Mini Sessions Made Easy

Today, we were talking about mini-session misconceptions. There are so many lies that people believe about mini sessions and I want to take the time to talk about why they aren't true. Photographers will tell me that many sessions don't work and they'll tell me why. And I'm sitting there thinking, "Who told you that? Why are you believing these lies? Because it is not true." I believe wholeheartedly that mini sessions can be extremely profitable, especially when they're done right. When you follow a system in place and plan ahead, they're amazing!

Before we jump in, I want to let you know that I am hosting a FREE class all about mini sessions on February 24th and 25th. You can sign up here and if you can't attend live, that's okay. Sign up anyway and get a replay! Now, onto those mini-session misconceptions...

This is the first misconception I hear a LOT. Remember, a mini session is less time but not lower quality! Mini sessions are a good way for clients to get a taste of what your full session and experience can be like. It's better to leave them wanting more - and wanting to book a full session. So, price accordingly and so you actually make a profit! Remember, mini doesn't mean cheap!!! It's just a mini experience.

The second misconception is that photographers often think they need a super large client base to book their mini sessions successfully. I'll be the first one to tell you that's not true! Marketing is the key to fully booking your mini session. If you market well, you CAN book your mini sessions. I promise you - as someone who booked her first set of mini sessions with zero client base, I'm living proof it's possible. I'm actually going to be sharing 3 marketing secrets from my own business in my free class coming up on February 24th and 25th, so make sure you grab a seat.

The next misconception I hear a lot is that photographers think they only get price shoppers when booking mini sessions. There's this huge idea that for that reason alone, mini sessions aren't worth it. If you feel like you're getting price shoppers, it's probably because you're setting the price too low and not marketing well. I'm telling you from my own experience, I've gotten some of the best clients from my mini sessions!

I don't know where people got the idea that they have to have a super cute, perfectly coordinated setup for every mini session they do. Some of my most popular sessions are fall sessions outdoors, among the leaves - or the blue bonnets in the spring! If you do want to get props, plan to get some that are timeless and can be used over and over again. This will help save you money down the line and keep your sessions profitable.

And if you want to get some tips about spring minis, make sure you check out last week's podcast!

I know that starting a new project, like mini sessions, can feel scary. But hopefully learning how these mini-session misconceptions are actually false is helpful to you! I want you to know that with structure, some good marketing, and planning, mini sessions CAN be profitable. I hope that you'll join me for the free Mini session Class this week!

Mini Session Class Details (2:00)

Charging Super Low: (2:56)

No Client Base: (6:08)

Price Shoppers: (7:45)

Expensive Setups: (10:00)

How to get Models: (15:54)

+Free Mini Session Class

Another episode of The Business Journey Podcast is live! We are talking about one of my favorite topics of all time: mini sessions! Mini sessions are the bread and butter of my business - I'm truly the biggest fan of them. Today, I want to focus on prepping for spring mini sessions. Yes, spring mini sessions. In February. Because, if you're not planning for them already, you should be! When people begin coming out of hibernation and want to start asking around for photographers, you want to be the post and photographer they tag! 

When it comes to planning your spring minis, I have THREE tips that I'm sharing on the podcast. Make sure you check it out for all of the details, but I've got the overview for you here! Spring minis are one of my favorite types of sessions all year long. Every year, I make about $15,000 JUST from spring minis alone. I hope that got your attention! Now... onto the tips to prepare for your spring minis:

When I say "promo shots", I mean the images you'll be using to advertise your minis. Make sure you show what your location, setup, and theme will be! These are the first photos everyone will see of your setup so they really matter. And if you don't have the chance to capture your setup before your minis because it's your first year (and probably location specific, like bluebell fields!), tune into the podcast to see what my recommendation is. It's easier than you think!

Counting back this many weeks gives you plenty of time to book up your minis. Most of the time mini sessions "fail" because the photographer didn't give enough time to book the sessions. You need time for the advertisements to work! If you're not naturally a planner, I know this can be more difficult - and that's okay! I have lots of tips to help you on the podcast - and in my Mini Session Playbook!

The final tip is to only open one date at a time. If you're planning on multiple dates, it can be really ambitious unless you have a huge client base. I recommend that you start slowly and open the first day. When those start to fill up, you can open the others. You don't want your minis scattered in small bunches across multiple dates - it's better if they're back-to-back for your own planning! There's some other benefits, too, but you'll have to tune in to learn them all!

There they are! Three quick tips to help you with prepping for spring mini sessions! Make sure you listen to the whole episode and get all of the secrets I'm sharing about booking your minis! And check out our first podcast episode here!

Why you should prepare your sessions NOW (1:15)

Theme Inspiration (3:00)

Take Your Promo Shots Now (3:48)

What if I don't have promo shots? The WRONG thing to do (6:48)

What if I don't have promo shots? The RIGHT thing to do (7:50)

Open Up One Date at a Time. (14:50)

+ 12 Theme Ideas Free Download

+ Mini Session Playbook

Let’s be honest, time management is hard! From the time I started my photography business to July 2020, my business was a side hustle. I had a full time job! I was balancing work-life, mom-life, AND my side business as a family photographer. I want to give you some tips and tricks I learned to help balance my time between the three of those things. I still use these now because they are so helpful!

When I was thinking about podcast topics, I knew this topic would be the perfect start!

I hope these tips are helpful to you and your business! 

Here is a quick view at some of the things I talked about:

"If you're the kind of mom who feels guilty for working instead of being with your kids..." (2:40)

Set Office Hours (4:30)

Batching your work (5:25)

Do Not Disturb! (6:11)

"You have to be flexible." (8:02)

Automate anything you can! (11:21)

Outsourcing (14:40)

"Lets take editing for example..." (16:33)

Outsourcing Your Social Media (18:25)

LINKS MENTIONED:

+ 5 Must-Have Apps Freebie Download

+ Dubsado (20% off)

+ HoneyBook (50% off)

Welcome to the Business Journey Podcast where host Rebecca Rice teaches photographers and business owners to navigate their business journey and find a life of financial freedom through a thriving, profitable business. As a wife, mom, and business owner, Rebecca knows the trials of trying to do all the things. It may not always be easy, but it CAN be done!

Week after week, Rebecca brings helpful, practical teaching to inspire and equip photographers just like you. She'll cover everything from time management and goal-setting down to the nitty gritty of things like posing, marketing, and personal branding. 

If you're ready to feel empowered, encouraged, and on fire for the things you truly love, then you're in the right place!