Mini Sessions: a masterclass with Heather,
your favorite Cedar Falls family photographer.
Mini sessions are offered throughout the year, usually around the holidays or around a time where something special is happening in the Cedar Valley (like sunflowers or bluebells are coming in!)
I love doing them because sometimes I have clients who only want a few images to update their picture frames at home, or it's Christmas card season and we want something new to send to our families.
Now, why am I yapping on and on about mini sessions? Because I can't tell you how many people reach out to me after mini sessions are all done, and tell me they wanted to book but didn't know what to wear. Or, they'll say they were nervous about how they would look, how their kids would do in such a short session, or if they would even get any decent images in 15 minutes.
I know! It's a lot to think about if you have never hired a photographer for a mini session. So, here are some FAQs on mini sessions. And, as always, never be afraid to reach out to your photographer if you have questions. They (myself included obvi!) would be more than happy to help.
FAQ
Where do mini-sessions take place?
As a photographer near Cedar Falls, Iowa, Most of my clients want to stay around Cedar Falls, Hudson, or Waterloo. Because of the nature of quick sessions, I do not travel too far away. In the future, if there is a ton of interest in mini sessions in another location in the Midwest, like in Minneapolis, Chicago, Omaha, or another spot in Iowa, I may consider hosting mini sessions throughout a day in another location. For now, I am going to stay in the Cedar Valley! Usually in Hudson, Cedar Falls, or Waterloo.
What is the difference between mini sessions and regular sessions?
Mini sessions are really quick, usually around 15 or 20 minutes and I schedule several clients for back-to-back sessions over the course of a couple of hours. With mini sessions, you receive a smaller number of images with an option to upgrade your gallery if you wish (no pressure to do so, though!)
With a regular session, you have about 45-60 minutes which allows us time to go to two locations if you prefer, and you will receive a larger gallery. Regular sessions can include more people as well. Mini sessions are for immediate family members as we do not have the time to capture extended family.
Why book a mini session?
Mini sessions are great for a quick update of your family portraits. If it's time to send out Christmas cards, party invitations, or if a birthday or special moment is arriving, this gives you a cool opportunity to get a few updated images of your family.
What types of mini sessions do you offer?
So far, I have only offered family mini sessions in the fall and near Christmas time. In 2025, I plan on offering mini sessions focused on not only families, but around senior portraits, brand photography minis, and other fun moments in life like back-to-school, Valentine's Day, Summer fun, etc.
What do I wear?
This is THE most commonly asked question in my experience. My answer will always be: wear what you feel confident and comfortable in. You do NOT have to wear a dress. You do NOT have to wear flannel in the fall. You don't have to match with your entire family. You don't have to all wear jeans. You don't all have to wear neutral colors! If you need help coordinating outfits for your session, I would be happy to offer some advice.
Can you help me with planning my outfit?
YEP! Just like I explained in, "What do I wear?" I would be happy to help you plan your outfit! I love putting together items to help everyone express their individuality, while also helping you pick something you love and will fit together with the rest of your family.
What if my kids are acting crazy during our mini session?
Do not worry about this at all! I find that clients always expect the perfect family portrait. My style is more relaxed than that. If we get the "perfect" family portrait, great! I would rather document exactly the season you're currently in. Genuine smiles, laughs, and even a tear or two. You would not be my first family to have a toddler fall down and cry over a scraped knee. You know what comes from that scraped knee, though? A beautiful moment of family members helping comfort and "fix" the booboo! (This is why I try to carry bandaids with me as well.)
What if I am late to my mini session?
This question is where I have to stand firm so that the rest of my clients still receive the best from their scheduled sessions, but at the same time, I get it. Things happen. Spills occur when we are walking out the door. Babies poop on the ride to your session. Dogs vomit on themselves in the car and we need to take a few minutes to clean up. It happens.
I tell everyone the same thing: If you are late, I will try my best to work with you. Sometimes my next client is also running late and we can fit in a few more minutes. Sometimes, I have another two hours of mini sessions and I am not able to fit in extra minutes at all. I will do my best to either fit in more time at the end of my scheduled mini sessions if I can (sometimes, the light will be gone by then and we need to stop.) But, I cannot guarantee you will receive a full 15 minute mini session. I will, however, do my best to capture as much as I can during the time you are there, within your session time. I always recommend, for this reason, that you arrive 5-10 minutes early, so that we are ready to go as soon as your session time begins. I would rather you stare at me while I finish up the session before you, than have you worried we won't be able to capture anything.
What if it's raining or snowing during mini sessions?
This all depends on several circumstances. I will be watching the weather like a feral bird the week prior to mini sessions. If the weather is going to be really bad, I will reschedule. If you aren't able to attend to reschedule date, I will refund you.
If it's a little bit of snow, we will likely. be able to still have mini sessions. Snow adds magic after all. We will just need to plan to dress a little warmer! If it's just a little sprinkle of rain, I will evaluate and let you know as soon as possible the plan for rescheduling.
Do you host mini sessions outside of the Cedar Valley, Iowa?
Right now, no. If I have enough interest outside of the Cedar Valley, I will reevaluate this and offer mini sessions in another location. Because mini sessions are so short, and they're usually over the span of just a couple of hours, I stay close to home.
Hope this helps!
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