You might be asking yourself, “What is a mini session, and how is it different than any other session?” If that’s the case you aren’t alone.  Mini sessions with K. Sienk Photography are 20-minutes long. They are fast-paced and yield ~20 edited images.

And when I say fast paced, I don’t mean rushed.  My goal is to get a variety of images in a short amount of time. Which means that we won’t be fussing around too much in one spot.

I like to think that I work at a pace that is perfect for a toddler’s attention span.

 
Looking to book a mini session on April 19th?  Scroll to the bottom of this post for more details.  April 19th will be my last day for minis for a few months

 

Who are mini sessions for?

A short, fast-paced session can be great for a lot of reasons.  Maybe your toddler will not cooperate for more than 20 minutes. And the idea of them being in front of the camera for an hour causes you stress.  Then a mini session is for you. Here are a few other reasons why you might choose a mini session over a full session:

Budget – These sessions are shorter and create fewer images. That means they aren’t as expensive as full sessions.

A stubborn partner – Perhaps your partner isn’t about having their photo taken.  You’re more likely to convince them to be in front of the camera for 20 minutes vs. an hour.

You only need a few photos – Looking for photos for a card, or a perfect one to send to grandparents?  Mini sessions are great if you only want a few photos.

Updating family photos consistently – Booking full sessions several times a year can be stressful.  Not just on you, but on your wallet. Mini sessions are great for updating your family photos without going overboard. Especially in your little one’s first year.

Why come prepared

I am a planner and preparer.  You should see how many Google Docs and Sheets I have to organize my life.  Or maybe you shouldn’t…

Anyway, coming to a mini-session prepared is super important.  As I mentioned before these are short sessions. They don’t allow a lot of time for trial and error.  It’s important that you communicate with your photographer. Let them know what your goals are. Tell them what your family is like in front of the camera.

If you are prepared for you session you won’t have to ask too many questions.  You’ll be able to just jump in and be confident that you are getting the photos you are looking for!

 

Let your photographer know…

So how do you let your photographer know about your goals?  Depends on how you communicate with them before the shoot. I always email my clients a list of questions so I know their goals.  If your photographer is not doing this for you, feel free to email them your answers to the questions below.

    • Names of family members attending the session
    • What do you want to remember about this season in your family’s life? Any fun details I should know about?
    • What are some things that interest your child(ren) or are there special things that make them smile or laugh?   
    • How does your child(ren) normally respond to getting their picture taken?
    • What is your highest priority of the session  – a perfect shot of the whole family? A sweet shot of your kiddo? Of course, we will try to get it all, but if you had to choose the one SURE THING.
    • Do you like candid, traditional, or a mix of both?
    • Is there anything about your family that you want me to know before the session?
    • Would you like a sneak peek posted on Instagram? (if yes, make sure you follow me to see your sneak peek!)

Tips

Letting your photographer know your goals is a great way to prepare.  Another way I like to prepare my clients for mini sessions is by giving them some tips.  

HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES:

Don’t come hungry.  Even if you plan on eating breakfast/lunch/dinner afterward.  It’s best if everyone has a little something in their tummies.

Bring a jacket or sweater that you are okay having in your photos

Kiddos might need a minute or two break.  Bring a small snack or water in case they need a little something. Pouches are great because they are quick.

Bring a toy/books that you don’t mind having in the photos.  If you bring a toy that your kiddo loves to try to get them to smile, chances are they will want to hold it.  Bring something you are okay seeing in your photos.

Bring a hair tie and/or bobby pins. You never know when the wind is going to strike. Bring something to pull your hair back if it doesn’t get a little windy.

Appropriate shoes – Think about where you’ll take your photos. Going to a park? Make sure you are wearing shoes that you are okay wearing in the grass.  What about the beach? Wear shoes you are okay walking in the sand with, or know if you’d rather go barefoot.

 

Last day of minis (for a little while)

My maternity leave is sneaking up, and will be here soon!  I’ll be hosting my last day of mini sessions on April 19th, 2019 at Sutro Heights Park from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Limited sessions are available.

Mini Sessions include:

20-minute session
Lots of smiles and giggles
A questionnaire to help us both prepare and learn your goals
Tips for preparing specifically to Sutro Heights Park
Online viewing gallery with a 10 day turn around

Digital images are not included in the session but can be purchased after you see your photos.
Check out the complete mini session product prices here.

 

How to book

Send me an email kimberly@ksienk.com
Call or text 415.937.8477
Use credits on Pearachute

 

I’m looking forward to photographing your family before my maternity leave!