Park Portrait
Mini Sessions
Welcome to your mini session! I am excited to be working with you. It’s completely normal to feel a nervous about your photoshoot—trust me, I still get those butterflies before stepping in front of the camera myself!
No matter the season of life you’re in, whether your kids are little, grown, or even furry, every moment is worth capturing.
Children change quickly. Loved ones pass away. And so much of life can be missed because we didn't stop to soak it in. That's why I love family photography. You can remember those snippets in time, the people you love, and the kids you've raised for forever.
My goal is to capture you and your loved ones just being yourselves, and if I can make you laugh and have fun while we do it, that's an bigger win! Even though we have only 20 minutes together, I promise we can create amazing pictures you'll cherish forever.
To help you better prepare, this page covers everything you need to know, including what to wear, whether to bring pets, tips for small children, and more!
we will start on time!
Since this is a mini session, I have sessions booked back to back. Please plan accordingly if you are changing outfits when you get here, traffic, etc so we can start on time and not feel as rushed.
I recommend you plan to arrive about 10 minutes early so you have a little bit of a "buffer" in case you end up running late.
If you are late to the session, I cannot go past your end time to make up for it, so please keep that in mind!
prepping your littles
Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water and any small objects (like toys or lollipops) that might help me get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families discuss and pick something fun in advance as a treat after the session if they’re good listeners, like an ice cream cone, for example.
It also helps if they are full and had good rest beforehand. They’re little, and I know that some days don’t always go as planned. I've seen it all and will make sure to get you great photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom. The more we can mix that up, the better. I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is the color that you see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, if you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color, and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’s going to look great all together.
Pets
My dogs are a huge part of our family, which is why I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we'll get less pictures since it's an extra variable to work with during the session.
I suggest bringing someone with you to the session who can help get their attention and hold the leash when your pet isn't a part of the picture. Especially since we only have 20 minutes together, having an extra person there helps tremendously!
I also recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
posing
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I'll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I'll start going through your pictures to choose the best ones. You'll get a sneak peek within the first 24-36 hours with my favorite pictures from the session. The full gallery will be delivered about 2-3 weeks after your session!
Inclement Weather
What to do if it rains
If weather is an issue, I will be in contact with you as soon as possible. In the case that we need to reschedule, I will do my best to find a new date that works best for you and your family.
I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for your photoshoot and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
I hope this covers everything you need to know to prep for your session! However, if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me at
mercedes@mercedeslulowphotography.com
