How to Have Successful Mini Sessions for Beginner Photographers
So what exactly is a mini session? A mini session is a shorter, more compressed version of your full regular sessions. It is a way to take multiple new clients at once and give them a preview or a sample of what your full photography sessions would be like. Because in the end, the goal for a mini session is to gain new clients that will invest in your full sessions later on.
Also a mini session is a chance to set a theme and get really creative! Of course it is best to do a little research for your area to decide what type of theme you would want to go with.
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How Long Should A Mini Session Last?
Typically a themed mini session should be anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes long. Don’t forget when scheduling your mini sessions, you should allow at least a 10 - 15 minute break in between incase you need to use a restroom, you need to switch lenses, etc. That way you aren’t cutting into the clients allotted time at their session.
What Does a Mini Session Include?
Every photographer is different in how they run their photography business and what they offer. A typical mini session should include in the price, no longer than 30 minutes shoot time, 3 - 5 digital images, online album for sharing and downloading, print credit to your online print store, or a print release.
How Do I Pick a Theme?
The most obvious way to pick a theme for your mini sessions would be to coordinate them with the holidays or seasons. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July, Summer, Spring, Christmas, etc.
Or you can get a little more creative and have a glitter mini session, confetti, lemonade stand. There are so many ideas you could go with. If you are really unsure of how to pick a theme, list out a few on social media and let your audience decide what they would like better.
50 Spring & Summer Mini Session Ideas
How Do You Announce A Mini Session?
There are many ways you can announce that you are going to have a mini session. The very obvious would be your social media accounts. You can also use an email newsletter service to announce your mini sessions.
When Posting on your social media accounts, you do want to get your potential clients' attention with a little more than just words. Mini session graphic templates are a great way to do that!
I don’t Have Photo Examples to Show People, What Do I Do?
Model call! You really should have examples to show people what they are going to be getting. Once you pick your theme and get everything you need for the set up, ask around to see if anyone would be interested in doing a free session for your mini promotions, but make it an option for them to purchase digitals or prints. Never do an entirely free session. Also don’t forget your contract.
When Should I Announce My Mini Sessions?
The best time to start announcing your themed mini sessions is about 6 weeks before the date. You can also build up client anticipation about your mini sessions by sending out an upcoming mini sessions promo. List out the mini sessions you have planned for the year and then send out the promo to let them know to keep an eye out for these sessions so they can be sure to get a spot booked!
How Much Should A Mini Session Cost?
This is entirely up to you what you charge. Keep in mind the money you are putting into the session. Are you having to purchase a backdrop and props? How far away are you holding the mini session? Far enough away that you need to keep track of your mileage and gas? Also something else to keep in mind is how long have you been in business? Are you a beginner photographer? Or are you an experienced photographer that is just getting into mini sessions? I can tell you that you should never go below $75 per mini session. You need to be able to make a profit from these sessions.
How Many Photos Should I Give From A Mini Session?
You should include no more than 5 digital images in a mini session. Like I explained above, a mini session is a shorter, more compressed version of your full regular sessions. A sample or a preview of your full sessions per say. It is a way for people to try out your services before investing in the full version. So you don’t want to devalue your full sessions by overcompensating your minis.
How Do I Keep Track of My Clients for My Mini Sessions?
If you are planning on having a full day of one themed mini sessions, you are going to want to keep track of who booked the session, how many subjects, and at what time their session is. A printable mini session schedule template is perfect for keeping track of your clients the day of the session. Something that you can either print off or even use on a tablet.
Do I Need A Contract for Mini Sessions?
The short answer is YES. You should never have any type of photography session without a contract. Not only will a contract protect you and your client, but it also serves as a reminder of what you are offering as well as what is expected from the client.
How Do I Send My Clients Their Photos?
The best and easies way to send your clients their photos is an online photo sharing platform. Personally I use Pixieset and have for about six years now. It is super user friendly, and my clients can order prints right from their album that I send to their email.
Now What?
As I said at the beginning, the goal of a mini session is to gain new clientele that will invest in your full sessions later on. Now they more than likely won’t book an hour session the very next week after your minis (that would be amazing if that did happen!), but hopefully you collected their email addresses when they were setting up a time for your mini.
Add their email addresses to your newsletter platform and after a couple weeks, send them a thank you email for participating in your mini sessions, and then give them all the info you have on your regular sessions for when they would like to book with you in the future!
A great way to do this would be to create a welcome packet or a session information magazine. Everything they could possibly want to know about booking a session with you.
The first introductions are already complete from the mini session. Now fill that magazine with
A deeper introduction of yourself
What is included in your full sessions
Samples of your work
Examples of locations you use
Some frequently asked questions and answers
How they can get in touch with you
The more transparent your are about your photography sessions, how your process works, and what is included, the more chances they are going to book with you and become lifelong clients!
If you have any questions, you are more than welcome to comment below or send me email at info@photos2profits.com
Nice to meet you! I’m Kori
I’ve been a photographer for over 20 years, and now I want to help beginners succeed!