Frequently Asked Questions

A mini-session is a great portrait session for those only looking for a few images to have for wall art, holiday cards, and/or social media. Mini sessions are sessions that are offered on specific dates and times and typically take 10-15 minutes. Mini-sessions are “mini” in time, price, and number of images/poses taken and received. (Additional images may be available for purchase also a discounted rate) This in turn, makes mini-sessions economical in time and price. So basically, a mini-session is like a “Sale” on session fees and digital images.

Whereas, a regular private portrait session is for those looking to have a variety of images to preview and choose from. Therefore a regular session includes more time, a bigger variety of poses and candid shots (when applicable), and a variety of images will be edited and retouched and placed in an online gallery for you to preview and choose from. Albums and mini-books are also available for regular priced sessions.

I have highlighted below the difference between a mini-session and a regular private portrait sessions.

Regular Private Portrait Sessions :      Can book anytime,   Longer session time,     Multiple locations and spots available,     Previews to choose from,      Prints/digitals/products purchased separately,   Standard Pricing,      Digital images common a USB flash drive,   Digital packages include a 4 x 6 prints   
                                          
Mini-Portrait Session:     Available only on specific dates and times, Very Short (mini) session time, One location/one spot at that location available,   No previews to choose from,   Limited number (Typically 3) Digital images come with session,   Discounted pricing on session and digital images,     Digital image will be e-mailed to you for downloading,      4 x 6 prints included to match each digital image   

*** Both include a phone app in which to have your digital images displayed on your phone for ease of sharing with others. 
 Both sessions also have high-resolution, professionally edited and retouched images.
                                              
                                                    

                                                               

                                                         

                                                                                                         

                                                      

                                             

Preparing for Your Portrait

Start by getting plenty of rest the night before. You want to be energetic and alert for your portraits. Retouching can do a lot, but cannot hide tired eyes. Be sure to shower the day of your portraits and leave plenty of time for your hair to dry. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth before you leave for your photo session.

Clothing

*Make sure that clothing is ironed
*Avoid large prints, patterns, neon colors (including neon pastels), logos, and shirts with words (Trust me -you will regret this)
*Clothing should be complimentary: Visit my “Photo Shoot: What to Wear?” Pinterest Board for ideas
*Include solids with patterns (all patterns on clothing is very distracting)
*If choosing all solids, avoid everyone wearing the same color (We did this 80’s/90’s -times have changed)
*If it is a winter session, avoid white as it will blend in with the snow and blacks in the snow are almost too much contrast.
*Tip: Shop at the same store for clothing for your session in the same season to get clothes that compliment each other.
*I usually say fine one piece of clothing that has colors in it that you love: a girl’s dress, a plaid shirt, etc… and build your session with colors that compliment form there.
*Shoes should also compliment your look. Choose something that will not distract form the images.

 Accessories

*Scarves and jewelry can add flair to your photos
*If you wear glasses and would like to be photographed with them, please have the lenses removed prior to your session

Hair

*Avoid haircuts or new styles too close to your session
*Bring a brush or comb
*Be sure hair is dry
*Avoid bedhead
*Do not pull back hair in a pony tail-This tends to make you look like you have short hair and gives a tired rushed look

Face

*If you have blemishes, it is highly recommended that you use some type of apricot scrub daily for 2 weeks before your session.
 This helps eliminate blackheads and blemishes and gives your skin a healthy glow.

Makeup

*Foundation and blush are highly recommended to even out skin tones, hide imperfections, and give you a natural glow—Use them even if you typically do not wear any make up
*Eyeliner should highlight the eyes, but not be so dark that you notice the makeup before the beauty of the eyes. Be sure to use your smudge tool on your eyeliner to soften the eyeliner.
**The key to great makeup is that it should accentuate your beauty. A man once told me that a beautiful woman wears makeup in a way that you do not notice that they have it on.
*Lip color or at least gloss is highly recommended (even if you do not typically wear lipstick)
*Tweeze eyebrows
*Powder on shiny faces recommended
*Please bring make up with you to the session for touch ups
*If you need some tips on make up, I can recommend some professionals to give you some ideas or do your makeup for your session.

Hands

*Well-groomed hands recommended
*Trim and/or file nails
*If you wear nail polish give your nails a fresh coat the night before and repair any for chips the day of your session


Bring to the Session

*Brush or comb
*Make-up for touch ups (especially powder for shine)
*Hair clips, bobby pins
*Pocket mirror
*Hair products to calm fly away hair
*Bug spray (If outdoors)
*Blankets (if it is cold)

Things to Avoid

*Tan lines and sunburns
*Bra straps and sloppy cami-straps
*Chipped nail polish
*Sparkly lotions, powders, and hairsprays
*Wrinkled clothing (Photoshop will not do your ironing fo r you.  But if they ever do, I will be sending out all of my ironing to them-LOL!!!)
*Dark undergarments under light clothing
*Haircuts or new hairstyles
*Bedhead and wet hair
*All the same color of clothing (mixing complimentary colors is best)
*Large print, pattern, neon colors, even pastel neon’s do not photograph well, logos and writing on shirts

What is a
mini-session

Portrait Preparation