Fall Mini Session Guide
Everything you need to feel prepared, relaxed, and camera-ready for your session.
I'm so glad you're here! My goal for our time together isn't a "perfect" picture-perfect moment — it's capturing your family, naturally, in your element. No forced smiles, no stiff poses, just genuine you. This guide will help you feel ready for that.
Your fall mini includes a 20-minute session, 20 edited high-resolution images with a full print release, and photo delivery within 15 days. Sessions run October through December, at one of our beautiful Redlands or Riverside locations (Oakmont Park, Prospect Park, Sycamore Highlands, Downtown Riverside, California Citrus State Park, or UCR Botanic Gardens). If rain shows up on your date, we'll reschedule at no extra charge — no stress.
Your Session at a Glance
Arrival & Timing
Mini sessions run back-to-back, so please plan to arrive 5–10 minutes early — parked, kids out of car seats, ready to walk up right at your time. That little buffer means we get every minute of your session instead of losing time to parking or last-second shoe changes.
What to Wear
Here's the easy version: skip patterns, stripes, and logos — they tend to pull focus and don't photograph as well against fall backdrops. Beyond that, you don't need to match. In fact, please don't! The prettiest fall galleries come from families who coordinate around one main color in a few different shades, mixed with soft neutrals.
WARDROBE INSPIRATION
This Season’s Palette Inspiration
Warm Fall Tones
Pick your main color family — ie: terracotta — and let everyone wear a different shade of it, then round out the group with neutrals. Nobody needs to match exactly; the varying shades are what give the photos depth and warmth.
Neutrals to round it out:
A simple way to build outfits: pick one person's look first (say, mom in a terracotta dress), then dress everyone else in a mix of the other shades and neutrals above. Flowy fabrics, knits, and layers (cardigans, light jackets) photograph beautifully against fall foliage. Denim also pairs well with any of these shades if you want an easy neutral base.
Prepping the Kids
Feed them something with protein before we start, and keep sugar low if you can — it makes a real difference an hour in. Skip the "say cheese" talk entirely; there's no performance here, just play. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed they'll be, and that's when we get the real moments — the giggles, the piggyback rides, the in-between glances. A small snack or favorite toy tucked in your bag for right before we start is always a good call. Even the tears, and “I don’t want to moments” Im here for it all!.
Bringing Pets?
I'd love to have them! Bring an extra pair of hands if you can, so someone's free to manage the leash and treats while you stay present. A little exercise beforehand to take the edge off their energy helps too.
The Golden Rule: Let's Not Chase Perfection
Truly — this is the one thing I want you to walk away from this guide knowing. I'm not looking for stiff, matchy, camera-ready poses. I'm looking for you: the way you actually laugh with your kids, the way you hold hands, the way your family moves through a space together. Wear what feels like you, show up as you are, and let me handle the rest.
What to Bring
Just yourselves, comfortable shoes for walking on grass or uneven ground, and anything that makes the day easier for your family — snacks, a favorite stuffed animal, a blanket. If we're at a location with an entrance fee (Citrus Park or UCR Botanic Gardens), don't forget that's covered on your end.
After Your Session
Your full gallery will be ready within 15 days, with a full print release included so you can print and share your images freely.
Questions?
Just reach out — I'm always happy to help you feel ready before your session.
Can't wait to capture this season with you!
