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 on Friday. 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 on Saturday.
Food! Prepare your favourite lunch 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 Saturday, 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 for your images, so it’s worth putting a little thought into it. Whether Christmas is your thing or you’re aiming for a more timeless feel, your wardrobe choices will have a huge impact.
If you want to go all out with festive vibes, cosy Christmas pyjamas are a fun and cheerful option. If you prefer a more natural and understated look, dressing smart and comfortable is always a good idea.
Unlike dressing for an afternoon out, planning for a photo shoot means thinking about how each outfit works within the whole family wardrobe. When you’re all standing together, do the outfits complement each other? A three- or four-colour scheme works beautifully to create balance and avoid blending together—especially if you’re considering wearing white.
Earthy tones inspired by nature or soft, neutral shades are a fantastic starting point. Accessories like hats, jewellery, or cute socks add thoughtful details that can pull the look together, and choosing fabrics that move can bring a sense of life and energy to your images. Whether you go festive or keep it natural, a cohesive wardrobe makes all the difference!
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 should be packed 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 simple—just pop the address into Google Maps. We’re only two minutes from the heart of Helensville and offer beautiful, wide-sweeping views over the Kaipara River. Do note, though, that this means navigating a long gravel driveway, which can be a little steep in places.
About 1km up, at the top of the driveway, look to your right, and you’ll spot a black house with a large American-style barn—that’s where you’ll find the studio. I’ll be there to greet you at the barn.
The studio is fully functional, but we’re still putting the finishing touches on a few details, so I’ll ask you to use a little imagination for now! While we don’t yet have a bathroom in the studio, you’re welcome to use the bathroom in my home, just a few steps away.
Looking forward to seeing you!
What Happens Next?
I’m a bit of a chatterer, so to keep things running smoothly, my assistant will 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.