Fall Mini Sessions in the Chicago Suburbs: Everything You Need to Know
I almost didn't offer fall minis this year.
And then the messages started.
“Are you doing fall minis?”
“When are you releasing your dates?”
“Please tell me you're doing them again.”
So… you convinced me.
I'm opening a limited number of fall mini sessions this year for families in Arlington Heights and the Chicago suburbs.
And I'm keeping them simple.
20 minutes.
8 beautifully edited images.
$400.
Just enough time to slow everything down for a few minutes and document what your family looks like right now.
Why Fall Minis?
Sometimes you don't need an entire full family session.
You just realize it's somehow fall again, your kids look approximately six inches taller than they did last year, and the last good photograph you have with everyone in it is from Christmas.
Fall minis are perfect for updating your family photographs, holiday cards, gifts for grandparents—or simply making sure Mom gets into the picture for once.
What Can We Really Get in 20 Minutes?
More than you think.
I'll get the photograph where everyone is together, but we're not spending twenty minutes lined up staring at my camera.
We'll move.
Kids will run.
You'll cuddle.
We'll get siblings, Mom with the kids, Dad with the kids and all those little moments happening in between.
The way your daughter reaches for your hand.
Your son's ridiculous laugh.
Your toddler buried against Dad's shoulder.
That's the stuff I'm looking for.
What If My Kids Don't Cooperate?
Then they'll be kids.
You don't need perfectly behaved children for beautiful family photographs.
If you're already nervous about this part, I wrote an entire guide for you:
READ: HOW TO PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR FAMILY PHOTOS
What Should We Wear?
Think coordinated—not matching.
Warm neutrals, cream, camel, brown, muted greens, rust, denim and soft earthy colors photograph beautifully in fall.
Start with Mom and build everyone else around her.
[READ: WHAT TO WEAR FOR FALL FAMILY PHOTOS]
Where Will Fall Minis Take Place?
I'm offering two different looks this year:
Deer Grove Forest Preserve for a natural, woodsy fall feeling.
Elk Grove Village Hill for a more open landscape with beautiful evening light.
I've created a guide comparing both locations so you can decide which feels more like your family.
What If I Want More Than 8 Images?
You don't have to decide ahead of time.
Your session includes 8 edited digital images. Once you receive your gallery, you'll select your favorites.
And if you fall in love with more than eight, you'll have the option to upgrade.
Fair warning: this tends to happen.
Fall Mini Details
20 minutes
8 edited digital images
$400
Two location options
Limited fall dates
If you've been saying, “We really need family pictures this year,” this is your sign.