Why Choose Mini Session Photography for Your Holiday Card? 6 Mini Photo Session Ideas & Tips
Are you in Los Angeles looking for a Christmas mini photo session near me? Good news! As an LA-based mini session photographer, I have the privilege of capturing stunning holiday-card quality photos for families every year. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply love this time of year, a mini photo session is a great way to capture the magic in the air around the holidays.
And you’re just in time because my Holiday Mini’s at the Beach session is LIVE–you can book your spot now before they get filled up (or join the waitlist if all times are booked). Whether you’re familiar with mini session photography or this is your first time looking into it, keep reading to learn the benefits of a mini session and tips and ideas to prepare for your upcoming shoot!
Mini Session Photography FAQs
What is a Mini Session in Photography?
A mini session in photography is essentially a shorter version of a regular photo shoot. Instead of spending a few hours taking pictures in multiple locations, a mini photo session typically lasts about 15 minutes. This makes it a great option if you're looking to get some high-quality photos but are short on time or budget.
In a mini photo session, I focus on capturing a smaller collection of shots, still beautifully composed and professionally edited. It's perfect for updating family portraits, capturing holiday-themed photos, or getting a few stunning snapshots of your little ones as they grow up.
How Long is a Mini Photo Session?
My mini photo sessions include 15 to 20 minutes of shoot time. It’s the perfect amount of time to capture a few different poses and get that perfect shot for your holiday card or next framed portrait.
What are the Average Mini Photo Session Prices?
Mini photo session prices depend on the photographer's experience, location, and what's included, but on average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300. This typically includes the session time and a set number of edited images. As a mini session photographer, I charge $210-$230 and include all the best photos, professionally edited and presented in an online gallery (rather than capping your pictures at a set number).
3 Benefits of Finding a Christmas Mini Photo Session Near Me
You may be wondering if mini sessions are really that great. Here are three reasons why I (and all the families I photograph) think they are!
1. Mini Session Photography Saves You Money
Are you looking for a way to get professional pictures of you or your family without breaking the bank? Mini session photography is about to be your new best friend. Because mini photo sessions are shorter than regular photo shoots, they cost less. But just because these sessions are shorter doesn't mean the quality of your photos will be compromised. You'll still get stunning, professional shots that capture your best angles and tell your unique story. The only difference is you'll be saving money while doing it.
It’s one of the reasons so many families do a holiday mini photo session. We all know spending increases during the holiday season between traveling to see family and friends, buying presents for loved ones, and eating delicious holiday meals. You might feel like you don’t have the budget for high-quality photos for your holiday card. But with a mini photo session, you can have it all for less.
2. Mini Session Photography Keeps Your Kids Engaged
Let's face it, little ones can be bundles of energy with attention spans that flicker like fireflies. A full-length photo session might be too much for them to handle, which makes a holiday mini photo session perfect.
With a quick 15-minute session, your kiddos stay engaged without getting bored or restless. These shorter shoots are designed to capture their true spirit, joy, and all the adorable expressions, all within the time it takes to watch their favorite cartoon episode. So, if you're looking for a stress-free way to get some beautiful snaps of your family, a holiday mini photo session is the way to go.
3. Mini Session Photography Comes with Holiday Card Designing and Printing
The holiday season can be a whirlwind, right? Between the decorating, shopping, and festive gatherings, who's got time to plan for a full-length photo shoot, and then design and print holiday cards? Mini session photography is the solution you’ve been looking for. It's fast, fun, and easy, making it perfect for squeezing into your busy holiday schedule.
The best part? Not only do you get professional-quality photos, but the digital gallery I use offers holiday card designing and printing, too! Simply choose your favorite picture, pick your holiday card design, and order as many prints as you want delivered straight to your doorstep, all from the comfort of your couch.
3 Christmas Mini Photo Session Ideas for a Holiday Beach Session
So, do you love the idea of doing a mini shoot to capture the perfect picture for your holiday card? Here are my three best tips for a holiday beach session!
1. Get Creative with Your Outfits
A mini photo session on the beach is a unique way to capture the spirit of the holidays and the vibes of Los Angeles. And you can take it in so many directions by the outfits you choose. Some ideas include:
Keep it beachy by wearing loose-fitting clothes and light colors. Shades like white, beige, light blue, or pastel hues are perfect for a beach setting as they complement the natural elements of sand, sea, and sky.
Get into the spirit of the season and wear traditional holiday colors. Red, green, gold, or silver not only reflect the joy and warmth of the season but will make your holiday photos pop with a vibrant, merry feel.
Blend beachy and festive! Combine the beach aesthetic with holiday cheer by selecting beach-friendly fabrics in traditional holiday colors. Think loose, flowing linen dresses in rich greens or reds or light-colored beach shirts paired with festive-colored shorts. This way, you achieve a balance between the casual beach vibe and the spirited holiday theme, creating a unique and memorable holiday card photo.
2. Consider Whether You Want Posed or Candid Shots
Posed and candid shots both have their unique advantages, especially for a holiday mini photo session on the beach.
Posed Shots: These are meticulously planned and allow for a high degree of control over the final image. They're great for capturing a specific mood or theme, and they ensure everyone in the photo looks their best. Posed shots can be particularly effective when you've got a stunning beach backdrop and want to make sure it's captured just right. Plus, they're an opportunity to showcase your holiday outfits and any props you might have brought along.
Candid Shots: On the other hand, candid shots are all about spontaneity and authenticity. They capture real moments as they unfold, often resulting in photos that are full of life and emotion. A candid shot of your family laughing together on the beach or your children playing in the surf can be a heartwarming memory that you'll treasure. Candid shots are also great for showing off the natural beauty of the beach setting in a more relaxed and authentic way.
Ultimately, a mix of both posed and candid shots can give you a well-rounded photo session, capturing both the picturesque setting and the genuine joy of your holiday.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Wet and Have Fun with It
Lastly, be sure to lean into the beach vibe, and don't be afraid to get a little wet! Let the waves lap at your feet or have a splash fight with the kids. The resulting photos will capture genuine laughter and joy, creating memories that you'll cherish for years to come. Plus, the sparkling water and droplets can add a magical touch to your holiday pictures.
Need a Christmas Mini Photo Session Near Me in Los Angeles?
Whether you're a local resident or visiting the stunning shores, a mini photo session at the beach is the perfect way to commemorate your holiday memories in a picturesque setting.
With golden sands, crashing waves, and breathtaking sunsets as your backdrop, your holiday photographs are sure to be nothing short of unique and spectacular. They might even evoke some FOMO in others. Learn more about my Holiday Mini’s at the Beach and book yours today!