Last weekend, I found myself with no weddings booked so I figured it would be neat to offer my services at a very cheap rate in what’s known as a ‘minishoot’ or mini session. It was one week prior to mother’s day so I figured it might be a fun way to get some nice photos of the family for Mum!
The best thing about a mini shoot is that it’s really geared for people who aren’t overly keen on being in front of a camera, as the session only lasts for 15 minutes – and if the photos dont turn out as expected – ie the little one was upset, or the dog wasn’t looking, etc – then it’s no big deal as it was not that expensive!
It’s also great for people who want some nice family photos done, but don’t want to spend too long getting them!
The mini shoot was an up front cost of $65, which included the shoot and editing of the photos before being supplied via my online store, and each shoot received a $30 credit to spend – making the whole thing effectively only $35 and you get to go home with either some prints, or digital files – however you’d like to spend that $30 credit!
As a result, the sessions booked up fast, with 12 bookings coming in – the majority being young couples, with little kidlets in tow, but also a few couples and whole families. I held the shoot at the Cherry Garden’s Soldier’s Memorial Gardens with the aim of using the autumnal colours from the falling leaves with the park, while also making use of the impressive memorial trees that cast quite a bit of shade.
Each booking received an average of 54 photos in their album to choose from – which surprised myself, as generally I like to have 100 photos done for an hour photo shoot, let alone 15 minutes – but I guess that’s the benefit of a minishoot, it means that i am familiar with the surrounds and know what will work when for each group coming through. I can then use this knowledge to move quickly and get each shot.
All in all, I think the winter minishoot results speak for themselves – the autumnal colours of the leaves, and the happy smiling faces of each group really made for an awesome experience, that I’d be looking forward to doing again in the future – I’m thinking Christmas? Watch this space.
Southern Adelaide Winter Minishoot Results!
Little Ones
All the little ones who came through were really well behaved and quite enjoyed being in front of the camera! This made things rather easy, as the surrounding autumn leaves did the rest making for some awesome shots!
baby under autumn leaves
baby talking to stuffed elephant
Boys throwing leaves
happy baby sitting on fluffy mat under tree
Smiling girl under autumn leaves
Smiling baby girl under autumn leaves
Baby boy sitting in autumn leaves
Baby lying in autumn leaves
Brothers laying in autumn leaves
Boy under autumn tree
Boy climbing tree
Bothers hugging in leaves
Sisters in autumn leaves
Boys climbing tree
baby girl in autumn leaves
Family
The autumn leaves also made for some nice family portraits. I had the family groups walking through the trees, sitting on the dry leaves and basically treating their time with me as if it were a quick family outing to a nice park.
Family sitting on ground with baby
baby flying in sky
Lifting baby into sky
Holding baby in the sky
Family standing behind long grass
Family hugs for baby
Family standing under autumn leaves
baby getting cheek kisses
Baby peeking over shoulder
Carrying baby through trees
Holding baby girl
Family sitting in leaves
Family sitting toegtehr under autumn trees
Family sitting on bench
Family sitting in autumnal leaves
Couples
I had two sets of couples come through, which was treated as a simple date idea, and they got some nice photos out of it at the end!
Couple holding one another
Couple standing looking through leaves
Couple sitting in the autumn leaves
Couple walking between trees
Couple walking under autumn leaves
Happy couple leaning against tree
As far as winter minishoot results go, I feel as though we got some incredible photos, using the stunning natural light that filtered through the autumn leaves nicely. If there was one thing I would have done differently would be to schedule the last session a biut earlier as the light was fading quite a bit – but we still got some great shots!
Family photoshoots are supposed to be a lot of fun. It’s an activity that you get to enjoy with the people you care about the most in the world, all while preserving shared memories that you may cherish for the rest of your life.
You may be wondering what to bring, how long the shoot will take if you can bring your dog, how hair and makeup are done, and if venues can be switched!
13 Family Photoshoot Tips for Creating Lasting Memories
Prior to the shoot, you must:
Brainstorm Ideas
The great thing about family photoshoots is that they can be a huge collaborative effort amongst you and your relatives. You must first let them know what you are planning for everybody and get them excited to brainstorm ideas with you. Let them contribute poses, themes, and costume ideas. And remember, this is part of all the fun!
