How to Prepare for Mini Sessions

family, Informational

March 27, 2025

Yes, You Can Get Gorgeous, Varied Photos in Just 10 Minutes

If you’re wondering how in the world you’re supposed to get a gallery of meaningful family photos in just 10 minutes, you’re not alone. It sounds fast because it is—but with a little prep and the right photographer, mini sessions can be magic.

At Sarah Schmidt Photography, mini sessions are quick, connection-focused experiences designed with busy families in mind. They’re perfect for updating your family photos without the full commitment of a longer session.

Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you make the most of your mini:

1. Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time

Mini sessions move quickly, so you won’t want to be adjusting shirts or fixing straps on the fly. Stick with something that’s comfortable and helps you feel confident. I recommend coordinating (not matching) your colors and avoiding super bold patterns that might distract from your faces and connections.

Bonus Tip: Try your outfits on a few days before your session—yes, even the kids! You’ll avoid any last-minute surprises.

2. Arrive Early (Like, 10–15 Minutes Early)

Give yourself extra time to park, walk over, and do any last-minute fixes or bathroom runs. Showing up rushed adds unnecessary stress and cuts into your already short window.

My mini sessions run on a tight schedule with back-to-back bookings, so arriving late means you’ll have less time—and we want every second to count.

3. Prep the Kids (and Yourself!)

Talk to your kids ahead of time about what to expect. Let them know it’ll be short and fun, and that they just need to be themselves. You can even show them a photo of me and tell them I’m a friend with a camera who wants to play a few quick games.

And for you? Take a deep breath. If someone melts down or refuses to smile, that’s okay. My superpower is capturing connection—even through chaos.

4. Trust the Process: 10 Minutes is Enough!

It may not seem like much time, but with my intentional posing flow and focus on candid connection, it’s more than enough to capture a variety of images.

Below I’m sharing just a few favorites from two different Manassas National Battlefield Park Minis sessions —both just 10 minutes long. In each, I was able to deliver a full gallery that included:

Classic family portraits
Sweet sibling moments
Parent-child interactions
And even a few giggles and snuggles in between

You’d never guess how short the sessions were by the range of photos.

5. Don’t Stress the “Perfect” Shot

The best moments often come when you aren’t trying too hard. A spontaneous laugh, a shared glance, a little hand in yours—those are the images you’ll treasure most. Let the session unfold naturally, and trust Sarah to guide you through.

Mini sessions are short and sweet, but they don’t have to feel rushed or stressful. With a bit of prep and the right mindset, you’ll walk away with a gallery full of joy, connection, and genuine moments.

Want to book a mini session? Be sure to join my email list to stay informed when dates are announced!