Valentine's Day Mini Sessions

When Should I Offer Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions?

By Kris Ann Valdez

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for a themed mini-session.  Insightful tips from our professional photographers will help you plan a seamless, memorable shoot parents will cherish.

A Valentine’s Day mini-session usually occurs in late January or early February to ensure clients receive the photos before February 14th.

What Do I charge for a Valentine’s Day mini-session?

Mini sessions allow photographers to book multiple families using the same set up. The photographers we spoke to charge between $225 and $525 a session. This includes a set number of digital images (3-5) with the opportunity to buy additional digitals and other products. Most parents can’t resist, so don’t forget to upsell them!

Sessions are typically twenty minutes. It’s a good idea to schedule at least five minutes between shoots to give yourself time to reset and stay hydrated.

Posing tips

To capture the sweetest, most natural moments, Dawn Curto with A Lovely Shade of Jade Photography says she lets the kids “just be” for the first few minutes of the shoot. She chats with them, asking questions about school, their favorite TV show, music, etc. The more casual and relaxed the environment, the more kids ease up in front of the camera. 

Austin-based photographer Kristen Beccia says her best tip is to play games and keep it silly. If you act silly, the kids will laugh, and “you’ll get way more natural smiles and giggles.”

Images by: A Lovely Shade of Jade Photography 

Here are a few other tips for great posing:

• Ask them to laugh super loud–the best shot comes at the end of the laugh.
• Try playing Simon Says (For example, “Simon says twirl in a circle like a princess!”)
• Tell corny jokes–kids love them!
• Ask them their favorite song and if they’d like to hear it. If they say yes, invite them to show off their dance moves. Music helps put them at ease.
• Avoid overposing them. Simple and kid-friendly is best, like allowing them to sit cross-legged on the floor or encouraging them to interact with the props.
• Remember, candid moments will reflect their personality best.

Prop ideas

Interestingly, less can be more here. Dawn says she likes to keep her props simple. That way, she can nod to Valentine’s Day without taking “away from the child and their personality.”

Kristen Beccia of Kristen Beccia Photography echoes the sentiment, adding that she likes small props because they “keep small hands occupied.” She encourages photographers not to overthink it–her best minis were with a simple backdrop and minimal props.

Some ideas for props include:

• Heart-shaped or love balloons
• A simple bouquet of flowers
• An ice cream cone filled with pink cotton candy
• A white chair or stool
• Felt or glitter hearts
• A plain backdrop (if not shooting outside).

What should the subjects wear?

Dawn says that the outfits should be as simple as the props. Pastel colors (think blush pink, light blue, or cream) work well. A small pop of red compliments the pastels nicely, while cute accents such as fun heart socks or glasses are a nice touch. Kristen adds that her favorite is a pink, red, and white color scheme. As for boys– suspenders or bow ties are always a classic look.

What is the biggest challenge of a Valentine’s Day Mini Session?

Since Valentine’s Day occurs at the beginning of the year, Kristen points out that many people are in a spending freeze mode after the holidays. However, Kristen says she promotes her shoots by reminding parents she won’t offer the set-up again until the following year. Mini sessions are also a more affordable way for parents to receive professional photos of their children, which may help them feel less guilty about booking a session.

Dawn says her biggest challenge is keeping kids engaged through the session, which is why she offers such brief sessions. As a last resort, she brings out the bubble gun!

What is the greatest reward of a Valentine’s Day Mini Session?

Dawn says she loves seeing the end result. “It’s really rewarding to freeze those precious moments of the little ones for their families. Time goes way too fast!”

-

Written by Kris Ann Valdez | Photographers Kristen Beccia Photography | A Lovely Shade of Jade Photography