Know that whatever works for your family will be your own unique style. The shoot is something you all should look up to, so frame the experience in a brilliant and positive light.
family sitting on a log
Plan Everything Accordingly
We can’t stress this enough: you have to plan ahead and accordingly to have a successful family photoshoot. No matter the size of your family, it’s important to set everything up from scheduling, wardrobe changes, grooming, food or catering, and so on.
Fix your clothing the day before your shoot, for example, and make sure all required things are dry cleaned/ironed. Set aside time the day before the shoot to have everyone conditioned and ready. Also, allow plenty of time if you’re getting your hair or cosmetics done. You don’t want to be rushed and flustered when you arrive.
Mt Compass Family photography
Get Some Beauty Rest
A big part of photoshoot preparations is setting the mood for the entire day. And to achieve a successful family photoshoot, everybody in your family must be well-rested, energetic, hydrated, and well-fed. Eight hours of sleep, lots of water, a big breakfast, and an uplifted mood sure can go a long way.
Family walking along the pond
Things to Pack
Healthy Snacks
No, we’re not just talking about chips and junk food. We’re talking about jelly beans, cheese cubes, light crackers, and dried food. Avoid foods that could stain or get stuck in your teeth like chocolate, candies, coloured beverages, and anything that consumes too much time to devour.
Food platter on display
Extra Clothes
It’s always a good idea to pack extra clothes and backup outfits for everybody, young and old. This family photoshoot tip is especially advantageous if, let’s say, you’re bringing a bunch of kids along. With almost any type of photoshoot, expect spills and stains to go wrong! It wouldn’t hurt to be a little bit overprepared.
I have a cake!
Fun Activities
Breakout sessions in between photoshoot layouts are a must. This is a way to inject fun as the day progresses. This is not really a requirement, but it can relax your whole team and loosen up your family members
In addition, fun activities like blowing bubbles, and playing with toys and balls can be added to your themed shoot.
Family photo in Pine Reserve
The Furry Friend
If you bring your dog, please consider bringing a dedicated walker to look after it throughout the shoot. This way, you can keep your dog secure and comfortable while not interfering with the shot. Also, before bringing your dog to the shoot, evaluate her disposition. How will it be able to pose for photos if it is typically wild and rowdy? Finally, provide dog treats and toys for the dog so that he would comply.
bride groom and dog
Outdoor Items
Best place to hold a natural family photography session is to hold it outside – rather than in a studio. For example, heading to the beach? bring beach towels, sunscreen, coolers, umbrellas, and more! Treat it the way you would for any beach trip. How about a forest? maybe bring a picnic setup, some games? frisbee?
Family sitting together on rock
Grooming Tools for Hair and Makeup
Perhaps grooming for hair and makeup aren’t requirements either, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your own tools. This way, you can touch up in between layouts and keep it all hygienic as well. But beyond hair and makeup, you may also want to bring a sewing kit for emergencies. And if you’re feeling quite extravagant, feel free to hire your family’s own glam team!
Running in front of the family
Reminders During the Shoot
Make the Most Out of It
We’ll say it again: A family photoshoot is a perfect excuse to bond with your loved ones. So, use this time wisely. This is a time to learn new things through new experiences, together.
Family looking through the bushes
Grab a Solo Portrait for Everyone
Show off everybody’s beauty. One by one, allow every member of your family to have their own time to shine. Let them show off their hobbies, their talents, and their unique styles.
Portrait
Give Room for Goofy Shots
You can culminate the shoot by taking a goofy group family pic which you can blow up and hang on your wall! This is a way for you to truly cherish your close family ties, unbreakable bonds, and sense of humour! There are no wrong answers when it comes to taking goofy family portraits.
Family portrait under gum trees
Keep Your Photographer Team in the Loop
The Editing Process
As with any photoshoot, the images are thoroughly retouched. For this process, you have to let your photographer and their assistant know what you’d like the outcome of the pictures to be.
If you feel conscious about something, raise it. They can keep everything natural, with a bit of tweaking when it comes to reducing wrinkles, toning down puffiness around the face, lightening the eye bags, etc.
Let us know if you’re planning something special too – perhaps an engagement? We are good at keeping secrets, and if we know about it beforehand we can be sure to look out for the cues!
