Mini Shoots
Photographs of your Little Ones / Family Sessions
$350 includes 25 minute session Minimum of 30 High Res Files Family / Extra children no charge
$550 includes 50 minute session Minimum of 60 High Res Files Family / Extra children no charge
I started doing mini shoot sessions about 20 years ago when I moved from the Bay Area to the foothills because I found it was the only way I could see all my clients and make use of the round trip car ride. They work like this: I select a date and specific location (for example Golden Gate park by the conservatory on April 4th) I will post the date online and families sign up in half hour increments. Unlike a normal photoshoot that may have time flexibility or multiple locations, the mini shoots are fixed and constrained. I select locations that have easy parking, bathrooms and shade. Because of the quick paced shoot schedule your 30 minutes slots are firm.
Reminders: Please arrive early for parking and to have your little ones ready to go and acclimated to the surroundings. I send confirmed time slots with a map and exact meeting spot before the shoot. If you are late and I have a slot booked after you, it will cut into YOUR shoot time. I’ve picked locations that have good variety in a small space, so it should be easy to get what we need in 20-30 minutes.
Clothing: Something that your child can move around in and is comfortable wearing is always good. Simple patterns, solid colors, and interesting textures are all great. AVOID any kind of logo or text. If you’d like a couple looks, maybe have him / her wear a sweater or top layer that can easily be removed...most likely we won’t have time for a full outfit change unless you do a full session.
Payments: Venmo Pay Pal Check or Cash. I am now requiring a deposit that is non-refundable if you cancel less than two weeks prior to the shoot.
Turn around times: 1-2 weeks
To set up your time slot: BOOK ONLINE
Choosing a Package
Some of you may not be sure what options will work best for your family so i’m going to write out some pros and cons of the mini session vs. full session.
Mini Session: 30 minutes is definitely enough time for a single child or pair of siblings or families who have worked with me over the years and know the drill. This is for those of you who really just want that key shot of the whole family together and maybe one or two singles of the children. 30 minutes can feel rushed if you want lots of variety, have more than two kids, or have a child that is slow to warm up.
Full Session: I would normally recommend this for those of you who have more than two children, and those who want a full family session. An hour gives a bit of room to coax kids out of their shy zones and allows for some creative more candid shots and to explore the location a bit I would suggest doing this option if you use the mini shoots as part of your yearly personal record and heirlooms.
As many of you mini-shoot veterans know, children are not always the most cooperative. Sometimes they get shy in the beginning and sometimes they burn out by the end, and in my experience patience and perseverance usually win out. And BELIEVE me when I say that you are not alone when the little ones don’t cooperate or seemingly cry in every photo. And I know how hard it can be to arrange the outfits and get the whole family on board, but the more I do this every year the more it means to me. I LOVE seeing you all and I know we all end up laughing hysterically at the end of it, and it really brings me such joy when i’m looking through the past 20 or so years that i’ve been doing this and seeing how much everyone has grown and changed. It’s really remarkable and Im thankful to be, in some small way, a family ritual.