My first mini sessions - oh boy.

Mini sessions have become a major obsession in the photography community, it seems. The pull is definitely there - short time slots, fewer digitals to deliver, more clients, and the ability to make a pretty good stream of cash in just a singular day (or even just an afternoon!) The general public certainly seems to love them as well; popular photographers can sometimes sell out their mini sessions in just minutes. Overall, the concept of a mini session benefits everyone involved. The photographer gets to meet numerous clients in one singular day, and the clients leave with anywhere between 5 and 10 digitals for a fraction of a regular session price - it's a no-brainer.

Because of these observations, I was instantly attracted to the idea. After all, I am just starting out professionally, and do not have a large clientele. One good way to find clients can be through a shorter, cheaper introduction in the form of a mini session. So, when I finally got up the nerve to begin this business professionally, I knew I had to get a jump on some minis. I set off on countless hours of YouTube videos, courses put on by other photographers, studying the ways in which local photographers advertised their minis and how the local public responded, etc.

All of this research told me one thing - spring is coming, and I need to get to it pronto. I began debating on locations, calling around for venue information, and surveying anyone who would answer about what they would like to see in a mini session. What I got was this: spring minis with a minimal backdrop, in a couple different spots. I have lots of friends and family back home in Richmond County, and am familiar with this area, so it would prove easy to garner a following there. On the other hand, I reside in Wilson County, so it would make sense to base my business here. I then decided I'd really lean into this whole "Traveling NC Photographer" label I've given myself, and offer minis in both towns; after all, I've got to practice what I preach!

From there, I solidified dates and time slots, and scouted locations in person. While in town for a family member's birthday party, I contacted my parents to meet me at one location I felt pretty confident about in Rockingham, NC. I'd photographed here before plenty of times, but wanted to go about it in a different way. What better than to take out my trusty camera and take a few test shots to prove this was the right location for me?

So, I did. My dad showed up and ran around the field with my daughter while I grabbed some candid shots - my preferred way of shooting. I walked around the grounds looking for ideas to pop out at me, and discovered a tree branch at just the right height to try out the sheet trend, which solidified to me that this location could be the one! We went home, and I set to work on editing the photos I had taken of my family.

Thank you so much for following along all this way - I cannot appreciate you enough!