Mini Sessions Made Easy

We've got a brand new episode of the Business Journey Podcast for you today. This is a super popular and often requested topic: prepping for fall mini-sessions as a photographer! We talked about prepping for mini sessions in the spring time, and now that fall is fast approaching, we wanted to help you get ready again. I know it seems like July is TOO early to prep for fall mini-sessions but I promise you, it's not! Now's the time to start prepping, seriously.

One of the biggest mistakes I see photographers make when it comes to mini-sessions is that they wait too long to start planning. If you wait until the leaves change colors to start prepping your fall mini-sessions, you've already missed your window. Start implementing these tips now - I start booking my fall and Christmas mini-sessions in July and they book out every single time. Prep doesn't just mean tell people it's happening. Do some of the behind the scenes work now, too. One easy thing to do? Start making your rentals now - indoor spaces, props, trucks, whatever it is you need. Book and schedule them now before they're filled up for the fall and winter season!

In order to advertise, you'll need promotional shots. Now's a great time to get them for your sessions. If you're using a new location, host a model call (or ask a former client) and have them pose for you. If you're using a setup with props, make sure you have photos of clients in the setup! Hopefully you've got some from last year, but if not, get it set up and have a model call. I know in the spring, promo shots can feel really tricky but for the fall, it's a LOT easier. Depending on the location, it can be really easy to make the images look like fall photos. And if you need a little help, I've got my Light & Airy Season Preset Pack in the shop! It's seriously like magic. You can put it on any photo and have it look like fall.

Anyway, for promotional shots I usually do a model call. I usually have interested families sign up through my email form (it adds them to my email list, so even better!) and then choose one family. They'll come be my models and get 5 images for their time. You can always upsell with additional images, too! They get beautiful images and you've got the ones you need to promote your fall mini-sessions. Win-win!

Alright, I know that sounds a little vague. But get out your calendar right now (paper or digital!) and let's dive into the timeline of fall minis. Decide what dates you're doing your fall and/or Christmas mini-sessions. I usually offer one date at three or four locations (so a total of four mini-session dates) for the fall. If this is your first season of sessions, just start with one date - you can always add more later! We tend to offer our fall mini-sessions in September. We may offer an early October one because people start to realize they never had family photos that year, but by the end of October and into November, we're pushing Christmas mini-sessions SUPER hard. I like to know that we can turn our images around in plenty of time for Christmas cards. It saves everyone's sanity, really. So, pick the dates you're going to offer (and rescheduling dates, too).

Now, we start figuring out how to advertise those mini sessions! Look at the date of the sessions you've picked and count back 6-8 weeks. That's when you need to start advertising your sessions. I start by opening up my books to my email list first. Then, a a few days later, they open to the public. This is where your planning really comes in handy. You need to sit down and make sure everything is ready to start advertising at that point. Have your images ready, emails written, social media posts prepped. Do the hard stuff now because when the fall comes in, it gets BUSY. Every photographer experiences that! Set yourself up for success now.

Right now, in the summer, you should be prepping for fall mini sessions by doing a few things. Decide on your dates, book rentals, grab promo shots at the location(s) or setups your using, and lay out your marketing schedule. Use this slower summer season to set yourself up for success this fall. You're going to be amazed at how much better it feels to sell out your mini-sessions because you were so prepared!

Don't wait to prep + book rentals (3:10)

Take promo shots (5:09)

Plan backwards (8:40)

+ Light & Airy Seasonal Preset Pack

We've dropped another episode of the Business Journey Podcast today! And it's one I'm really excited about. Today, we're comparing CRMs for mini-sessions. What's a CRM? It's a client management system that helps you track client's progressions, as well as sends documents, and emails. Specifically, we're going to compare Honeybook, Dubsado, and Session for mini-sessions. Before we dive in though, I want to remind you that it's almost mini season! And as you're getting ready to plan, I know that sometimes it can feel stressful to plan a theme and hope it books. I've taken the guesswork out of picking a theme for you with my freebie that's ALL about 12 proven mini-session themes! Grab it today.

I'm asked this question all the time by students! Should I use Honeybook or Dubsado? And really, it's a super personal choice for you and your business. But, today I'm going to break down some differences between the softwares so that you can make an educated decision on which is best for you. I used Honeybook for a year and I currently use Dubsado, which I love (if you haven't figured that out already). There's also another software out there called Sessions that was built for mini-sessions! I learned early on that it just wouldn't do everything I need but it might be worth a trial for you. To me, the discussion is really between Honeybook and Dubsado. But let's talk about them all!

