Fall Family Mini Sessions | Hickory Creek Preserve in Mokena, IL

Fall family mini sessions!

Fall family mini sessions have been SO popular this year with my clients! For those looking for a simple, short, and sweet mini session this option is for you! Working with little ones over the years, I have learned to become a fast shooter! I am able to capture the perfect amount of photos, poses, and variety in your gallery in a short amount of time. AND you’ll have the right amount of images to design an updated wall gallery or album!

Take a peek that this adorable session taken at Hickory Creek Preserve in Mokena, IL ! We were able to capture the most BEAUTIFUL moments in about 20 minutes. The session was just the right amount of time to photograph a few ‘poses’, lots of playful candids, and even that must have ‘holiday card portrait’ everyone wants!

Mini sessions move a bit faster than my full sessions, but I am still able to capture beautiful moments between you and your family. Everyone laughs and plays which helps create a playful and happy session. Check out this mini session with this lovely family!

Tips and tricks for clients on how to prepare for your family mini session!

Below are some tips and tricks on how to have a successful family mini session !

• Hands down the hardest part about planning any session is WHAT TO WEAR! I am asked the question often and I have a list of suggestions I offer to every client upon booking. Most of my clients go with neutral clothing that coordinates and isn’t too ‘matchy’. Some advice is to start looking for inspiration in current magazines, Pinterest, online clothing catalogs. Also, it helps to start shopping for mom first! Once she finds the outfit she feels the most comfortable and confident in, then start coordinate the kiddos and finish with your significant other!

• Arrive at your session 15-20 minutes early! Typically photographers, including myself, book mini sessions back to back, so it’s always a good idea to be a bit early. You’ll have time to use the restroom, brush hair, wipe faces, change your outfit, eat a snack, etc.

• Enjoy the session! Have fun and be present in the moment! I can’t tell you how many times, parents have come to our mini session with their phone in hand and a bit distracted. Your kiddos will LOVE the experience SO much more if you are actively engaged and participating. I offer a lot of prompts and cues on how to get natural and fun smiles! This helps keep your gallery candid and beautiful!

• Eat before you leave for the session. I tend to book sessions before sunset – aka – dinner time, so make sure to feed your kids before you come to ensure happy smiles until the end of the session!

Mini or Full Session | Which is better for you?

Full sessions are longer in length, a more ‘custom’ experience, usually about an hour+ allowing time for clients and kids to ‘warm up’ in front of the camera, candid moments, a variety of locations in the preserves, and detail photos. These sessions are perfect for those that love full galleries with lots of variety, and options to build a beautiful keepsake album with a lot of choices of images!

Mini sessions are shorter in length and faster paced but very efficient. Perfect for those that love multiple sessions throughout the year and updating their wall galleries often! Because time is limited, I will work to capture those ‘must have’ shots – family, siblings, mom and child, dad and child, etc.

I am happy to assist you and help you decide which session option is the best for you and your family! I can ASSURE you that if you choose a full session OR mini session, we will capture a BEAUTIFUL gallery of images that you will cherish for a lifetime.

When is the Best time to book a Mini session?

ANYTIME!! I book mini sessions year round. I offer them as one of my packages and they are available at my studio and for outdoor sessions. The most popular time to schedule a session is Spring. May and the beginning of June are both beautiful months to schedule a family mini session. And then the end of August until the end of October. Because snow likes to come the last week of October the last couple of years in the Chicagoland area- my fall months book VERY fast. Make sure to snag one of my session spots during the summer to avoid disappointment! CONTACT me today to schedule your session!