Your Fall Mini Session Prep Guide: Get Ready for Fun & Beautiful Photos
Fall Mini Sessions are such a fun way to capture your family during one of the most beautiful times of the year. Whether you’ve already booked or are thinking about it, this guide will help you feel prepared and excited. I’m all about making sure your session is easy, relaxed, and full of genuine moments—so let’s dive into a few tips to get the most out of your time in front of the camera.
Why Timing Matters for Fall Mini Sessions
Mini sessions are short, usually 15–30 minutes, so arriving on time (or even a little early) is key. Arriving a few minutes ahead of your scheduled time lets you settle in, get the kids comfortable, and gives us a chance to chat before we start shooting.
If you’re late, we’ll have less time to capture those natural moments. So give yourself a little extra time to get to the location and get everyone ready—it’ll make a big difference in how relaxed and fun the session feels!
What to Wear: Outfit Ideas for Fall Photos
Deciding what to wear can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. I always recommend keeping it simple with neutral or earthy tones—warm browns, creams, deep greens, and rust are perfect for fall. Layering with cozy scarves, jackets, or cardigans can also add great texture without overwhelming the shot.
Busy patterns can sometimes distract from the focus of the photo, so try to steer clear of those. If you need more ideas, check out my styling guide here for inspiration!
And don’t forget—before the session, lay out everyone’s outfits together to make sure they work well as a group. You don’t need to match, but it’s great when everyone looks like they belong in the same photo!
Including Your Furry Friend in the Session
Pets are part of the family, and I love when you bring them along for the session! Your dog can add a playful energy and help everyone feel more comfortable. Here are a few tips to make sure we capture those adorable moments with your pup:
Bring their favorite toy or some treats to help keep their attention.
Make sure someone is available to hold the leash when we want some family-only shots.
Let me know ahead of time if your furry friend will be joining so I can plan for it!
Dogs often bring out the best in everyone, especially the kids, so I’m all for including your pet in the fun.
Keeping Things Relaxed, Especially for Shy Kids
Not every kid loves the camera, and that’s totally fine! With 16 years of experience as a nanny, I’ve spent a lot of time with kiddos of all personalities—whether they’re full of energy or a little camera-shy. My goal is to make the session as easygoing and fun as possible for everyone.
For the energetic ones, we’ll run around, play games, and laugh together. For the more reserved kids, I’ll take things at their pace, focusing on capturing those sweet, quiet moments like snuggles or simply letting them warm up with a favorite toy. I know how to read the room and adjust to the mood of the kids, so I’m always ready to follow their lead.
And remember, it’s totally normal if things don’t go exactly as planned—sometimes the spontaneous, unexpected moments are the ones that make for the best memories.
Seattle Weather: What Happens if it Rains?
Seattle weather can be unpredictable, especially in the fall. A little mist or overcast skies can actually work beautifully for photos, but if it’s pouring, we might need to make a call. If the weather looks like it won’t cooperate, I’ll be in touch to talk about rescheduling. My main goal is to make sure you have an enjoyable, relaxed session—rain or shine.
Ready to Book Your Fall Mini Session?
Whether you’ve already booked or are still deciding, my goal is to capture your family exactly as you are—real moments, laughs, and all. So, don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned! If your dog’s being silly, the kids get a little messy, or the wind blows your hair around—that’s all part of the fun and what makes the photos truly memorable.
I can’t wait to capture some beautiful fall memories with you.
