How to Prepare for Your Fall Mini Session (A Parent's Checklist)
Thirty minutes goes fast, especially with little ones. A little prep the week before turns a rushed session into a relaxed one, and relaxed families make the best photos.
Here's exactly how to get ready, from the week before to the moment you pull into my driveway in Lemont.
The week before
Settle the outfits. My Outfit Guide Post walks you through it. Have everyone try their outfit on, shoes included.
Book haircuts about a week out. Hair looks natural instead of freshly cut.
Tell me who's coming. Names, kids' ages, grandparents, the family dog. The more I know, the better I can plan your groupings and your time.
Think about where these photos will go. A holiday card? A big print over the couch? A gift for the grandparents? If you're picturing something specific, tell me so I can shoot for it.
Talk it up with the kids. Call it an adventure: a backyard full of leaves, a cozy studio, and a treat afterward. Kids who know what's coming walk in curious instead of nervous.
The day before
Check the forecast. Your session uses both my yard and my indoor studio, so dress for both. If it's chilly, bring jackets to slip off between shots. If it's wet, we simply spend more time inside.
Lay everything out. Steam the wrinkles, find the matching socks and pack your bag tonight, not on the way out the door.
Plan around naps and meals. If your session lands near nap time, a short car nap on the way or an early lunch can make all the difference.
What to pack
Snacks that won't stain (skip the cheese puffs, chocolate and red juice)
Water bottles
Wipes and a lint roller
A hairbrush, hair ties, bows or hats
A small favorite toy for the little ones
An extra layer for everyone
A spare outfit for the kids, just in case of spills
A small treat for after the session
The day of
Feed everyone before you come. Happy tummies make real smiles.
Bathroom break before you leave. Thirty minutes is short, but not that short for a three-year-old.
Arrive about 5 minutes early. You'll have time to settle in, fix hair and take a breath, and we'll start right on time.
Leave the stress in the car. Kids pick up on our energy. If you're relaxed, they will be too.
Prepping the kids (and the partner who "hates pictures")
Skip "say cheese." Forced smiles look forced. I'll get real ones with games, tickles and a little silliness.
Promise the treat for after, not during. It keeps everyone motivated without sticky fingers in your photos.
Let them be kids. Running through the leaves, wiggling, giggling: some of my favorite frames come from exactly that.
For the reluctant one: almost every family tells me someone in the group "isn't photogenic." I don't believe it. You don't need to know how to pose. That's my job.
What happens when you arrive
We'll say hello, go over the quick plan, and get started. We'll move between the backyard and the indoor studio at your family's pace, mixing classic family portraits with relaxed, natural moments: walking together, snuggles, kids on their own and a few of just the two of you.
If someone melts down, that's completely normal. We pause, regroup and keep going. Some of the sweetest photos come right after a little reset.
After your session
Keep an eye on @danamagnusphoto for a sneak peek. Then your gallery arrives, ready for you to pick your favorites, plus a few ideas from me for holiday cards, wall prints and albums. These photos deserve more than a spot in your camera roll.
Your quick checklist
Outfits tried on and laid out
Haircuts done about a week before
Told Dana who's coming and what the photos are for
Bag packed the night before
Everyone fed before you leave
Arrive about 5 minutes early
Haven't booked yet?
Fall Mini Sessions at my home studio and yard in Lemont are $125 for 30 minutes or $225 for 60 minutes, each with 5 digital images of your choice. Indoor and outdoor photos in one stop, for families across Lemont, Homer Glen, Lockport and Naperville. [See dates and book your spot](Landing page link), or email dana@danamagnus.com.