Fall minis are right around the corner, and I am so excited to see all of your smiling faces! Here are a few things to keep in mind for your upcoming shoot! 

Pick the perfect date and time!

Make sure you’re picking a date and time that is the best fit for you and your family! If you have little ones, plan around school or nap time to ensure everyone is dressed and ready to go for the shoot! I always say it’s best to start getting ready with plenty of time before leaving the house to account for any traffic or tantrums with the little ones. 

Bonus tip: pack a snack or give your littles a snack before getting them dressed so they don’t spoil their outfit and they don’t have an empty stomach during their session. 

Ladies, First

As a MOM and photographer, I know we tend to get ready last! But this is your time to look and feel your best! So take extra time on your hair and put your favorite feel-good fit on! I’m always willing to capture portraits of my mommas, so don’t be afraid to be in front of the camera!

Let’s talk outfits

I always suggest planning YOUR outfit first. Because once you plan your outfit, you can plan everyone else’s outfit! Coordinate with colors that complement each other, and take some time to try them on all together to ensure you love the way everything looks! 

I love flowy dresses for women, and my favorite place to order from is Lulu’s! I always order a bunch to see what works because they have an excellent return policy! If you’re more of an in-person shopper, this tip works well too. Take a bunch of different options to the dressing room and pick your favorite. Have you checked out my Instagram Highlight for Outfit Inspo? I do mini-hauls to show you my favorite recommendations! 

A lot of the time, stores have similar colors or patterns for every family member so if you find something you like, shop around to see if they have a coordinating shirt or outfit for your partner or little ones. 

Always check the weather!

Late October in Charleston can be unpredictable with the temperature, but try to plan and check the weather a few days before your session. The LAST thing I want is for you and your kids to be uncomfortable during your session! Therefore, I always recommend bringing an umbrella and a light jacket that compliments your outfit, just in case! Don’t worry; you can keep these in the car and only bring them out if needed. 

It WILL be chaos!

I often tell my families, “if it didn’t feel chaotic, we probably didn’t do it right.” When photographing kids, it’s going to feel crazy! Lean into the chaos, and trust that I’m capturing the beauty in these moments. 

Bonus tip: Prepare your kids ahead of time by mentioning the session and getting them excited to be in front of the camera. I’ve even had some families tell me they asked their little ones to practice their best smiles and the kids are even more excited the day of. 

Even with preparation, there’s still chaos. So instead of getting frustrated, just let the kids be kids! My favorite photos of kids are always the ones when they’re having fun! 

Book your session! 

These are just 5 of my tips for your Fall mini-session! Use this link to book your session! Your booking comes with a mini-session guide that includes more helpful tips like these! Fall minis are so much fun, and I’d love to see you there!