A little PREPARATION goes a long way
I’m so excited to photograph your family!
Mini sessions are designed to be short, relaxed and full of connection. Because our time together moves quickly, a little preparation beforehand helps us make the absolute most of every minute.
This guide covers everything you need to know before your session, from arriving on time to choosing outfits and preparing your family.
YOUR SESSION TIME
Please arrive early & be ready to photograph at your scheduled time.
This is one of the most important things to know about your mini session.
Mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back, which means your reserved time is the time we begin photographing—not your arrival time.
I recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early so you have plenty of time to park, gather everyone, make any last-minute adjustments and get little ones settled before we begin.
At your scheduled start time, your family should be completely ready to step in front of the camera.
Because another family may be scheduled immediately after yours, late arrivals cannot extend beyond their reserved session time. Arriving late may result in a shorter session and fewer final images.
CHASING THE LIGHT
Most outdoor mini sessions are intentionally scheduled around golden hour and sunset when the light is soft, warm and beautiful.
That gorgeous light doesn't wait for us.
As the sun gets lower, the look of the location can change very quickly. Your exact session time has been selected with the available light in mind, which makes arriving on time especially important.
Trust your scheduled time, even if it feels a little later in the evening than you expected. I’m planning around the light!
LOCATION DETAILS
Your exact session location and any important arrival or parking instructions will be emailed to you before your session.
Please take a moment to review those details before session day and map out your drive ahead of time.
Give yourself extra time for traffic, parking, getting children out of the car, and walking to our meeting spot. If you arrive early, perfect! Use those few extra minutes to relax, check everyone's outfits, wipe little faces and let the kids get comfortable.
WHAT TO WEAR
Coordinate, don't perfectly match.
Think of your family's outfits as one complete collection. Choose colors and textures that complement one another rather than putting everyone in the exact same color.
Soft neutrals, warm earth tones, muted colors, denim, creams, browns, soft blues, greens and subtle patterns tend to photograph beautifully outdoors.
Try to avoid large logos, neon colors, distracting graphics, and too many competing patterns.
Start with one outfit.
If you're overwhelmed, choose Mom's outfit or one favorite piece first and build everyone else's wardrobe around it.
Mixing textures, knits, linen, denim, cotton, layers, dresses, jackets can add beautiful dimension without making your outfits feel busy.
Most importantly, choose clothing that feels like you.
PREPARING THE KIDS
You don't need to spend the drive to your session telling your children they have to smile or be on their best behavior. Really. 😉 Some of my favorite images happen when kids are simply being themselves.
Let them know you're going somewhere fun to take pictures together. Keep things light and positive and let me take it from there. During your session, I may have you walk, cuddle, play, tickle, race, dance, or interact together. The goal isn't perfection, it's connection.
If your child needs a moment, that's okay. We'll work with them rather than against them.
A FEW TIPS FOR LITTLE ONES
Make sure children have eaten before arriving and when possible, plan naps/rest around the session.
Bring water and a small, non-messy snack if needed. Avoid anything that can stain mouths, faces, or clothing right before photos.
If your child has a favorite tiny toy or comfort item, you're welcome to bring it along. Sometimes it can be the perfect reset between photographs.
And please don't worry if your child isn't interested in smiling on command. That's completely normal!
DURING YOUR MINI
Mini sessions move quickly, but they don't have to feel rushed. I'll guide you through the entire experience, including where to stand, what to do with your hands, where to look and how to interact with one another.
We'll typically begin with the photographs we absolutely want to capture and then move into more natural interactions as time allows.
Because minis have a limited timeframe, extended family combinations, multiple outfit changes, or elaborate setups are generally better suited for a full session.
Your only job is to show up, love on your people and trust me to take care of the rest.
THE LITTLE DETAILS
Before you leave home, give everyone one final check.
Empty bulky items from pockets, remove hair ties from wrists, clean glasses, wipe little faces and noses and make sure shoes coordinate with your outfits. Phones, keys, wallets and anything else you don't want photographed can stay tucked away during your session.
These tiny details make a big difference in your final photographs.
WEATHER
Texas weather likes to keep us guessing!
Please don't worry if the forecast changes throughout the week. I will keep an eye on the weather as your session approaches and will reach out if conditions require us to make any changes.
Unless you hear otherwise from me, plan for your session to continue as scheduled.
ONE LAST THING...
Don't put pressure on your family to be perfect.
Your kids don't have to smile in every photograph. Everyone doesn't have to look at the camera at the same time. And your session doesn't need to feel perfectly controlled to create beautiful images. Come ready to play, cuddle, laugh and be together.
I'll take care of the rest.
I can't wait to photograph your family!
Ro Luxe Portraits