Session is $19/mo. currently and is literally designed for people who aren't super tech-savvy. No shame in that! It's pretty streamlined and easy to set up, which is nice. Right away, it helps you set up a date for your sessions, set up a way for them to pick dates, and has built in reminders for your clients. So that's pretty nice! But depending how involved your client experience is, you may not be able to add everything you need - like me, I like to add in a client experience guide and I couldn't do that. The booking link is super streamlined for your clients and easy for them to sign up but overall it's a super basic system. If you have an involved workflow, you'll want to look at Honeybook or Dubsado.

Honeybook is currently $30/mo. (20% off with my code!). I used it for a year and really loved it. Honeybook is very user-friendly and beautiful, but wasn't quite as powerful (yet) as Dubsado. In Honeybook, you can build your own workflows and customize them much more than Session. So that's a plus! One thing I do love about Honeybook is their workflow pipeline. You can quickly see where someone is in the process of their session with you (signed contract, paid, etc.). Honeybook also has the ability to run reports and look at data, which Session does not. But, the one thing I don't love about Honeybook is their scheduler. Unlike Session or Dubsado, when you have someone sign up for a session through their calendar, you cannot trigger a workflow. So there's some extra work on your end to finish setting that up. To me, that kind of defeats the purpose of automation. But there's lots I DO like about their software!

A few dollars cheaper than Honeybook, Dubsado is $28/mo (and I have a 20% off coupon for them, too!). Like Honeybook, you can customize your own workflows which is amazing! But the customization doesn't stop there. Dubsado also allows you to customize that pipeline so you can easily see where clients are in the booking process. Additionally, you can actually build a step into your workflow that will move the client's project down the line (like to the editing "bucket"). I'm ALL about automating whatever I can! Dubsado's triggers for the workflow are also more robust - with more options. Ever have a client not fill out a questionnaire and wish you could remind them? Dubsado can! And when it comes to scheduling mini-sessions, you can trigger workflow steps like contracts and invoices, so you don't even have to do a thing when someone signs up. PS - if setting up a workflow like that sounds super overwhelming, I've got something for you: my Dubsado Workflow! It shows you every step in my workflows and helps you set it up, too!

On the down side, sometimes Dubsado can feel a bit clunky compared to Honeybook. Occasionally it is slow to load and doesn't always look as nice as Honeybook. If Honeybook ever adds more options for automations, I may switch back. But, just a quick note about that!

Basically, if you aren't super tech savvy and need something simple, go with Session. Honeybook is great for full sessions where you can automate most steps. If you want a lot of options for customizations and the best automation options, Dubsado will be best for you! No matter what, you can make any CRM work for you in any stage of business. A CRM is going to look much more professional than just Google docs or something like that. There's always cheaper options too, like Shootproof, when you're first starting - so just start somewhere small and grow from there!

+ Honeybook Discount Code

+ Session Discount Code

+ Dubsado Discount Code

+ Shootproof Free Trial

+ 12 Proven Mini-Session Themes

+ Dubsado Workflow 

Session (3:03)

Honeybook (5:24)

Dubsado (8:24)

Recap (12:44)

Welcome back to the Business Journey Podcast! If you haven't noticed yet, our episodes lately are really focusing on mini-sessions. And, there's a reason! We're almost to prime mini-session season and I want you to be well-prepared to host the most amazing and profitable sessions you've ever had. Today, we're talking about 4 key emails to send mini-session clients that will take your client experience to a whole new level. (PS. If you're still trying to decide what KIND of mini-session to host, I've got a free resource for you with 12 proven mini-session themes. Grab it here!)

I think that sometimes photographers believe mini-sessions are so short that your client experience gets stunted. I've heard people say they can't serve their clients well for only a mini-session! But, I beg to differ. In my opinion, you can still serve them well leading up to your mini-session. Your session is going to go by quickly. There's no denying that. So instead, really crate a valuable client experience on leading up to the actual photos. One easy way to do that is the emails you send to clients ahead of time. I personally use Dubsado to setup these emails and you can actually get my whole Dubsado workflow HERE! Here's FOUR emails to send mini-session clients that will uplevel your client experience.

