The Boston photographer mini session families wait for each year is coming back! The Santa Experience with Molly Katherine Photography has become a Massachusetts family favorite and planning for 2025 is in full swing. Sign up for the Nice List and you’ll get early access to pre-registration! Just here for the mini session tips? Keep reading and enjoy!
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Mini Vs. Full Session – What’s The Difference?
Planning to invest in a Boston photographer mini session this year? Mini sessions are a quick and fun way to capture a few beautiful images during a special, seasonal event—think Mother’s Day, holiday photos, or a visit with Santa. They’re short and sweet (usually just 5–10 minutes) and run on a tight schedule with no wiggle room, so they’re best suited for families who are ready to go and only want a handful of photos.
Unlike full sessions, minis don’t include personalized styling or extra time for warming up, which means they’re not always the best fit for little ones who need more time to settle in. They’re a great option if you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss experience—but they’re definitely not a substitute for the personalized, relaxed feel of a full session.
Helpful Boston Photographer Mini Session Tips
Mini sessions are a great way to capture a few beautiful, professional photos in a short amount of time—but because they move quickly, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re signing up for seasonal portraits or a special event like photos with Santa, arriving ready can make all the difference. To help you get the most out of your time in front of the camera, I’m sharing five simple tips to set your family up for mini session success!
Prepare in Advance
I know this one seems obvious, BUT if you’re a mom, you know just how much of a freakin’ process it is to get out of the house (let alone on time 😅). Put out everyone’s outfits (and shoes!) out the night before. Pack a bag with snacks and essentials ahead of time to minimize stress the morning of. Getting the entire family out of the house is HARD. Give yourself some extra time and factor in a coffee stop…caffeine cures all. 😉
Set Realistic Expectations
…and keep those positive vibes high! “Ok, everyone pull it together and be on your best behavior!” Sound familiar? Well, spoiler alert: everyone was NOT on their best behavior and there were tears because #toddlers. I do this for a living and it happens- that’s reality! Family photographers love babies and toddlers, and while your kiddos causing a little chaos during the session may stress you out, it shouldn’t bother your photographer. Most of us have years of experience and plenty of tricks up our sleeve!
Let Your Photographer Lead
As parents, it’s natural for us to want to give our kids direction in new situations. But it can be hard for little ones if they’re being directed by multiple adults at once. Consider letting your photographer take the lead. A good family photographer knows how to build rapport and engage with kids of all ages. And if your children are anything like mine- having a less familiar/exciting new adult ask them to do things usually yields better results in the end.
Consider Decor/Theme
What is the setting for this Boston photographer mini session? Will there be a busy background? If so, consider a neutral color palette for your outfits. Check out this blog post for more wardrobe advice: What to Wear to Your Boston Holiday Mini Session. Being thoughtful about your clothing choices is especially important for holiday sessions; you don’t want to clash or compete with the backdrop.
Styling Matters
Choose outfits that complement each other to give your photographs a cohesive look. Booking holiday photos? Fancy and festive, classic neutral or holiday jammies- there are so many directions you can go when it comes to choosing outfits. Looking for some holiday wardrobe inspiration? Check out my collection of Holiday Outfit Favorites (with links to shop!) HERE.
Arrive On Time
Last, but not least…arrive on time. Boston photographer mini session events are busy. Photographers are seeing families back-to-back and there will be very little wiggle room in the schedule. Factor in things like finding parking and making a bathroom pit-stop. If you know you’ll need some time to change kiddos, fix hair, etc. you’ll want to build that buffer into your arrival time as well.
Experience the Magic of Santa Sessions
Registration for 2025 Santa Sessions will open in July. The holiday season is a time of wonder, joy, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. Every year families from all over New England join in on the fun with our Boston Santa Claus Sessions! This event invites kiddos big and small to come see our beloved Santa and have those sweet memories captured on film.
Looking For A Boston Photographer?
Looking for a Boston photographer who specializes in newborns and families? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process- planning outfits, finding a good location, getting your partner on board, managing kiddos during photos etc. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. If you’re looking for an experienced Boston Family Photographer who takes care of all of the hard stuff for you: Send Me A Message.
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Thanks for stopping by! I Hope Your Enjoyed My “Boston Photographer Mini Session | 5 Best Tips” feature.
Molly Katherine is a Boston Newborn and Family Photographer offering organic, connection-filled portraits and a refined, full-service experience. From a beautifully curated wardrobe to a light-filled studio space and complimentary artwork design, Molly delivers it all with exceptional client experience in mind. Molly Katherine Photography serves Boston, MA and the surrounding metro areas including Brookline, Newton, Natick, Weston, Wellesley, Sherborn, Hopkinton, Westborough, Grafton and Shrewsbury as well as Middlesex and Worcester county.
I’d love to connect and share more about my process with you! To reserve your 2025 maternity, newborn or family portraits, visit Molly Katherine Photography or send an email to mollykatherinephotography@gmail.com.
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