How To Prepare For Your Mini Session with Kay Olive Photography

Now that I have booked my Mini Session. How do I prepare?

Mini photography sessions are a fun, quick way to capture sweet moments with your family, but with little ones in tow, they can feel a bit chaotic if you’re not prepared! Here are a few simple tips to help your family get the most out of your session—and to keep the smiles coming.

1. Arrive Dressed and Ready

Mini sessions are designed to be fast-paced, so arriving on time and fully dressed is key! Make sure everyone is in their outfits and ready to go before you leave home. This way, we can jump right into capturing those beautiful moments. A fresh look, without the rush, helps everyone stay calm and happy. Pro tip: If you're worried about messes on the way, bring a light blanket to cover your kids in the car!

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

When planning outfits, aim for coordinated looks rather than matching ones. Soft colors, neutrals, or subtle patterns work beautifully, especially on a simple backdrop. Keep the focus on your family’s connection, not busy patterns or logos.

3. Bring Their Favorite Comfort Items

Kids (especially little ones) can sometimes feel a bit shy or uneasy in a new environment. To help them relax and smile naturally, bring along a few of their favorite things—like a beloved stuffed animal, blanket, or toy. Not only will this keep them comfortable, but we can use these to get some natural, joyful expressions during the shoot!

4. Plan Ahead for Snacks and Naps

A well-fed and well-rested child is a happy child! Try to schedule your mini session around your child’s naptime to avoid any overtired grumpiness. Bring small, non-messy snacks to keep them energized, but save them for after the session to avoid any wardrobe mishaps.

5. Keep It Fun and Relaxed

Kids pick up on our energy. If you stay relaxed, they’ll follow your lead! Mini sessions are short, so don't stress about perfection—just focus on enjoying the moment. The more fun you’re having as a family, the more natural and heartfelt the photos will be.

Kay is a trained professional photographer specializing in newborn, maternity, through baby's first year! Serving all of Clayton, Garner, Raleigh, Knightdale, Cary, Apex, Durham NC and surrounding areas in North Carolina