I send a simple questionnaire to every single min-session client. This questionnaire helps me get to know them better and know how I abetter serve them. I ask about their families, their photo history, and if there's special needs I should be aware of. My questionnaire truly ensures that we're going to make the most of their 15 minutes with me! When I'm in the middle of sessions, I can even glance at it quickly before the next family comes so I'm ready for them. If you want a copy of this questionnaire, you can get it HERE!  It's a no brainer!

Another automated email I send to my mini-session clients is my Client Experience guide. This is a PDF guide I created that includes tips about what to wear and what to expect before, during, and after their session as well as tips to help make sure their session is a success. The whole purpose of the guide is to answer questions they may have before they even ask them! Mine is designed specifically for families and I only ever hear positive things from my clients about it! If you want a copy of my Canva template, you can grab that HERE! 

I call this my "famous final info email" because I talk about it a TON with my students! This email is jam-packed with information for my clients and they get it right before their session. It's designed to literally answer any question I could get in the last day or so before their session - things like specific directions, the time of their slot, reminders about what to wear and more. I want to help my clients feel prepared, so I over communicate and make sure there's nothing left to chance. Worried about writing all of these emails for your clients? I've got you covered! Grab my email templates in the shop!

The last email I send is the one that's often forgotten by photographers: a request for a review. After you've delivered your gallery, one of the best things you can do for your business is to request a review. The whole world runs on social proof these days - so GET IT from your clients right away! Make it easy for your clients and link your Facebook page, Google reviews, or any other spot you might want them to write their review. And don't be afraid to ask specific questions like how they felt during the session, about the experience, and if they liked the photos.

It's SO easy to add these four emails into your workflow but it's honestly astounding how deeply it impacts your client's experience with you and your business. With my email templates, these emails are super easy to put together and you can uplevel your client experience literally overnight. I recommend getting these added into your workflow now, before busy season hits and you'll be ready for the best set of mini-sessions yet!

+ FREE Mini-Session Class

+ 12 Mini-Session Ideas

+ Client Questionnaire

+ Client Experience Guide

+ Email Templates

+ 20% Off Dubsado

Client Questionnaire (4:45)

Client Experience Guide (6:48)

Final Email (9:18)

Request for Review  (13:04)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

We've got another episode of the Business Journey Podcast to share with you today! Today, we're diving into another one of my all-time favorite topics: how to book mini-sessions with no client base. It's one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to mini-sessions - that you have to have a huge client base for these sessions to be profitable. But, it's a lie! You can totally have successful mini-sessions, no matter the size of your client base. And today, we're going to walk through some super practical tips to help make sure you have profitable mini-sessions wherever you are in your business.

In order to reach and book new clients, you have to have a portfolio that you can use online. From a consumer's standpoint, they're going to want to book with someone they know is an expert. For us, that means we need to actually have photographs that are ours to show off on our websites and social media platforms. An easy way to build your portfolio? A model call! Post in your local community groups with a date and time you need a family for, offer some digitals in exchange for their time and now you've got a session you can use to advertise! I usually do a few families so I can make sure I'm diversifying my portfolio, too. The same goes for your actual mini-sessions with themes. You'll need photos to advertise them so have a model call so you can photograph your set!

When I say "home base", I really mean a centralized spot that clients and potential clients can go to be able to see your work and get in touch with you. Ideally, this should be your website. But if you're not quite to that stage, a strong Facebook or Instagram page would suffice. Now, I totally get how terrifying that sounds. We aren't web designers! We're photographers! The good news is that so many website platforms have templates - like Showit and Wix. So, you're not out there all alone trying to design a website. Remember to keep it simple to start. You need a home page, a portfolio page, and a contact page. That's literally all you need to start with - and done is better than perfect, so get that site up!

So many business owners get swept up in the idea that they have to do every single thing when it comes to marketing. But the truth is, you need to focus on where your ideal client actually is. Think about where your ideal clients hang out: Mom's groups on Facebook? Instagram? Pinterest? Once you know, put your energy in that direction and location. A big piece of advice for marketing is to exhaust all of your free options first. I'll be the first to say I love my Facebook ads now but when I started my business, I wouldn't have been able to understand them and get the most return for my money. So start small and where you know your ideal audience is - and you'll be amazed at how you can start making connections there!

