each other, the more natural and meaningful your photos will feel.

A Gentle Note for Parents

I know how much you want your kids to cooperate—I get it. But during the session, try to resist the urge to correct, bribe, or call out instructions from behind the camera.

If kids feel pressure, they tend to shut down. If they feel safe and free, they open up.

Unless they’re heading straight into danger, let them be. I promise, I’ve never had a session where kids sat still and behaved perfectly the entire time—and I wouldn’t want one.

That’s not real life.