Philadelphia Mini Sessions – How to Prep for an Amazing Photoshoot

August 16, 2026

Philadelphia Mini Session season is here! Time to gather up your loved ones, pick some cool outfits, and get ready to love on one another -all while getting some beautiful photography at a great price.

Family of four walking down the towpath while holding hands in Manayunk, Philadelphia.
A family of four and their dog, smiling in front of a mural during a fall mini session in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.
A mom and dad hold their young daughter up during golden hour.
A family of six stand on a stone bridge with colorful fall leaves behind them.

What is a Mini Session?

If you’ve never done (or heard of) a mini session, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a miniature version of a normal full lifestyle photography session. They are quick moving sessions scheduled back to back, at one central location. These sessions usually last from 10-20 minutes in length, with a much smaller delivery of images and prints – usually 3-20 depending on the type of session and package.

If you’ve never had professional photos taken, mini sessions are an easy, inexpensive, and fun way to try it out. It’s also a great way to explore a new photographer, quickly update a few wall prints in your home, or get a few new family shots for the holiday card.

A young boy with a wide smile holds his parent's hands close to his face.

And mini sessions aren’t just for families. They are great for couples, maternity, headshots, quick senior photos, pets, anyone!

I personally offer mini sessions in Philly and the surrounding areas twice a year – in the spring and fall – and release the dates and locations a few months in advance. I offer early access to my mailing list a week or two before the dates go live to the public on Instagram and Facebook.

Ok, so you’re convinced you want to try it out but aren’t quite sure what to expect? Keep reading for some helpful advice on how to prepare for a mini session.

Tips for a successful Philadelphia mini session

A mom and dad hold hands while dad holds a toddler daughter and they walk down the street in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A MINI SESSION IN PHILLY

Styling your session doesn’t have to be stressful. The most important thing to remember is to keep it authentic to your true style – bohemian, laid-back, preppy, trendy, edgy – and then take it up a notch.

“But what if we don’t have a ‘style’?” Don’t worry! We aren’t all fashionistas. Just keep it real. Don’t try to be something you’re not for your mini session. Stick with your normal look and follow these helpful tips on how to make it work.

A good rule of thumb is to coordinate but don’t match. Choose one person’s outfit first (usually the person planning the session) and then style everyone around that outfit. Pick a 2-3 color palette with neutrals that flow throughout the outfits and mix patterns, textures and fabrics. Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration on what to wear for a mini session. 

A family of found hold hands while walking their dog in a path of pink flower petals.
A brother sits on his sisters back while they laugh in a pile of fall leaves.
A family of four laugh at one another during a Philadelphia min session by the Wissahickon Creek.
A family dressed in neutrals and blues, look at each other while they walk in a field in the fall in Philadelphia.

Extra tips on what to wear:

  • Comfort is key! Dress in something you feel comfortable and confident in. It will show in the photos.

  • Dress for the weather. Do not make kids wear sweaters when it’s 80 degrees or dresses when it’s 30 degrees. We want everyone as happy and comfortable as possible. And trust me, they will let you know.

  • Layering is great for visual interest (scarfs, vests, light jackets, etc.)

  • Accessorize! Hats, suspenders, tights, jackets, and fun jewelry look great in photos.

  • Make sure your clothes fit properly and don’t bunch oddly or ride up when you are crouching, sitting, etc. Make sure clothes are not too baggy or falling off shoulders or waists and that undergarments are not showing. (Unless that’s the look you’re going for.)

  • Avoid large logos, thin stripes and animated characters on clothes.

  • Check clothes and sweaters for holes, pilling, stains, etc. Bring a lint brush, especially if you’re wearing dark colors.

  • Avoid neon colors that may leave a color cast on faces and skin.

  • Shoes! Make sure they are clean, scuff-free and comfortable. Avoid flip flops and gym/running shoes.

  • Dress kids in clothes that you don’t mind if they get dirty. There is a lot of running, playing, sitting, etc. during a mini session and we want the kids to have a great time!
A mom chases her young son in a field during golden hour.
A family of four walk down a street in Philadelphia during their mini session photoshoot.
A young girl holds her parent hands while walking through a field during golden hour.
A family of four smile at one another with cherry blossom trees blooming behind them in Manayunk.
A family of four hug in front of a mural in Jenkintown, Pa.

GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP AND FILL YOUR BELLIES

Easier said than done these days, I know, but getting a couple of decent nights of sleep leading up to the session will do wonders – especially for the kids. Also, make sure kids (and Dads) aren’t hungry as they arrive. Snacks are always welcome! 

A mom and dad laugh as their two kids run toward them in a field.

ARRIVE EARLY TO YOUR PHILADELPHIA MINI SESSION

Please plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early to your session to give yourself and your family plenty of time to settle in, walk to the meeting area and deal with any last-minute issues that may arise. Mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back and any amount of time that you are late will directly impact the length of your session. Please note that due to the nature of mini sessions, time cannot be made up and refunds will not be given for late arrivals. We all know Philly has a ton of traffic. A good idea is to familiarize yourself with the location in your GPS to know the general travel time, and parking situation, the day before your mini session.

Four sisters make silly duck faces during golden hour in Manayunk, Philadelphia.

