What are Birmingham Alabama Mini Sessions?
Mini sessions are short photo shoots that last about 20 minutes. They’re perfect for busy Birmingham families who want a few quality photos and can take place outdoors or in my white and bright studio.
Think of mini sessions as the “quick version” of a full photoshoot.
Want to see when my next Birmingham Alabama Mini Sessions are scheduled? These spots fill up fast, so booking early is smart!
Before your Session
Prepare your wardrobe in advance
Picking the right wardrobe for your mini session can be the difference between photos you love, want to show off and hang all over your walls and photos you simply put on your yearly holiday card and forget about.
I suggest planning your wardrobe 1-2 months in advance. This gives you time to order new things and make sure everything fits and looks good together. When you all look good and feel good, your photos will be sure to shine!
Preparing Your Family for the Mini Session
Getting ready for a mini session doesn’t need to be stressful. With a bit of prep, your family can have a fun, smooth photo experience.
Kids tend to pick up on your energy, so stay calm and upbeat on photo day. Try these simple tricks for more natural photos:
- Tell kids you’re going to have your photos taken but explain it will be fun. Include things they might see and activities you may do during the session. Make sure you fill me in on anything they seem especially excited about so we can incorporate it.
- Tell them what to expect during the session and what you expect of them. Maybe offer an after session treat if they don’t complain and participate.
- Feed everyone before you arrive. Well fed kids will not need snacks during their session.
What to Bring to Your Mini Session
Coming prepared to your mini session helps us make the most of our short time together. Here’s what I suggest bringing:
Must-Have Items:
- Basic touch-up supplies – Lip balm, hairbrush, and tissues/wipes
- Water bottles – Staying hydrated keeps everyone happy
- Bug spray (in warmer months) – No one wants to be swatting gnats during photos. I always have a bottle with me, as well.
For Families with young Kids:
- Favorite toy or lovey – Can help shy children feel more at ease. Make sure you are ok with it being in the pictures but don’t get it out unless absolutely necessary. Most kids are happy holding a leaf, stick or flower.
- Simple snacks – Nothing messy or colorful that might stain and try your best not to need to offer it. Small marshmallows are a great choice.
Before your session
Mini sessions fly by quickly! With just 20-30 minutes for your photoshoot, you’ll want to make every second count. Here’s how to get the most from your short time slot:
Plan your priorities before the day:
- Decide on 2-3 must-have groupings (whole family, siblings, individual child.) If you’re a smaller family (3-4) you may have time for individual photos with each child. Larger families may want to choose a dad/all child grouping or a mom/all child grouping instead
- Let me know about any special shots you want including your preferred layout (landscape or portrait.)
Remember to keep an open mind.
Day of tips:
- Keep a normal nap schedule
- Feed everyone well before your session
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. There’s always something, last minute, that delay most of us.
- Actually arrive 20 minutes early so kids can use the restroom, walk around, get comfortable and express a little energy from the car ride. Trust me when I tell you this is an important part to a successful mini session.
- Clean and moisturize those little faces and noses well. Boogies and dry skin will be very visible, especially in the close up photos.
Remember it’s important to arrive on time, ready to go, so you don’t miss out on session time.
What to expect during your session
Natural smiles come from real joy! Joy does not come from saying “cheese.” Come with an open mind and Be prepared to:
- Keep your cool if your little one has a meltdown. I’m used to working with kids of all moods and personalities!
- spin, dance and twirl
- give piggy back and shoulder rides
- shower them with kisses, hugs and tickles
- make a cheek sandwich
- make goofy faces behind my back
Remember that perfect behavior isn’t needed for perfect photos. Some of the best shots happen during giggly moments or when kids are just being themselves. Let go of the idea that everyone needs to sit still and smile directly at the camera. I promise we will still get those cherished, everybody looking at the camera photos.
What to expect after your session
Once your mini session wraps up, the excitement isn’t over! Here’s what happens next:
Delivery Timeline and Editing
- You’ll receive an email with a link to view your gallery online when your images are ready.