This step is vital for booking clients with little to no client base. I learned this one from my mentors and I think it was a HUGE turning point in my business. From a consumer's perspective, people want to work with someone who's in demand and good at what they do. So make sure you look like you're in demand! All this basically means is share constantly - no one has to know if it was a model call or free session of your sister's kids. Stretch out whatever you've got as long as you can! You can share the final images, behind the scenes - like editing or at the session, before and afters, while you're scouting the location... you get the idea.

Booking mini-sessions with little to no client base is way easier than it seems! With these four tips, you'll find your business is going from slow to booming in no time. Seriously, everything in business just comes down to a little bit of planning! And speaking of planning... Don't forget, I've got a FREE guide to help you decide what kind of mini-sessions to plan this fall. Trust me, you need to be planning NOW for those sessions to be a success! This freebie has  twelve (yep, you read that right!) proven-to-work mini-session themes that you can use this year. You can download that guide HERE!

+ 12 Mini-Session Ideas

+ Behind the Lens Membership

Build Your Portfolio (5:15)

Home Base for Clients (8:00)

Advertise Where Your Clients Are (10:08)

Appear in High Demand (16:00)

Today, we're talking about mini-sessions vs. full sessions for photographers and why mini-sessions win out every time. We're going to dive into the numbers and talk about the nitty gritty details so that you truly understand why I believe in the value of mini-sessions for photographers. I can't wait to talk to you about this topic, it's truly one of my favorites because it surprises SO many people!

Now, before we get too far, I wanted to remind you, if you haven't checked out my free minis class, you're missing out! It's jam packed with all kinds of details about how I structure mini-sessions, market them to be profitable, and book out EVERY time. Trust me, after this blog post, you'll want to go take the class and get going for your own mini-sessions!

Honestly, I feel like this is a MAJOR showdown when it comes to photography businesses. All the time, I'm in groups online and trying to convince photographers to consider offering mini-sessions. If they only understood how much better these sessions can be for your time, energy, wallet, and life... they'd agree! That's why I wanted to talk about it today with you. To be clear, when I say "mini-session", I mean sessions that are 15 minutes and stacked in a time block. These are not stand alone sessions - they occur back to back at a location that the photographer has planned. There are a limited number of images given. Basically, a limited and controlled session. A full session, in comparison, is 30-60 minutes with a full gallery of at least 15+ images. Clients choose the location and it's not as controlled on your end.

As a business owner, I'm always looking for ways to maximize my time, energy, and money. And when I do mini-sessions, I make more hourly than I do during a regular session. And that doesn't even include what you might make by upselling your galleries after the fact. If you're curious about how to upsell your mini-session gallery, make sure you tune into my free class. Oh, and I break down ALL of the math on the podcast episode, so tune in to hear all the numbers laid out for why you actually make more with minis hourly!!

The spring and fall are notoriously busy times of year for photographers. During these peak seasons, I put all of my energy into mini-sessions. Instead of saying how many dates can I book with full sessions, I'm asking how many slots I can fill on one or two days. I'm not giving up all of my time throughout some beautiful times of year to be photographing sessions. Instead, I can be with my family!

I want to be clear: I'm not saying never do full sessions! There are definitely types of sessions that should be a full 30-60 minutes, like newborn or maternity sessions. But, if it can be a mini-session, try to make it one and maximize your time and calendar (and profit) in busy times of the year. During off season, we are booking full sessions because there's not the same demand for sessions - so we can go a little bit slower and not overdo our schedule without helping our wallet!

I truly believe mini-sessions can be a great and easy way to increase the profitability of your business, if you know what you're doing! I hope that I've convinced you, but if you're worried about your mini-sessions tanking, I've got another FREE resource for you: my 12 Mini-Session Ideas. I've got 12 proven themes that people LOVE. Now is the time to start thinking about your fall minis, so make sure you're well-prepared!

+ FREE Mini-Session Class

+ 12 Mini-Session Ideas

+ Behind the Lens Membership

Mini-Sessions vs. Full Sessions (1:49)

Mini-Sessions + Time (4:20)

Mini-Sessions + Schedule (9:06)

Full Sessions (11:25)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

If you're a photographer, today's episode of the Business Journey Podcast is definitely worth a listen. I'm chatting all about my insane life for Shootproof, a gallery delivery system I literally cannot live without. It's one of the best delivery softwares that exist for photographers and I really think every photographer should be using it! Let's dive in because I want you to get started with it today!

Before we get too far, I want to mention a free resource I've got for you as we get into mini session season! It's full of TWELVE proven mini-session themes that people absolutely love. So grab that HERE. Trust me, they'll get you started on the right foot with your mini-sessions this year!