COME PREPARED

Feel free to bring snacks and water for kids or a favorite toy that you wouldn’t mind ending up in the photos. Mini sessions happen so quickly that it may take a little one a few minutes to warm up to a new face with a camera, and sometimes a favorite comfort item may help. Also, we don’t discourage bribery for the kids. Maybe bring something special for them to have afterwards if they cooperate (a lollipop?) but don’t let them know what it is until they are done. 

A family of four smile in a field of zinnias during golden hour at a family mini session photoshoot.
A dad holds his daughter up in the air in front of a mural in Manayunk, Philadelphia.
A young girl laughs during a Philadelphia mini session.
Two young brothers hug while laughing.

BRING A BLANKET OR A PROP

We will likely do some sitting during our session, so if you have a blanket that you think would work well (neutrals or patchwork often look great in photos), please feel free to bring it. Also, a special prop (maternity, anniversary, milestone) that you may want to incorporate is always welcome. 

Two young girls blow bubbles in front of a mural in Manayunk, Philadelphia during golden hour.
A pregnant woman holding a carry blossom in front of her belly.
Three siblings laugh while sitting on a blanket in the grass during a Philadelphia mini session.

DON’T STRESS + HAVE FUN

Don’t think of it as a photoshoot. Think of it as a few minutes of uninterrupted time with your family or loved one, hugging, kissing, snuggling, laughing, running, twirling…no work, phones or email. Just a few, sweet moments together. Relaxed families = beautiful photos.

We start right away with a few posed family shots, but quickly work our way to very easy-going family interactions with lots of candids, laughter and fun. No need for the kids to smile and look at the camera for every shot. Our goal is the capture the essence and love in your interactions. That’s what these Philly mini sessions are all about!

A family of four snuggle and laugh on a stone step at Curtis Arboretum in Cheltenham, Pa.

SOME EXTRA TIPS FOR YOUR PHILADELPHIA MINI SESSION

STAY CLOSE TOGETHER

Hold hands, snuggle, hug, put a hand on a shoulder. Make as much contact as you can with your family. This will help show the love and connection you have for one another.

A mom hugs her two adult sons as they laugh during their family photoshoot.
A family laughs and acts silly in front of golden trees in the fall.
A young girl laughs and jumps on her dad's back in a field.
A family of four laugh while standing on the tow path in Manayunk, Philadelphia.

DON’T LOOK AT THE CAMERA

We will get those shots in the beginning or I will ask you to look when needed. But look at each other, or look into the distance…these candid shots feel more natural and are usually the family favorites.

A family of four acting silly in front of a colorful mural that says "Philadelphia."
A family hugging during golden hour in front of gold trees.
Two dads and their daughter hug and laugh in a field of tall grass in the fall.
A couple of hands-on men sit on a stone stoop in Philadelphia while smiling at each other lovingly.
A man hugs his pregnant wife from being while standing in front of a colorful mural in Manayunk, Philadelphia.
A young girl kisses her mom's cheek during a fun family mini session in Philly.

LET YOUR KIDS RUN WILD

It’s ok. They’re kids. Once we get a few posed images, let them be themselves. Try to avoid telling them to say “cheese” or make them try to stand still. Instead, tell them a funny joke, or anything you know that will make them giggle. Play with them, be silly, snuggle, throw them in the air, chase them around…just play with them as you would normally do and let me capture these moments.

Dads, it will be over before you know it. And Moms, don’t worry, you look beautiful! And no matter how bad you think your kids behaved, I’ve seen way worse in my own home. They did a great job!

A young buy laughs while running through a field of flowers during a family photoshoot at Awbury Arboretum in Philadelphia.
A family laughs and snuggles in a pile of leaves during their Philadelphia fall mini session.
A young boy laughs while his parents holds him upside-down.
Sisters lay in a pile of fall leaves and smile at each other.

Remember that sometimes, kids do better for the camera when parents and caregivers aren’t looking. It’s ok to walk away for a minute to let me have a moment with them. That’s when I usually get the best shots.

A young boy holds his toddler sister as she makes a silly face during their family mini session at Curtis Arboretum.
A young girl puts sunglasses on her face and smiles.
A brother and sister smile during a family mini session.

AFTER YOUR PHILADELPHIA MINI SESSION

After your session, I carefully choose all the best moments captured and edit each image for lighting, tones and color correction. Your files are immediately backed up and saved. As I edit, with your permission, I may post a few images on Instagram as a sneak peek. Please follow me on Instagram if you would like to be tagged in these posts. 

All final edited images (20+) will be provided in a password protected gallery 2-3 weeks after your session. Your Philadelphia mini session comes with 8 final images to download. You will receive instructions on choosing your images upon gallery delivery. 

Once you choose your images, you will be able to download the files to share and print. Additional digital files are available for purchase individually or by upgrading to the entire gallery. Professional print packages are also available for purchase through the gallery.

A family laughs while having fun during their Philadelphia Mini session.

Think you may be interested in booking a Philadelphia mini session this year? Great! I can’t wait to work with you! Just shoot me a message to get more info on all the upcoming dates and locations.

A mom, dad and toddler daughter smile during a Philadelphia fall mini session photoshoot.

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