First off, thank you! I’m so excited to capture your family this fall. Mini sessions are such a wonderful way to document your family as you are right now. To help you feel prepared and confident heading into your session, I’ve put together everything you need to know.
What to Wear
Choosing outfits can feel like one of the trickiest parts of preparing for photos, but I’m here to help. Your clothing sets the tone of your photos, and it’s worth putting some thought into ahead of time.
Coordinating vs. Matching: Instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing, aim for colors and textures that complement each other. Think layers, cozy sweaters, or pieces with a little movement.
Keep Comfort in Mind: If your kids are comfortable, they’ll be happier in front of the camera. Avoid stiff, itchy fabrics.
Ask for Help: If you’re feeling stuck, send me a message. I love helping families with outfit choices! You can text or email me photos of possible outfits, and I’ll give you guidance on what photographs best together.
My Favorite Colors for Fall Photos
Fall is all about rich, cozy tones that complement the season. Some of my go-to colors for outdoor sessions are warm neutrals like cream, tan, and taupe, paired with deeper shades like rust, mustard, forest green, and burgundy. These colors photograph beautifully against the autumn leaves and golden light.
If you love a softer look, dusty shades like sage, blush, or muted blue also work really well. I recommend mixing in a balance of neutrals and one or two accent colors so your family looks coordinated without being too matchy.
Weather + Backup Plans
We all know fall in Central Oregon can be unpredictable. While I always hope for clear skies and beautiful light, sometimes rain decides to show up instead.
Here’s how I handle it:
Backup Date: If weather isn’t cooperating, I’ll offer a backup date so we can reschedule your session. I don’t automatically hold one at booking, but I make sure we find a time that works.
Flexibility: If the suggested backup date doesn’t fit your schedule, I’ll work with you to find another option. Your session won’t be lost—I’ll make sure it happens!
What to Expect During Your Session
A mini session is quick—20 minutes—but don’t worry, that’s plenty of time. My approach is relaxed and child-led, which means I don’t expect kids to “perform” for the camera. Instead, I’ll gently guide your family through natural prompts and poses that capture genuine connection.
You can expect:
A balance of posed and candid moments. I’ll grab a few shots of everyone smiling at the camera, and then we’ll let kids move, laugh, and interact for photos that feel real.
A stress-free experience. You don’t need to worry about telling your kids to “smile.” That’s my job. I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the moment with your family.
After Your Session: Gallery + Downloads
After your mini session, I’ll carefully edit your images and deliver a gallery of 15–20 photos within a couple of weeks. From there, you’ll be able to:
Select Your Included Images: Your session includes 10 high-resolution digital downloads. You’ll choose your favorites directly from your gallery.
Option to Purchase More: If you fall in love with more than 10, you’ll have the option to purchase additional downloads. Many families love upgrading to keep them all.
Prints + Products: Your gallery connects to my professional print store, where you can easily order wall art, albums, and holiday cards. This way, you don’t have to worry about printing quality—your photos will look just as beautiful on your walls as they do on your screen.
Final Tips for a Smooth Session
Make sure everyone arrives on time, mini sessions are back to back and if you are late I cannot extend the time frame out of respect for my other clients.
A good night’s rest and a meal or snack before your session can make a huge difference in moods and energy levels.
Don’t stress about perfection, sometimes the sweetest moments are the candid ones.
Consider packing a small “bribe” toy or treat, but hold off on giving it to your kids until after the session. If used too early, most kids will quickly catch on and “act up” to get more. Keeping it as a post-session surprise often works best.
Please leave purses, phones, and any unnecessary items safely inside your vehicle. This helps keep distractions down and allows your family to move around more freely during photos.
If you have a shy little one, it can help to prepare them by talking about the session ahead of time. Let them know they’ll get to play, laugh, and maybe even do some silly things with you. Bringing along a favorite (non-distracting) comfort item can also help them ease into the session.
I’m Here for You
The best part of mini sessions is that you just get to show up and enjoy your family while I take care of the rest. From helping with outfits to working around weather to guiding you during the session, I’ve got you covered.
If you have any questions between now and your session, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to capture your family this fall!