I've been using Shootproof from the very, very beginning of my business. Initially, when I started using it, the primary reason that I stuck with it was because it was a good price point. I needed an inexpensive option at the start of my business, and I'm sure many of you can relate to that. Shootproof also allowed for me to send contracts and invoices and at the time, the only other CRM options with similar documents were super expensive. Eventually I grew into those systems (like Honeybook and Dubsado) but at the start, I wanted something that still looked and felt professional for a smaller price! As I grew into other CRMs, I still kept Shootproof as my delivery system because there's just SO many functionalities I really, really love, which I'm going to dive in with you now!

Shootproof has gallery presets so you can go in and set the parameters of a gallery you want to use over and over again, including how many downloads someone can get from their gallery. By limiting downloads to 5 (when I deliver 20-30 images), I can upsell my galleries which we've talked about before! But, Shootproof makes it SUPER easy for me to set up these downloads and I don't have to track them per client. It's already done in the system.

One of my favorite features of Shootproof is their automated email campaigns. Whether you're doing a mini or full session, you can use this campaign feature to send reminders about downloading images, purchasing more, or whatever you want. It's a great and easy way to automate the upselling process for your sessions! You can set various triggers so that if they do or don't download images, they get certain emails. I don't know about you but I'm a little anxious about trying to sell directly to my clients but if the system is automatically doing it for me, then I can just relax and let Shootproof do it's job for me!

Like I mentioned at the beginning, Shootproof does have contracts and invoices built in. I think this is SO important - especially if you're at the early stages of your business. Instead of having to invest in a lot of softwares, you can invest in a smaller one that still allows you to look professional. You can easily lay out and track your projects, invoices, and contracts all within Shootpoof. You'll outgrow it eventually, but it's not a bad starting place!

Shootproof is a GREAT delivery system for photographers in any stage. And if you're reading and thinking about switching, I want to encourage you to DO IT! But, of course, think about the pros and cons for your own business. I love the automation features included in Shootproof and they've made a huge difference in my ability to upsell galleries, which I love. Honestly, I'm always open to talk about ANY questions you have about Shootproof. We talk about it a ton in my Rebecca Rice Education Facebook group.

If you want to join my Facebook group, join us in Behind the Lens! Not only do you get the behind the scenes videos of sessions each month, plus a masterclass of a special topic but you also get access to my community online. We've got photographers in all stages of their business there asking questions and talking with each other, but it's seriously just SO supportive. I absolutely love it. Check out Behind the Lens Membership and join us this spring!

+ 12 Mini-Session Ideas

+Try Shootproof for FREE

+ Behind the Lens Membership

Why Shootproof (2:20)

Limiting Downloads (5:15)

Automated Email Campaigns (8:42)

Contracts & Invoices (10:20)

Another episode of the Business Journey Podcast is live! I'm so excited about today's topic - I know, I say that about them all, but seriously this is a really important one! As a photographer, so much of our job is being social and making connections both with clients and other photographers. If you're anything like me as an introvert, cultivating those friendships isn't always the easiest. So today, I want to share a few tips for cultivating friendships in the photography industry!

I know it sounds really simple, but focus on finding a community of people that are like-minded. Find people that you feel align with your your vision, who you are and who you want to be. When I was working as a youth minister, I used to say "show me your friends and I'll show you your future" but it really is true. Surround yourself with people who are like you and who you want to be in 5 years.

Let's be honest: relationships with other photographers and vendors don't happen by accident. You have to truly think about what you're doing and carefully put yourself out there. As an introvert, I know how uncomfortable that feels but it's necessary. Whether it's a coffee meet up in your area or a Clubhouse room, find a way to make intentional connections.

We have a WHOLE episode on the idea of community over competition (see it here!), that's how strongly I believe in this tip. Remember that building connections and relationships is about truly connecting and cheering for others. This is not a race and you don't need to compare yourself to others. Celebrate where each of you are in the journey. You'd be surprised how naturally relationships form from there.

There you have it! Three easy and practical tips to help you with cultivating relationships in the photography industry. I hope that you start to connect with others around you and find your tribe! You deserve it! Life is so much better with people in your corner.

And don't forget, if you're thinking about your mini-sessions for the summer and fall, I've got a free resource for you! It's full of TWELVE proven mini-session themes that people absolutely love. So grab that HERE. Trust me, they'll get you started on the right foot with your mini-sessions this year!

