Use our platform to book your first mini sessions
By Crystal Wilde
Mommy & Me mini sessions are a beautiful way to celebrate the unique bond between mothers and their children. These sessions not only create cherished memories but also offer a fantastic opportunity for photographers to attract new clients and reconnect with those they haven’t seen for a while. To help you capture the magic of motherly love, we’ve gathered tips and insights from two of our professional photographers, Jenn Chenn of Jenn Chenn Photography and Amanda Kossina of Kossina Creative. Let's dive into their expert advice for Mommy & Me minis.
When it comes to pricing, Jenn and Amanda have different approaches that cater to their unique client bases. Jenn’s mini sessions, which are on the longer side to accommodate families with toddlers, are priced at $450 for 30 minutes. She offers add-ons like access to her client closet for $50 and the option to purchase additional images for $25 each or the full gallery for $200.
Amanda, on the other hand, charges a session fee of $199, which includes one digital image. Each additional image is priced at $129, providing a flexible pricing model that appeals to a broad range of clients.
If you’re not sure what to charge for your sessions, look at what other photographers in your area are doing and then factor in your location plans and experience.
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Images by: Jenn Chenn Photography
Creating natural-looking heartfelt moments is key in Mommy & Me sessions. Jenn sends out a guide to all her clients with detailed information about posing before the appointment, so even those who have never been to a professional shoot before have an idea of what to expect. She likes to guide her moms into a light pose and then focus on movement and interaction. The main advice she gives to moms is to try to stay present and concentrate on connecting with their child. “I tell them to stay in the moment and not to point to the camera to get the baby to look. That’s my job!" she laughs.
Amanda likes to encourage playful interactions to bring out natural smiles. She incorporates fun and games into her shoots, such as having the mom spin with the child or letting them throw a ball towards the camera. "These activities not only make the session fun but also help in capturing spontaneous and joyful moments," says Amanda.
Image by: Kossina Creative
As props can add a personal touch to Mommy & Me sessions, Jenn suggests allowing families to bring something from home. "If they have a special stuffed animal or blanket their kiddo enjoys, I encourage them to bring it,” she says.
When working in the studio, Amanda uses a bed “so the kids can get really snuggly with their mom," and uses posing blocks and chairs to create a variety of comfortable settings.
Other prop ideas you might want to consider include:
Choosing the right outfits is crucial for a cohesive and beautiful photoshoot. Amanda customizes her advice based on the vibe her clients want to achieve. For a casual look, she suggests jeans and neutral tops, while she offers a selection of gowns from her client closet for those who want to go all out.
Jenn recommends that moms pick an outfit they feel confident and comfortable in. She usually advises against overly tight clothing and particularly likes shooting flowy dresses that can add movement to images. If that’s not mom’s style, she says something simple and classic — like jeans paired with a chunky off-the-shoulder sweater — can be easily dressed up with accessories. Like many modern photographers, she prefers her clients to work within a range of complimentary colors. “When choosing their children's outfits, I suggest coordinating colors rather than overly matchy," Jenn advises.
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Images by: Jenn Chenn Photography
Mommy & Me mini sessions can be done all year round, especially if you have a studio setup. They are, of course, particularly popular in the spring around Mother’s Day. Therefore, it’s a good idea to start advertising early with this in mind. You might want to offer vouchers for your minis that can be bought as gifts for moms to redeem at a future date.
Flexibility is important, especially when working with families, so both photographers allow their clients to reschedule within certain parameters. “I know kids get sick, or life happens,” says Amanda.
Jenn will keep a non-refundable retainer if a client cancels completely but allows rescheduling with a week’s notice. “I'm a mom as well, so I try to be flexible,” she says, adding that she always aims to book several minis back-to-back to make the most of her time.
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Images by: Kossina Creative
Marketing is a big part of the job for most photographers, and building and maintaining a strong client base can be the secret to success. Amanda notifies her email list of her shoot dates and then creates a waitlist on social media, while Jenn also utilizes mom groups in her area. Don’t forget dad groups too if you want to capitalize on the Mother’s Day gifting frenzy!
As moms themselves, both of our photographers are very passionate about their Mommy & Me shoots. Amanda sees them as a great way to celebrate moms who, just like herself, are usually the ones taking photos of the family. “It gives them the opportunity to look and feel glamorous while getting keepsake photos with their babies,” she explains.
This is the only mini session Jenn currently offers as it is something close to her heart. “My start into motherhood was full of anxiety and worry and was quite a blur. All I have from that time are the few photos my husband snapped,” Jenn tells us. “I love not only being able to provide memories for moms to enjoy once the dust settles, but I also LOVE connecting with them during their session and chatting about the joys and challenges of parenthood.”
But it’s not just about her clients. “It has been healing for me,” Jenn confides.
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Written by Crystal Wilde | Photographers Kossina Creative | Jenn Chenn Photography
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