Mini Session Prep Guide
The day is nearly here and I couldn’t be more excited!!
Keep reading for all your tips for mini session success!
Prepping Your Kids
Honesty is always the best policy with kids. Let them know they’re going to a fun location and your friend Aisling (pronounced Ashling, it’s very Irish!) will be taking some photos of you having fun together.
Try to set yourselves up for the best night sleep that you can the night before. If that means starting the bedtime routine earlier or for some kids, get that energy out and plan a playground trip on Friday afternoon so they are ready to sleep at bedtime.
Have your favourite playlist ready to go for the car ride to Helensville.
Food! Prepare your favourite lunch, breakfast or snacks before your session as well as having plenty of snacks (dry and not so messy!) ready to go!
Let your kids be kids, in my experience, trying to force kids into poses leads to frustration for everyone. We can embrace their wonderful little selves, I’ll help you adults pose and we’ll let your kiddies enjoy being with you and interacting with their surroundings.
Prepping the Adults
Take the pressure off yourself on the day, have your outfits laid out and the car packed early. Run through my checklist below!
Most people are uncomfortable in front of the camera, I get it and I got you! I’ll show you how to stand and move, we’ll chat and we’ll laugh and you’ll cuddle your kids. This is all I need to make a wonderful gallery of images for you to enjoy.
Try and do something that makes you happy and connected as a family before your session. Anything to lift your mood and help you feel relaxed and united with your family.
Drink plenty of water in the lead up! Start early and keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated in the days leading up to your session.
It’s very important to be on time, or even a little early, for your session. As the timing is tight, if you are late unfortunately this will shorten your session.
Styling Your Session
Styling your session sets the tone, so it’s worth putting a little thought into it. Whether it’s full glam, casual cool, boho babe or Grecian goddess, anything goes. What really matters is how it all works together.
This isn’t about trying to be picture perfect. It’s about showing up as yourselves, just the slightly more put-together version. Outfits you feel great in, like the kind that feels easy to wear but still makes you feel like your best self.
A three or four colour palette keeps things balanced. It helps avoid everyone blending in or clashing. Earthy tones, neutrals and muted shades always photograph beautifully. Add texture with layers, jewellery, hats or something a bit interesting. Fabrics that move easily, like cotton, linen or soft knits, give a sense of flow and life. Small patterns mixed in can work well but try to avoid large logos and prints.
Barefoot is often best, especially for kids. My families are often happy with no shoes, and it brings a relaxed, natural feel to the images. But if shoes are part of your look, just steer clear of bright soles or flashing lights. They tend to shout in photos.
Keep it simple. Make it yours. I’ll take care of the rest.
Checklist!
Lay out your outfits before you pack them or get dressed. Make sure you have every detail together.
Don’t forget, comfy clothes for after!
Wet wipes…wet wipes should go everywhere.
Snack bag! Make sure it’s in the car and not the boot.
Check your playlist for the car ride there.
Hair ties, plasters, favourite toys, water bottles.
How to get here!
Aisling O’Brien Photography
66A Kaipara Coast Highway, Helensville 0871
Finding us is easy, just pop the address into Google Maps. We’re only two minutes from central Helensville, with sweeping views over the Kaipara River waiting at the top.
The driveway is about 1km long, gravel, and a bit steep in places. Just a heads-up, it’s a working farm, so while we always try to keep the way clear for you, you might pass a family member or even a sheep or two on your way up.
Once you pass the house in the middle of the drive, you’re nearly there. At the top of the hill, look to your right and you’ll see a black house with a big American-style barn, that’s us. The studio is in the barn, and I’ll be there to meet you.
It’s just our extended family living here, grandparents, aunties and cousins all within shouting distance, so don’t be surprised if you spot a familiar wave or a dog on patrol.
The studio is fully set up and ready to go, though we’re still putting the finishing touches on a few areas. While we don’t have a bathroom in the studio just yet, you’re welcome to use the one in our home, just a short walk away.
Can’t wait to see you up here!
What Happens After?
I’m a bit of a chatterer, so to keep things running smoothly, my assistant may be there to let us know when the next family is waiting. I’ll apologise in advance if I don’t get much time to catch up with you or have a proper chat after your session, it’s not for lack of wanting to!
A few weeks after your session, you’ll receive your online gallery. Once you’ve had a chance to view it, you’ll be able to download your five included images, or you can choose to upgrade to the full gallery for an additional $150. It’s a fantastic way to get incredible value from a complete set of family photos you’ll treasure.
Attached to your gallery is your very own store, filled with beautiful prints and products that I’ve personally hand-picked for you. If there’s one thing I can’t stress enough, it’s this: make some beautiful prints to display in your home. There’s nothing quite like seeing your family’s moments of joy and connection displayed where they can be cherished every day.
That’s it for now, but please remember I am only a message away. If you have any questions between now and Saturday please do reach out.