Setting up a mini session in my backyard {and what I’ll do different next time}

I had never heard of a Mini Session until a couple years ago. You think they talk about these little abbreviated photoshoots in photo school? No. No they don’t. I did a LOT of research about them. How to set them up, how long to make them, what to include. I even took photos of my own baby to see if I could get some decent images in a short amount of time. 

The consensus: I can do this. 

So I gathered up some Easter goodies that I had in my own decoration stash, came up with a little set-up in my own backyard and put an ad for Easter Mini Sessions out there to the local Mom groups on Facebook to see if I would get any bites. And I did!

So on the first day of Spring, I welcomed a handful of families to my yard to take, what I assumed, was the photo in place of the mall Easter Bunny that year. 

Still being Covid season, I Lysoled the set-up between each shoot, had hand sani at the ready and even sprayed some Lysol on the mini water bottles and fruit snacks I had to offer.

I offered 10 minute session times, with a 10 minute buffer in between. Although one group of 2 little boys was rambunctious, Mom and me were able to wrangle them enough to take a couple nice photos that she admittedly had a hard time choosing from once the images were delivered. 

What I would do different:

All in all, I am happy with the results and the feedback I got from Mom! Several moms told me it was so hard to choose their 3 images and considered buying more!

My backyard has pretty harsh sunlight and minimal shadows during the day. I began the sessions earlier in the afternoon not taking into account daylight savings time. Rookie move. With some strategic placement and some post production, I was able to reduce some of the shadows casts on the set-up. Next year, I will start the sessions at 4pm as opposed to 3pm, especially if I host it at home. 

I will also create a different set-up next year. This set-up was fine, and lots of families loved it and thought it was so cute. What I would like to change would be to add a larger blanket so the edges don’t show in the image, and also consider a backdrop. Not a sheet or a different background, but something to fill behind the kids more. Pinterest - here I come!

I’m really glad I put myself out there and hosted these mini sessions. I got to meet some local families and provide them with an alternative to Easter Bunny photos that they may not have felt safe going to get during Covid (if they are even being offered). I will definitely host them again and look forward to my next mini session (hint: mommy + me)!