+ 12 Mini-Session Ideas

Find your tribe (3:47)

Be intentional (6:38)

Support each other (11:53)

Welcome back to the Business Journey podcast! I'm SO excited to be sharing today's episode with you because I truly believe in the power of reading. Honestly, I think every small business owner should make time to read because it's just such a powerful experience and way to consume content that can change your life. Today, I'm excited to be sharing FIVE books that have been transformational for my business with you. Remember, you don't have to actually read the book to consume the knowledge - try an audio book if you can't find time to sit and read. There's so many options to get the content - so let's dive right in!

Look, I get it. We're all SUPER busy people - running businesses, raising kids, and having a life. But I just want you to remember that if you read 20 minutes a day, you can finish at least one book a month. I used to believe that if I couldn't finish a chapter, it wasn't worth reading in that sitting. But now, I've learned that's not the case. Try to carve out a little time for YOU. Whether you read or listen to an audiobook, give yourself that time to relax and enjoy! Now, onto the books!

"Profit First" was seriously transformational for my finances. This book helped me understand that the idea of having a profitable business was possible. This book teaches you how to allocate your expenses, profit, and what you actually pay yourself so that you can make money! Combined with the You Need a Budget (YNAB) app and website, this book seriously changed how I look at my money!

"Traction" is alllll about how you structure and run your business, a concept Wickman calls "EOS". The whole book walks you through how to structure your team - and even if you don't have a team, you can learn a lot about how to manage your business. Wickman helps you plan longterm for your business, looking ahead 3, 5, and 10 years in advance so you can figure out where you want your business to go. This book truly helped me understand the WHY of my business.

I wasn't lying when I said I loved Gino Wickman. Wickman partnered with Mark Winters to write this one. It's a bit of a spinoff from "Traction", but it really focuses on the relationship between a visionary/CEO and their team, especially an integrator. This relationship is super powerful and "Rocket Fuel" helped me understand how to lean into and use that to my advantage to grow. If you're even considering a team or are in the beginning stages of starting one, read this book!

I have to admit that this book was a SUPER fast read but it was incredibly helpful. Kothand helps you map out a year of content, no matte what kind of business you're in. Because of this book, I had hundreds of ideas for content pieces. She honestly makes it so simple by asking questions that get you thinking about what your audience wants, and you'll wind up writing out a huge brain dump. Trust me! It's worth the read!

Honestly, "The Miracle Morning" was great for my personal life more than anything but it did impact my business, too! This book really helps you outline a morning routine - one that's solid and focused. Whether you're a morning person or not, Elrod reminds you that giving yourself a sold routine will help you be the best version of you.

And there you have it: 5 books that have transformed my business! I hope that you go grab a copy and dive in. Truly, I believe the chance to read through some of these amazing ideas will help you in your own business. I know it sparked a LOT of thoughts and changes for me!

+ 12 Mini Session Ideas 

+ Profit First

+ Traction

+Rocket Fuel

+ The One Hour Content Plan

+ The Miracle Morning

Profit First (4:29)

Traction (7:17)

Rocket Fuel (10:19)

The One Hour Content Plan (11:55)

The Miracle Morning (14:30)

I'm so excited we've got another Business Journey podcast episode for you today! As a family photographer in Nashville, TN this one resonates really well with me personally. I'm sharing tricks for getting kids to cooperate for family photos! Honestly, I LOVE photographing families with young toddlers. I think they're so much fun!! But I know for many family photographers, the idea of working with little ones can be super stressful. It can be difficult - so I totally get it. But, over the years, I've found some tricks work really well to get kids to cooperate, so I want to share them with you!

Before we jump in too far, I want to remind you of two things: my FREE class for Booked Out Minis and Behind the Lens membership! My free class is all about my marketing secrets. I'm seriously sharing the things I do to market for my business and for my mini-sessions. Whether you're new to the game or looking to up level your business, take a look! And don't forget about my Behind the Lens membership. This is a membership for family photographer where I take you behind the scenes on real sessions with me, as well as provide monthly masterclasses about specific topics. Now, let's dive into our topic today!

I know this seems really basic, but it can make a huge difference in how the session starts out. By putting the family together first, I get a good feel for their family dynamic, which helps me guide the rest of the session. Not only does this help me, but help the kids as well. If they realize everyone - including mom and dad - are okay with me, they often realize it's okay if they relax and have fun with me too. Plus, putting everyone together at the start is just way less stressful for everyone overall! No one's being called out right away.

