What to Expect From a Charleston Family Mini Session
Twenty minutes. Is that really enough time to get great family photos?
It’s one of the most common questions I hear from parents considering one of my Charleston family mini sessions, and the answer is: for the right family, absolutely.
Mini sessions are designed to be quick, easy and FUN. We aren’t trying to cram an entire full family session into 20 minutes. Instead, we’re using that time intentionally to get a beautiful variety of updated family photos without asking your kids (or your partner 😂) to hang with me for a full session.
So if you’ve been considering fall mini sessions in Charleston, SC, here’s exactly what you can expect.
What Happens During a 20-Minute Family Mini Session?
First things first: you are not going to spend 20 minutes standing in one spot while I repeatedly ask everyone to look at my camera and smile.
We’ll start with some of those classic family photos because yes, I know Grandma wants one where everyone is looking at the camera.
But then we move.
I’ll have you walk together, snuggle your kids, play, laugh and interact. I'll photograph different combinations whenever time allows and give you plenty of direction so you never have to wonder what you're supposed to be doing with your hands.
The goal is to create as much variety as we can while keeping everything moving quickly enough that your kids don't have time to get completely over the whole experience.
What If My Kids Don't Cooperate?
Please don't spend the drive to your session repeatedly reminding your kids that they need to “be good for pictures.”
They don't need to perform for me.
I've been photographing families for more than 17 years, and one of the biggest parts of my job is knowing how to work with kids exactly where they are.
Your toddler wants to move? We'll move.
Your six-year-old thinks fart jokes are the funniest thing that's ever happened? I have material.
Someone needs a minute to warm up? We'll give them one.
Twenty minutes goes quickly, but that's also one of the reasons mini sessions can work so well for kids. We get in, have some fun, make some great photographs and wrap things up before we've completely exhausted their willingness to participate.
How Many Photos Will We Get From a Mini Session?
This is one of the biggest differences between a mini session and a full family photography session.
A mini session is designed to give you a smaller collection of updated family photographs rather than the larger variety and storytelling you'll receive during a full session.
My Fall Family Mini Sessions include 3 digital images of your choice, and you'll have the option to purchase additional photographs from your finished gallery if you fall in love with more.
And yes, I fully expect to make choosing only three difficult for you. 😂
Who Are Family Mini Sessions Best For?
Mini sessions are especially great for families who photograph regularly and simply want an update, families looking for fall photos for holiday cards, or parents who already know their kids will do better with something short and sweet.
They're also a great lower-commitment way to work with me for the first time.
But minis aren't necessarily the best fit for every family.
If you're hoping for lots of different combinations, have a larger or extended family, want time for your kids to really settle into the experience, or want your photos to tell more of the story of your family in this particular season, I'd recommend a full Charleston family photography session instead.
What Should We Wear for Fall Family Photos?
Ahhhh, the question that strikes fear into the heart of whoever is responsible for dressing the entire family. 😂
You don't need everyone to match. In fact, I'd much rather you didn't.
Think about coordinating rather than matching, choosing colors and textures that work well together while still allowing everyone to look like themselves.
I've put together an entire guide to what to wear for family photos so you don't have to stand in everyone's closets wondering how on earth you're supposed to make five people's outfits work together.
Where Are Charleston Fall Mini Sessions Held?
I photograph family sessions throughout the Charleston area, and mini-session locations can change depending on the season.
Past and upcoming locations have included James Island and Hampton Park in Downtown Charleston, giving us beautiful outdoor settings without needing the time or flexibility of a full location session.
If you're looking specifically for beach family photos on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Kiawah Island, a full family session will usually be the better fit.
You can always find my current dates, locations and availability on my Charleston Mini Sessions page.
Ready for Fall Family Photos in Charleston?
Fall gets busy FAST. School is happening. Sports are happening. The holidays suddenly aren't nearly as far away as they seemed in August.
Family photos don't need to become one more giant production on your calendar.
Show up. Love on your people. Let your kids be kids.
I'll take it from there. ❤️
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