Santorini Couple Shoot
Thirteen tips may sound like a large amount of advice for a successful family photoshoot, but one can never be too sure about family activities and gatherings! These family photoshoot tips ensure success. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you and your family members a lot of stress, arguments, and unnecessary pressure. That said, make sure you plan ahead, prepare, and enjoy every second. Take this chance to capture special shared moments while you still can!
Emma and Stephen wanted to show off their love for one another with a Belair Train Station Engagement Shoot before their big day at Mt Barker’s Auchendarroch House.
With Stephen travelling half away across the world from the US to see Emma after several long years apart due to the dastardly effects of the COVID pandemic, they were finally able to be together so they wanted to celebrate as soon as possible!
Emma was in two minds throughout the day about whether or not to head out that night for their engagement shoot due to the weather in the morning being less than spectacular. Thankfully the weather cleared up during the day and we all head out for what turned out to be a beautiful evening.
Belair Train Station Engagement Shoot
We began Emma and Stephen’s Belair Train Station Engagement shoot in amongst the station’s historic platform and waiting shelter where we made use of the beautiful ‘Belair’ writing on the wooden structure and the delightful parallel lines leading all over the place makeing for some lovely scenes.
As Emma had explained before heading out, she had not seen Stephen for several years prior to their engagement shoot, so these two were full of lovey-dovey hugs and kisses all evening, which made my job that much easier!
Smiles in amongst the train station
Walking in front of the Belair Train Station
Belair Train station engagement shoot
Belair Train station engagement photo
Hugs on the Belair Train station platform
As we set out during golden hour, we wanted to make the most of the golden hues of the sun streaming in through the majestic gum trees that make up the Belair National Park. We went for a little walk just behind the Belair Train Station to make use of this amazing setting!
Hugs under the sunlight
In amongst the belair national park gums
Look over there
Belair National Park engagement photo
Two standing together inbetween gum trees
Emma standing out front
Couple standing together under gum tree walkway
Dancing under the gum trees
Engagement shoot in Belair
Leaning on his shoulder
Sitting on fallen tree
Engagement ring with purple gemstone
Dancing in between the gums
Walking toegther in the Belair national park
Just as we were wrapping up, and having a chat with a group of joggers who had just finished their excersises, a freight train thundered past the Belair Train Station platform, so we quickly jumped in front of it for a bit of a photo! The train operator obviously had a bit of a ssense of humour and made sure to be seen throughout. 🙂
Belair Train Station engagement shoot with train
Belair Train Station engagement shoot kiss
Looking forward to being your wedding photographer in March Emma and Stephen! Hopefully these photos will tide you over until then!
Recently I was asked to head out for a family photoshoot, nearby Mt Compass in Nangkita – but I’m going to put this under Mt Compass Family Photography as I hadn’t heard of Nangkita before being asked to head out here!
The family was enjoying a get together for the Christmas and New Year period, that sounded like a rare occurance considering the last time they had a family photoshoot done was when the ‘kids’ were 6, and now in their mid thirties – and also that some are now living overseas and makes it hard to get together.
Their little family photoshoot took place on a family farm, which was lush with Australian bush and off the beaten track so much that they kept asking if I had any trouble finding the place! All I can say was thank goodness for GPS in cars!
We held most of the shoot under a gnarly old tree on the property which provided ample shade and a neat backdrop for group photos. After the majority of group shots, we then did individual portraits and also some coupley shots in amongst the pretty overgrowth of trees.
I head out for a Thalassa Park family shoot with Paula and her family recently and put together a selection of family shots, along with individual portraits for them to keep hold of and treasure as a record of where they are at right now. It’s a lovely thing to do as having a family shoot done allows you to really capture the essence of your family unit and when put on display around your home truely makes everyone feel welcome at that house.
Thalassa park is a large, well kept area in Aberfoyle Park that boasts a wide range of scenery – from a rose garden towards the south-east, to this area that we used to the north of the park which is a little more unkept, but perfect for more intimate photographs using the foliage to close in around the subject of the image.
We head out early morning, to make use of the rising sunlight seeping through the trees which made for some beautiful backlight for the photographs. It was a lovely morning, full of smiles, laid back fun and a nice brisk walk throughout the park!
