Mini vs Custom Photography Sessions: What You Need to Know | North Oaks, Minnesota Child & Family Photographer

If you’re in the midst of planning a photography session, whether it’s for your newborn baby or just a general family session, you’ve probably heard the term ‘mini session’ mentioned quite a bit.

There are a few differences when it comes to a mini photography session vs a custom session. Here’s what you need to know before you decide which shoot is best for you.

Time Limits

This is of course one of the main differences between the two sessions. A custom photography session will last an hour or two while a photographer will usually book several mini sessions in one day since they only last about 20 – 25 minutes at most.

Number of Poses

Secondly, a custom photography session will allow for as many poses as possible within the time booked while a mini session offers less time so your photographer will use their skills to capture as many candid moments at possible in a shorter period of time.

Number of Photos

While your photographer will still try and shoot as many photos as possible during your mini session, you will naturally end up with fewer photos than you would if you had booked a custom session. A custom session generates between 30 – 40 images while a mini session will give you about 10. There will also usually be minimal retouching of the photos taken at a mini session.

So which photography session is best for you?

You may be surprised to find that many of our clients actually choose both!  Often our clients will opt for the custom session for the entire family at a location of their choice. This gives them more time to play around with poses, backdrops, props and wardrobe changes. While they opt for mini sessions to get a few great photos of the kiddos as a compliment in between the custom sessions.

The next set of mini sessions are our Valentine Mini’s on January 21st scheduling from 11am to 1pm.  For more information or to get on the calendar send me a message (or click on the image)  Hope to see your littles there!

Regardless of which you choose, we look forward to working with you!

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs children and their families both on location and in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

Should You Have a Themed Photo Session | North Oaks, Minnesota Child & Family Photographer

You have probably seen many photos that were taken at a themed photo session. Your friends’ kids got their latest pictures taken in matching Western outfits. Your aunt had a movie theme for her wedding pictures. There are countless theme ideas you can use to make your photos interesting, unique, and a reflection of your personality.

If you are considering a themed photo session, answer the following questions discover your ideal theme:

Is this photo session indoors or outdoors? If it’s outdoors you’ll probably want to consider a theme that suits the current weather.

What season is it? If you are looking to use a specific backdrop or seasonal prop, use Mother Nature’s current display as your theme.

Do you love a specific historical era, such as the 50’s? Or a particular TV series like Star Trek? There are so many eras and movies that you can draw inspiration from. Make a list of shows, movies & eras that you and your family love.

Do you have specific hobbies? Perhaps you are an animal lover, a sports fan or have a passion for fashion. Make a list of your interests and your theme might just jump out at you.

Is this a major life event? Use your pregnancy announcement or your wedding as the perfect excuse for a fun photo session.  Is your baby turning one?  Use a setting and props that speak to both you and family’s interests. There is also tons of inspiration on websites such as Pinterest that you can turn to for ideas

Whatever theme you decide to choose, make sure that it speaks to your personalities so that you genuinely enjoy the process. Themed photo sessions are also usually a great way to encourage children to be involved and to get them excited.

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota who also enjoys putting together fun themed sessions for kids and their families (and friends).  To book your next session with Michele or to inquire about a day of themed mini sessions with your friends e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com or visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer

Choosing the Right Props for Your Next Photo Session | Northeast Minneapolis Studio Photographer

Have you ever thought about adding props to your photo sessions? Props can add interest, depth and an extra flair to your pictures. Get your children to hold coordinating flowers for a spring or summer shoot. Love sports? Then use baseball bats in your next family photo to bring out your passion. Here are a few tips for ways to incorporate props in your next photo session.

1. Avoid trends. While you might have recently seen a few photos that incorporate a specific prop, try not to use something that will not look really dated in 20 years’ time. Classic is definitely better and there are many fun options to choose from.
2. Be realistic. It’s easy to go wild when thinking of a theme for your photo session. You should decide on one that you can actually find props for. For example, if you want to use seasonal props, try and source them in that season as they’ll be easier to find and before you decide to remake your favorite movie scene, think twice about whether you’ll be able to find suitable outfits for everyone in the photo.
3. Size matters. There are some larger props that work really well in photo sessions such as using your grandpa’s farm tractor as a background piece. However, there are some larger props that can take away from the beauty of the photograph altogether. Make sure that your prop enhances the photo and doesn’t detract from it.
4. Make it meaningful. If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or if you have a musical instrument that you treasure, try and incorporate it into your photos. This way your pictures will have more meaning to you and your family.
5. Use what you have. Make the current season work to your advantage by using what’s available. Leaves in the fall make for amazing props in photos and don’t cost a thing. 

Remember, using props can be the perfect addition to your photos but make sure that they don’t become the main focus.

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Michele is a lifestyle photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She also works out of a studio in Northeast Minneapolis where she photographs children and their families.  To schedule your next session with Michele, e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

Haunting Halloween | North Oaks, Minnesota Child Photographer

Every year I have a little themed photo session with my kids on their coordinating Halloween costumes.  This year; however, they could not agree on something even though they both wanted to “match” each other.  They love our photo shoot together; we always have so much fun.  This year they were bummed thinking they wouldn’t be having a photo shoot but I surprised them with a couple of masks from amazon and we went out and played.  We did some long exposures to get that ghostly effect though it didn’t work as well as I had hoped outside.  But I do sort of like the last one we did inside the house.  In any event I wanted to share our images from our brief Halloween session and hopefully next year we will be back to our coordinating brother sister costumes.  One mommy can hope anyway.  Enjoy the overshare:

Long exposures create the “ghostly effect”

Can you spot Wolf?

 

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  When she is not photographing her kids dressed up for Halloween she is photographing children and their families dressing their best under fall foliage or everyday attire in their homes.  To schedule your next themed or not themed session with Michele e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

Generations Fall 2016 Client Magazine | North Oaks Child & Family Photographer

Click on the image to open up the Fall 2016 Client Magazine; everything you need to know about having a fall session is right here among its pages!

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Michele is a lifestyle photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  Fall is an extremely busy time so if you are looking for a fall session please e-mail Michele asap to see if there are still spaces available.  She can be found at michele@mqnphotography.com