- All galleries are delivered within 2 weeks of your session.
- If your session does not include all images you will receive images to choose from. These will not be fully re-touched. Once you have chosen your images or decided to upgrade your package your choices will be fully re-touched. Please keep in mind the 2 week delivery timeline for re-touched images starts over after you have chosen.
What You’ll Receive
- Online gallery of fully-retouched images in black and white and color for easy viewing, sharing and downloading
- The option to purchase prints and products
Why Print Through Me?
I have chosen print labs to provide you the best possible image colors and quality of prints and products. Prints, elsewhere, cannot be guaranteed to be accurately colored and of high quality.
Saving your Images
Galleries will be available for download for 1 month after you have received your final gallery. You will receive 1, complimentary request to enable your gallery again after it has expired.
Remember to back up your digital files in at least two places to keep them safe for years to come. I only guarantee backup files for 1 year.
FAQ: Birmingham Mini Sessions
Got questions about mini sessions? Here are answers to the most common ones:
How long does a mini session last?
Mini sessions typically run 20-30 minutes. This quick format is perfect for families with young kids who might not last through longer photo shoots or for families who just want to update select images.
What’s the difference between a mini session and full session?
Mini sessions are shorter (20-30 minutes vs. 1-2 hours), have fewer final images (10-15 vs. 30+), and cost less than full sessions. They happen on set dates at one location, while full sessions offer more flexibility.
Full sessions with me are, also, able to borrow wardrobe and receive exclusive planning assistance so you can focus on everything else you have to do.
How many photos will I receive?
My smallest package includes 10 images. However, you may upgrade to include your entire gallery, which is usually around 20 images.
What happens if it rains or it looks like rain will be in the forecast?
Don’t worry! I keep a close eye on the weather and will get in touch a couple days before your session if it looks to be a concern. I generally don’t cancel until the day of, however. If that happens, I’ll either:
- Reschedule (please keep in mind reschedules will only be offered on select dates.) I am unable to provide each mini session client with their chosen date.
- Move to a covered location nearby
- Reschedule to another mini session date
What happens if we need to cancel?
Retainer fees are non-refundable, however, if you meet the contract terms (a family member is sick or you have a true emergency) for canceling your retainer can be applied to a full, weekday session on a future date. If another mini session date becomes available you may choose that spot, as well.
Can we bring pets to our mini session?
Yes, unless the location doesn’t allow them! Just keep in mind you’re adding an extra level of energy.
I do suggest bringing a handler for when the pet(s) are not in the photos.
Do you offer mini sessions year-round?
I schedule mini sessions during spring and fall. They are released, first, to returning clients who booked in the past year. Then they are released to email subscribers. Sign up Here!
Are props provided?
I do not provide props for mini sessions other than a quilt or small blanket if the location allows. If you would like to bring your own props please feel free. Some locations, like the Botanical Gardens, do not allow props, however, so it’s best to ask ahead of time.
Book Your Birmingham Mini Session Today
Mini sessions with me are perfect for busy Birmingham families who want beautiful photos without a big time commitment. My clients love how I keep sessions fun and stress-free while capturing real smiles and genuine moments.
I focus on:
- Creating a relaxed atmosphere where kids can be themselves
- Guiding you with simple poses that look natural….not stiff
- Catching those split-second family connections
“Laura made our family feel so comfortable. Our 3-year-old usually hates photos but she was laughing the whole time!” – Jessica M.
Booking is simple:
- Check out my latest Birmingham Alabama Mini Sessions schedule.
- Select from available mini session dates
- Pay a small deposit to secure your spot
Milestone sessions are offered in Studio and Monday evenings for clients who are celebrating milestones with a baby 1 year old or under. Please inquire here for those.
Mini session spots fill quickly, often months in advance. Spring and fall dates book fastest, so don’t wait to claim yours.Contact me today! to reserve your Birmingham mini session and give your family memories you’ll treasure for years.
Along with seasonal and studio mini sessions, I offer 2 options for larger sessions in studio, in clients homes and outdoors.