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Tips to Prepare for Your Fall Mini Session

Fall is one of the most beautiful and popular times of the year for family photos, and mini sessions are the perfect way to capture memorable images that include the beauty of the season. While I make it my mission to make the entire photography experience as easy and stress-free as possible there are few things you can do to make it even more enjoyable and get the most out of your session. Here are a few tips to prepare for your fall mini session.

Prepare for your fall mini session with these 6 tips

6 Tips to Prepare for Your Fall Mini Session

Tip 01. Coordinating Colors and Outfit Selection

When it comes to dressing your family for a fall mini session, the goal is to coordinate not match. You want to visually break up the colors and shades so that everyone looks cohesive but not identical. Instead of everyone wearing the same color for their top and bottom, tie in similar colors. When it comes to outfit selection, colors are a huge factor. While I always recommend soft, neutral colors, it is helpful to also be mindful of the season. For fall, earthy, neutral tones like deep greens, warm browns, darker golden yellows, and burnt oranges will naturally complement the fall landscape and photograph beautifully.

For example, if you wear a sage green dress with and tan heels or boots, then your partner might wear a cream sweater with gray or brown pants. In this example, the main colors that the other is wearing coordinate with each other, and create a look that complements one another and isn’t too matchy-matchy.

Dresses are great for any session or season as they photograph so well. Even if it is chillier outside, you can still wear a dress and stay warm by adding in a stylish jacket, or even throwing on a chunky sweater over top. Adding a pair of fall boots will keep your feet and legs warm too. Fall is also the perfect season for layering. Think cozy sweaters, scarves, and jackets. Layers not only keep you warm but also add depth and texture to your photos.

Wondering where to go to find quality and stylish outfits for the whole family? Here a few of my favorite places to shop for outfits:

These stores offer a great variety of styles and colors that can help you achieve the perfect coordinated look.

Pro Tips for Selecting Your Outfit

Avoid colors like neon green, bright orange, and hot pink. These colors can be too bright and overwhelming on camera. They often distract from the overall look of your photos and even reflect their colors on your skin.

Also, try everything on before your photoshoot to ensure it fits and you feel comfortable. If you are wearing something that doesn’t fit correctly, it will likely come across on camera. The opposite is also true – when you feel good and confident, it shows up in the images! You feeling comfortable and confident is the top priority.

Need some outfit inspiration? Here are few examples on how you can coordinate your outfits for your fall mini session!

Tip 02. Rest and Nutrition

It might sound simple, but getting a good night’s rest before your session is crucial. You want to feel refreshed and look your best on the day of the shoot. Similarly, don’t come hungry! Make sure everyone has had something to eat before arriving to keep moods high and energy up. This is especially important if you have young kids. Kids do not do well when they are tired or hungry. Depending on the age of your children, try to schedule a session time close to right after they have eaten or napped. If that isn’t possible, then be sure to bring along snacks. In addition, small toys or a comfort item can also be a lifesaver if your little ones start getting fidgety or fussy.

For families with small children, prepping them beforehand is key. Let them know what to expect and perhaps promise a treat after the session as an incentive. Remember, kids don’t always sit still for the camera, and that’s okay! Sometimes the best photos are the candid shots where they’re just being kids. No matter what, we will get beautiful images of your family.

Tip 03. Arrive Early

This is very important! One of the easiest ways to reduce stress on the day of your mini session is by arriving early. Map out the location ahead of time and use a navigation app like Waze to ensure you know how long it will take to get there so you can plan accordingly. Waze is great because it updates in real time if there are accidents or other issues that could make you late and reroutes you. I recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early. This gives you time to settle in, make any last-minute adjustments, and get comfortable with the surroundings. This is also great for little kids and pets as it provides extra time for them to get their energy out and get familiar with a new space.

6 tips to help you prepare for your mini session

mom walks with toddler during mini session

Tip 04. Including your Pets

Your fur babies are always welcome, but there are a few things you can do to make your session so much smoother. If you’re planning to include your pet in the session, bring an extra pair of hands to help out. Since your dog likely won’t be in every photo, it is extremely helpful to have a friend or a family member there to assist with your pet. This allows you to focus on the session and not worry about managing your dog. I also suggest bringing along a few of their favorite toys and treats, as well as a container of water to keep them happy during the shoot.

family of three lay in the grass under tree

Tip 05. Bring Props

Props are a wonderful way to personalize a session. For mini sessions, I don’t bring any props with me. Therefore, if there’s something special you want to incorporate — like a cozy blanket or a meaningful item — please bring it along. A blanket, in particular, can add a warm and intimate touch to your photos, especially when wrapped around your family on a chilly fall day.

family of three during mini session in Nashville

Tip 06. Bring a Bag

Always bring a bag to hold your phones, wallets, watches, props, as well as any other snacks, toys, or items you’re bringing with you. You don’t want to stuff items in your pockets or leave them on the ground and risk losing them. Bringing a bag will keep everything together and make it easier to keep track of during your session.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable fall mini session that will leave you with beautiful images and lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.