Not every kid is going to pose perfectly and stand there an entire session. I mean, with two kids of my own to think about, I'd be surprised if they did! Normally, they're in a new environment and someone they don't know is "in" their face with a camera. So let the kids lead. If they need time to run around, let them. Capture some action shots while they're doing that! By capturing some of these candids, I still allow the kids to relax and get more comfortable with me without wasting any time.

Find out what they like! Are there songs you can sing for their attention? Is there a phrase that makes them laugh? Whatever it is, listen and ask - then run with it. Allow the parents to help here since they know best. You'll be surprised how many times I've gotten great laughs out of silly songs or repeating something someone said during the session. You can ask during the session about they stuff, but I also send a questionnaire to my families beforehand so I have an idea of what to expect for the kids - and so I can prepare!

Let's be real, even with all of our best efforts, sometimes kids just need a little extra push. So don't be afraid to play games with them! For young kids, I'll jump around, play peekaboo, make super obnoxious noises... whatever it takes to get those little smiles. You can even tel the kids they can run for a little then they have to smile, or something similar! You'd be amazed at how quickly that brings out the laughs, too. That brings me to my last trick...

This might be my favorite trick of all to get kids to cooperate during family photo sessions. Encourage the parents to bring candy or snacks to bribe their kids. No, it's seriously IN my final email reminder because that's how much I think this works. I let the families decide what will work best for their kids (and so we don't have any issues with allergies or anything like that!), but it's amazing how much it helps. I am NOT below bribery when it comes to getting those smiles.

So there you have it! Those are my top 5 tips to get kids to cooperate during family photos!  I know that these tricks might not change everything during a session, but generally they do work to get a few smiles in there. If you're looking to see how I use these tricks in real time, make sure you join me over in Behind the Lens! I can't wait to hear how your family portraits go!

Start with the whole family first! (2:59)

Follow their lead. (4:10)

Get to know the kids. (4:51)

Play games! (7:05)

Bribery!! (8:42)

+ Behind the Lens Membership

+ FREE Minis Class

+ Client Questionnaire Template

+ Email Templates

If you haven't joined Behind the Lens with Rebecca Rice yet, you're missing out. I recently shared a lifestyle newborn session on the blog and I was immediately messaged by so many photographers about whether or not I used flash during the session. They couldn't believe I got the light I did naturally. And the truth was, I didn't! I DID use a flash. Awhile ago, during one of my indoor newborn sessions, I learned this lesson the hard way. So now, I never show up to an indoor session without my flash. And today, on the Business Journey Podcast, I'm sharing all about indoor photo session horror story that taught me this lesson and how you can learn from my mistakes.

When I was a new photographer, I took an indoor lifestyle session. It was a lot of fun - but I made a major mistake. I didn't use my flash. And, looking back, I wish I had! I knew I should have but I just wasn't comfortable with it yet. But I realized as I began to edit the images that I had definitely screwed up. Make sure you listen to all of the details on the podcast today!! Not only did this session teach me to always bring my flash, but it's inspired me to become a better teacher.

Now, I want to be sure other photographers don't make the mistakes I have in my business. That's one of the reasons I LOVE Behind the Lens. You, my students, are literally coming along with me on family sessions outdoors AND indoors. This month's session is actually behind the scenes from that recent lifestyle newborn session. And, our masterclass for the month of April? ALL about flash! I designed this program so that you can learn from me and go into every session with confidence. I know how it feels to realize the session wasn't what you wanted or hoped for. By showing you what things really look like in a family or newborn session, in real life lighting situations, and walking you through my decisions, I'm able to help you learn in a setting that's as close to being by my side as possible.

If you haven't joined us yet, sign up today! I promise, this is the BEST decision you'll make today! Not only do you get access to videos that are behind the scenes of my sessions, but you get a masterclass each month about a special topic to help you continue to grow your skills and business. And on top of that, you'll join our Facebook community page which is full of so many supportive and amazing photographers, just like you.

Oh, and PS! Don't forget, if you're planning minis this year, join my FREE class to learn more about how to get fully booked out mini sessions! Trust me, it is possible. And, I truly want you to succeed!

+ Behind the Lens with Rebecca Rice

+ FREE Minis Class