When you hear the term “mini sessions”, what do you think of? The definition of a mini session can vary from photographer to photographer. So, what can you expect from mini sessions? Let me explain what it is and what you can expect when you arrive for a fall mini session with Catherine Chamberlain Photography here in sunny Colorado.
![family of three sitting on the ground with flatirons behind them](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0037-1024x687.jpg)
Two weekends ago I held my first official set of fall mini sessions of the year. This meant that 10 families came at the allotted time they signed up for and had their pictures taken. Each family had a 15-minute time slot for being photographed. Some might question if this is enough time to get good photos. For the majority of time the answer is 100% yes. I will capture all the different combinations within your family and will provide a full gallery for your viewing. The only time a mini session may not be the best choice is if you want multiple locations as a backdrop, a particular date and time, or maybe you know your child does better warming up and playing before having their picture is taken. If any of these are the case for your family then I would recommend a full session.
SOUTH MESA TRAILHEAD – FLATIRONS MINI SESSIONS
This particular time, families came to South Mesa Trailhead in Boulder, CO. I had previously sent them an email with the exact location of where they could find me and how they could identify me. The setting was an open field with a gorgeous mountain background known as the flatirons. This is an ideal setting for fall minis with the yellow-toned grass and grand backdrop. The sun’s location provided the perfect glow to these light and airy photos. Families arrived early, dressed, and ready to go.
Before arriving, I sent each client a questionnaire so I can know more about their family, expectations, and any specific needs they may have. With these things in mind, I help each family know how to pose by gently guiding them regarding where to sit, how exactly to stand, and how to best pose for each picture. I want my clients to look and feel their best, so I try and make them as comfortable as possible. I aim to get a variety of shots: landscape and portrait; standing and sitting; pictures of the entire family and different combinations of family members as well.
Whenever the family comes along, there can be many unexpected dynamics. My goal is go-with-the-flow and make each challenge into an opportunity for a great photo. Yes, kids may cry or even try to escape, your dog may not always look in the right direction, but I have several tips and tricks to help with these situations and more. This time included beloved stuffed animals and well as freshly picked bouquets right from our feet.
FINAL WORDS
The families that came were an absolute delight to work with. Truthfully, I am thankful for each referral and repeat client, as well as the new faces I got to meet. I strive to have open communication and make each client as happy as possible. Thank you to those who came and trusted me in this process.
![ideal setting for fall family portraits as family of four poses in front of the flatirons in Boulder, CO](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0003.jpg)
![close up of twins hugging for Catherine Chamberlain Photography fall minis](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0002-scaled.jpg)
![dad receives kiss on the cheek from his daughter in South Mesa fall mini sessions in Colorado](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0001.jpg)
![dad holds his son while the boy gleefully smiles at northern CO family photographer](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0006-scaled.jpg)
![family of four share smiles as tickle session takes place during fall minis in South Mesa](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0005.jpg)
![dad squatting down holding daughter on his knee for a fall photo at South Mesa Trailhead](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0004.jpg)
![mom dad daughter and son holding stuffed puppy sitting on the ground in Northern CO](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0007.jpg)
![son giggles as he poses with his hand around dad's neck for fall mini session](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0008.jpg)
![family of four sit together to be photographed at South Mesa Trailhead](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0010-scaled.jpg)
![mom stands with young daughter and son for South Mesa Minis](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0009.jpg)
![mom holds baby while snuggling dad for family mini sessoins](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0014.jpg)
![mother kisses baby on the cheek while he smiles at the camera](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0016-scaled.jpg)
![mom and dad hold young son while he looking in to the camera of family photographer](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0017.jpg)
![husband wraps his arms around his wife neck while standing behind her in Boulder, CO](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0015.jpg)
![baby girl lays head on chest of her parents for flatiron mini session](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0013.jpg)
![Family of three sit with their dog in front of the flatiron mountains](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0011.jpg)
![husband tenderly kisses wife's forehead during photoshoot in South Mesa](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0012.jpg)
![family fall mini session in Boulder CO family of four standing casually](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0018.jpg)
![mother squatting down with son's arms wrapped around her neck for fall minis](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0019.jpg)
![tickles between siblings bring out the best smiles](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0020.jpg)
![mom dad son and daughter sit in golden grass area](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0021.jpg)
![daughter sits on dad's knee in front of mountain in northern CO](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0022-scaled.jpg)
![mom squats next to her two daughters dressed for fall mini family session](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0027.jpg)
![mom and dad snuggle head to head with two daughters standing beside them in Boulder, CO](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0026.jpg)
![dad embraces mom and photographed by Catherine Chamberlain Photographer](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0028.jpg)
![mom hugs daughter while she poses with a bouquet of flowers](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0029.jpg)
![sisters hugging with golden background](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0030.jpg)
![family of six standing pose for family photographer in Colorado](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0031.jpg)
![teen with off the shoulder jean jacket pose fall session in Colorado](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0035-scaled.jpg)
![light and airy family photo during fall](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0033.jpg)
![dad kissing mom during fall mini sessions](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0034-scaled.jpg)
![mom and her kids pose in Boulder, CO with flatirons in background](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0032.jpg)
![family of four standing in from of flatiron mountains](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0023.jpg)
![baby featured holding hands with mom and dad at mini session in Boulder](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0025.jpg)
![young son poses with one hand on his knee for family photographer](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0024.jpg)
![wife lays head on husbands chest during fall family session](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0036.jpg)
![family of three sitting on the ground with flatirons behind them](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0037.jpg)
![little boy with hands in pockets fall mini session](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0038-scaled.jpg)
![parents snuggling their son in Boulder, CO](https://catherinechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7364/2022/09/2022-09-28_0039.jpg)
INTERESTED IN BOOKING A FALL MINI SESSION OR UPCOMING CHRISTMAS MINI? PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR ANY OPENINGS.
Find resources and view more beautiful family and mini sessions over on the blog!
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