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Themed mini-sessions are a great way to attract many clients at once. Mini sessions are short sessions, usually averaging between 15 and 30 minutes. They are typically low-cost sessions, so they fit most budgets. The benefit to these is that you can set aside one day or a weekend and book clients back to back all day while remaining at one outdoor location.
Throwing a theme in is an excellent way to keep all of the sessions coherent based on some basic props or a specific background. Here are some ideas for themed mini-sessions that can be used throughout the year.
Let the season be your theme! Find a location that shows off:
These types of sessions rarely require props of any sort. Usually, the background of the area you are using will suffice for props. For many more specific seasonal mini-session ideas, click on the links provided above!
Almost any holiday can be used to your advantage when it comes to themed mini-sessions. Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentine's Day, Fourth of July, etc., are easy ways to let families get a few professional images representing their favorite holiday.
Let your set-up fit the theme! I have always used props for holiday mini-sessions. For example, a handmade “kissing booth” makes a great prop for a Valentine’s Day mini-session and is perfect for any age. For Halloween, consider throwing in a few pumpkins and fall-inspired props and have your clients dress their kids in their Halloween costumes. These are always a big hit!
When it comes to Christmas mini-sessions, renting out a Santa for the day is a great way to bring in clients. It’s a win-win for you and your clients. The children get to have a visit with good ole' St. Nick, their parents will get adorable memorable photos, and of course, you will benefit financially.
And check out this super fun Hot Cocoa mini-session idea. It's just magical!
Many Christmas tree farms will allow you to do sessions there for free or for a small fee! Just remember to have fun and capture those lifestyle images as they happen.
Capturing the essence of childhood in a photograph requires a blend of patience, creativity, and fun. These sessions are perfect for parents looking for quality photos without the commitment of a full photo shoot. Here are some of the most popular themes for kids:
Children have limited attention spans, so mini-sessions are the perfect option to capture their best moments BEFORE they get tired or restless. Use age-appropriate props that complement the theme without overwhelming the subject.
It's also critical to ensure the location is safe and comfortable, especially when working with babies and toddlers.
If boudoir photography is on your list of genres you shoot, rent a studio with studio lights or a nice hotel room and schedule your clients back to back. Have your hair and make-up artist on-site for the entire day and let them set up in the location you choose.
I have found many people are also interested in outdoor boudoir sessions. They are unique and fun, seeing how they aren’t what you would consider the norm for a boudoir session. Tip: You will need to make sure you have access to a private and secluded location for outdoor boudoir mini-sessions. Many photographers go as far as bringing a bed to the site.
When basketball, football, or baseball season rolls around, use the sport as a theme! Have your clients wear their favorite team jerseys and have fun with it! Many families take sports very seriously, so this is a great way to let them represent their favorite team and get fun photos that will give them great memories for a lifetime.
Let your surroundings be your theme. Creeks, beaches, fields of flowers (if you live in Texas, don't pass up the opportunity for Bluebonnet mini sessions), etc., can all make for great themed sessions.
No props are needed. Just let your background be your prop! And remember to use back button focusing to get the sharpest images possible.
You can create a theme out of almost any concept. Just remember how important posing is, too. Here is a list of some other ideas.
The goal of a themed mini-session is to pack in as many clients as time allows using a single location. Get creative and have fun with them! The possibilities are truly endless. Stock up on the props you use - and then use them again next year!
Market your next themed sessions months in advance to allow time to fill all the spots. This will also ensure you have time to fill in any time slots in case any clients have to cancel.
You can generate extra monthly income with mini sessions and are almost guaranteed to earn many new clients who will look forward to these sessions year after year!
Do you have any questions, comments, or other ideas about Photography Mini Sessions? Leave us a comment below - we would love to hear from you! And PLEASE SHARE our tutorial using the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!
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