Mini Session Prep Guide
arrive early
Mini sessions are fast and furious. Because of the back to back nature of these kinds of sessions, arriving about 10 minutes early is highly recommended. If their schedules allow, one of my daughters may be there to say hello and bring you over to where I’m shooting, or to an area you can hang until my prior session has ended. They can also help wrangle a dog, or hold a bag if needed! If you are running late, I totally understand, however, I cannot add session time on the back end unless the next family is also running late.
Your session location:
66 Turkey Plain Road
Bethel, CT
Turkey Plain Road is a busy one, and parking is just off the side of the road. Once you arrive and park, head up the little hill and me and my daughter(s) will greet you. If we don’t see you initially, you can wait near the entrance until your session time.
what to wear, and what not to wear
Whether you choose casual or formal, jewel tones or neutrals, I know that you have put a lot of effort into your whole family looking camera ready and I also know that’s no easy task. Thank you! The results are always worth it! To further ready for your close-up, I recommend wiping noses and faces of little ones before you head out the door, removing smart watches and hair ties on wrists, removing cell phones, keys and wallets from your pants pockets and ensuring jewelry clasps are behind your neck. This attention to detail helps enhance the efforts you’ve already put into preparing for your session and, most of all, keeps the focus of the photographs on you and your beautiful family, with minimal distractions.
I know that getting a whole crew ready for family photos can be so stressful. To help counteract some of that stress (and I know it well from my own family photo experiences!) I suggest getting yourself ready first and then helping your partner and kids. Like the oxygen mask analogy, you will feel calmer if you know you’re ready to go, and you’ll be in a better mindset to help your kids get ready. An added benefit to prepping this way is that your kids will feel your good energy, and that always translates into more relaxed, happier kids and pictures!
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SESSION
When the session is over, I get back to work. I cull through the raw files and delete all of the images that belong on the cutting room floor - either to test light at a different set-up, because of blinking or too much hair in the face, being mid-sentence or simply because it’s a duplicate. The images that are left will be thoughtfully selected, hand edited and placed into your digital preview gallery, from which you can select your five (5) favorite images. You’ll receive your preview gallery within 2-4 weeks. I never share raw files because they are not representative of my final work, and seeing every image would be incredibly overwhelming to you. This part of the process is a big part of the service I provide to you as a professional. What’s wonderful is that you still get to choose your favorites from a highly curated batch of images. You may also have the option of upgrading and purchasing the entire gallery at a mini session upgrade fee of $100.
Once you’ve selected your favorites - or chosen to upgrade your gallery - I will produce your final image gallery, where you’ll have full, download access to each of your high-resolution, digital image files. While prints, framed photo products and canvases are not included in the package price, you have the option of purchasing all of these products (and more) through the Print Store in your gallery. I highly recommend using the Print Store as the product quality is professional grade, and it’s a convenient one-stop-shop. However, you’re under no obligation to order a thing.
I also love to share your images on my social media, sometimes as a sneak peek. If you’re not comfortable with that, simply say the word. If you are, or wish to share your images on social once you have your final gallery in hand…I love to see it! A tag (@katewarkphotography) is always super appreciated if you remember to!
I love meeting you, capturing your families, and seeing you love and use your images. See you soon!