How to Choose a Fall Mini Session Photographer: What to Know Before You Book

Fall colors arrive in Minnesota, somebody posts, “Looking for a reasonably priced photographer for family pictures,” and within an hour there can be dozens of recommendations.

That’s wonderful — but it can also make choosing a photographer surprisingly difficult.

Prices may look similar at first glance, but what you actually receive can be very different.

Before you book a fall mini session based only on the advertised price, here are a few things worth asking.

1. What is actually included in the price?

A $75 session and a $200 session may not be comparable at all.

Ask whether the price includes:

• The photography session

• Digital images

• How many finished images you receive

• Professional retouching

• Printing rights

• Prints or products

• Additional family groupings

• Pets

• Sales tax or other fees

Sometimes an inexpensive session fee is simply the starting point.

There is nothing wrong with that — as long as you know before booking what your final investment may be.

2. How many images will you actually receive?

“Digital images included” can mean very different things.

You may receive three finished photographs, ten photographs, a complete gallery, or simply the opportunity to purchase images afterward.

Ask specifically:

How many finished, retouched images are included with my session price?

That one question makes comparing photographers much easier.

3. Are the photographs professionally finished?

There is a difference between receiving photographs straight from the camera and receiving professionally finished portraits.

Professional retouching may include color correction, exposure adjustments, cropping, skin retouching, removing distractions and refining the image so it is ready to display in your home.

If something matters to you — stray hairs, glasses glare, blemishes, background distractions or other small details — ask how those things are handled.

4. Is there enough time for your family?

Mini sessions can be wonderful, especially when everyone is prepared and things go smoothly.

But families are rarely perfectly predictable.

Little children sometimes need a minute to warm up.

Dogs don't always look at the camera on command.

Dad may blink.

Someone's hair will inevitably blow across their face at exactly the wrong moment.

Ask how long the session lasts and what happens if your family needs a little extra help.

An experienced photographer should know how to work quickly without making the experience feel rushed.

5. Will the photographer help you look your best?

Good family photography involves much more than choosing a pretty tree.

Your photographer should understand:

• Flattering posing

• Family grouping

• Lighting

• Clothing coordination

• Expressions

• How to work with children

• How to photograph different body types

• How to keep a session moving without making everyone miserable

A beautiful location helps.

Knowing what to do with the people standing in that location matters even more.

6. What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?

Minnesota fall weather has a personality of its own.

Ask your photographer what happens if there is rain, strong wind, unusually cold temperatures or another weather problem.

Is there a reschedule date?

An indoor alternative?

A backup plan?

It is much nicer to know this before everyone is dressed and ready to leave the house.

7. Does the photographer have experience with families like yours?

Look beyond one beautiful photograph on social media.

Look through several sessions.

Can they photograph toddlers?

Teenagers?

Grandparents?

Large families?

Pets?

Families with different personalities and comfort levels in front of the camera?

Consistency is one of the biggest differences between hiring someone who occasionally takes a great photograph and hiring an experienced professional photographer.

8. What can you actually do with the finished photographs?

If digital images are important to you, ask what size files you receive and what printing permissions come with them.

If wall portraits, albums or gift prints are important, ask whether those are available too.

Your family photographs shouldn't have to live forever inside your phone.

The best photography experience gives you something you will actually enjoy seeing years from now.

9. Compare value — not just the session fee.

This may be the most important tip.

The least expensive photographer is not automatically the best value.

The most expensive photographer isn't automatically the right choice either.

Instead, ask:

What am I receiving for the money I'm spending?

A photographer who provides experience, preparation, professional lighting, skilled posing, retouching, dependable service and finished photographs you love may ultimately give you much more value than a lower-priced session that doesn't include those things.

Looking for an affordable way to update your family portraits this fall?

At The Imagery, we understand that families have different needs and different budgets.

That's why during the October and November family portrait season we offer several ways to create beautiful updated family photographs without every family needing the same type of session.

Depending upon what you're looking for, we can help you choose an option that keeps the session simple and affordable or create a more complete family portrait experience.

And because we've been photographing families since 1998, you aren't simply booking a time slot beneath a pretty fall tree.

We'll help with clothing, posing, family groupings, expressions, lighting and the little details that make the finished portrait something you're proud to put on your wall.

Children, grown children, grandparents and pets are welcome too.

Our goal has always been simple:

Preserving what matters — today and forever.

If you're considering fall family photographs this October or November, contact The Imagery and tell us what you're hoping to create.

We'll help you find the option that makes the most sense for your family — and your budget.