Mini session days might look like a breeze—smiling faces, quick photos, and beautiful galleries delivered shortly after. But behind the scenes? There’s a whole lot of planning, prep, and intentional structure to make it all feel effortless.

So today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly how I run my mini session days—and what goes into making them successful for both my clients and my business.

⏱️ The Schedule: Why I Book 10-Minute Sessions Every 15 Minutes

Each mini session is 10 minutes long, but I schedule them every 15 minutes. Why?

That five-minute buffer is key to keeping the day running smoothly. It gives me a little breathing room between sessions—so if a family needs a few extra minutes, a child needs a quick snack break, or anything unexpected pops up, we’re not instantly behind schedule. It also gives me just enough time to reset before the next family arrives.

This system is what helps me deliver a polished, on-time experience to everyone—and keeps stress levels low for both me and my clients.

📍 The Location: Why Familiar Spots Are My Favorite

I choose locations I know really well for mini sessions. Here's why that matters:

• I already know how the lighting shifts throughout the day

• I’ve scouted the best backdrops and angles

• I know how to direct clients exactly where to park and walk

• I can minimize distractions, which is especially important with young kids

Familiarity means fewer surprises and smoother transitions between sessions. It also helps me maximize the short time I have with each family because I know exactly what works and what doesn’t at each location.

🧠 The Planning: Prepping Clients for a Great Experience

One of the most important parts of a successful mini session day happens before clients ever arrive. Communication is everything!

The day before (or morning of), I send a confirmation email and/or text with:

• The exact address and parking instructions

• Where to go once they arrive

• What to expect during their session

• A reminder of what’s included and how to select additional images (if applicable)

That way, there’s no confusion—and clients arrive confident and ready to go.

📸 The Session: Quick, Confident, and Intentional

Mini sessions only work when they’re efficient—and that starts with being ready the moment a client steps in front of my camera.

Before each session day, I’ve already planned poses, shot angles, and session flow. I greet my clients, give a few quick directions, and we dive in! The energy is upbeat, the flow is fast, and in just 10 minutes we capture a gallery full of sweet, joy-filled images.

Because I’ve taken care of all the prep work, my clients don’t have to worry about anything except showing up and smiling.

✨ The Magic: What Makes Mini Sessions Worth It

Mini sessions are a win-win when done right.

For me as a photographer, they’re a way to serve multiple families in a short period of time, which makes them profitable and efficient. For clients, it’s a quick session with minimal time commitment—and a beautiful gallery of photos to show for it.

That’s why every detail matters—from the timing to the parking to the lighting to the posing. I can’t control everything(hello, unpredictable toddlers and moody weather), but I work hard to make sure the things I can control are as perfect as possible.

When you show up to your mini session, we’re ready to rock and roll—and that’s no accident. It’s the result of thoughtful planning, careful prep, and a whole lot of heart.

Ready to Book a Mini Session?

If you’ve been thinking about booking a mini session, I’d love to have you join in on the fun! Check out my Upcoming Mini Sessions and grab your spot while they last.

Questions? I’m just a message away—let’s make some magic together!