Prepare

How to Prepare for a Pop-Up Portrait Mini Session

A mini studio portrait session is a fantastic way to capture beautiful memories in a short amount of time.  Follow these tips to ensure your portrait session with us is smooth, enjoyable, and results in stunning photographs.

1. Plan Your Outfit Choices

Your clothing can set the tone for your portraits, so choose outfits thoughtfully. Here are some tips:

  • Capture The Essence of Your Family: The session is all about you, as a family. You can wear absolutley anything you'd like for the session but we recommend wearing a style of clothing that you'd normally wear for comfort & to truly reflect your family. 

  • Coordinating Outfits: If you'd like to go with a coordinating outfit, we recommend picking a color palette of 2-3 complementary colors and mix textures and patterns sparingly.

  • Matching Outfits: If you like the matching outfit theme, lots of stores that now offer matching outfits for the whole family. 

  • Avoid Distracting Patterns: Solid colors or subtle patterns work best to keep the focus on faces.

  • Accessorize Smartly: We recommend minimal jewellery & watches in neutral tones. Try to avoid scarves and hats as they can distract from the overall look of the photo. Remember to check your socks too - matching, clean socks are a must!

  • Consider the Background: All our Pop-Up Portraits mini sessions are done using a timeless white backdrop - this means that you can wear any colour for your session, including white!

2. Grooming and Personal Care

You'll want to look your best for your session so pay attention to those finer details: 

  • Haircuts and Styling: Plan haircuts at least a week in advance to allow it to settle naturally. Style hair neatly on the day & remember to bring a comb or hairbrush for last-minute touch ups. You might also want to ensure you have an umbrella handy in case it's raining on shoot day!

  • Makeup: Apply makeup slightly heavier than usual, as studio lights can wash out features. Avoid shiny or glittery products - matte works best for studio sessions.

  • Hands and Nails: Ensure hands are clean and nails are well-groomed, especially for close-up poses.

  • Rest and Hydration: Get a good night’s sleep before the session and drink plenty of water to keep your skin fresh and glowing.

  • For the Little Ones: Ensure noses are wiped & faces are clean right before your session - we know how quickly those little people can get dirty. Remove all temproary tattoos, felt pen marks & hand stamps well before your session too.

3. Communicate with Your Photographer

Understanding what to expect helps you feel at ease. Your photographer will know the best way to pose & style your family in studio and will combine formal & more candid poses as applicable. Typically your photographer will follow this pattern - family portraits, sibling portraits then individual child portraits, but your input is welcome:

  • Clarify Expectations: Discuss the style or mood you’re aiming for, whether it’s formal, candid, or playful so your photographer can get the family photos you're after.

  • Special Requests: Let the photographer know any specific poses, or people combinations you'd like during your session.

  • Timing: Pop-Up Portraits mini sessions are typically short (10-15 minutes), so arrive early to maximize your time & be ready to enter the studio when called.

4. Prepare the Kids (and Pets!)

Keeping little ones happy and engaged is crucial:

  • Timing: Schedule sessions at a time when kids are well-fed and rested.

  • Comfort Items: Bring a favorite toy or blanket to soothe them if needed - be prepared for these to appear in your mini session.

  • Practice: Explain what will happen during the session to make them feel more comfortable. Our experienced team have a knack of making children feel comfortable & included in the session.

  • Pets: As we use a wide range of public & private venues for our studio portrait sessions, we can only accomodate pets are some of our sessions. Check with the office team before booking to see if your pet can come to your session. Ensure pets are clean, groomed, have recently been to the toilet and on a leash at all time. Bring treats for positive reinforcement. 

5. Bring Essentials

Pack a small bag with these items to ensure you’re prepared:

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Makeup touch-up kit

  • A handheld mirror (some of our venues don't have bathrooms for touch-ups)

  • Spare outfits or accessories

  • Props, if needed

6. Relax and Enjoy the Process

Our portrait sessions are meant to capture genuine moments, so don’t stress over perfection. Trust your photographer to guide you through poses and angles that flatter everyone.

  • Be Yourself: Authentic smiles and interactions always look best - we know a fake smile when we see one!

  • Stay Positive: Even if things don’t go perfectly, our professional photographers are skilled at capturing great shots regardless.

A little preparation can make a big difference in how your mini studio portrait session turns out. From planning outfits to managing time and expectations, these steps ensure that you’re ready to shine in front of the camera. With the right preparation, you’ll walk away with stunning photos and cherished memories.