Hey hey there, mini session clients!

I wanted to create an area where you could come and find out the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about my mini sessions - things like what to wear, what if it rains (it better not!) and what to do if you have kids that are tired or grumpy during your session.

If, however, you have a question that isn’t answered for you here, use the contact box at the bottom of this page and put Mini Session Client in the subject box. That way I can get straight back to you with whatever help you need.

Let’s get started!

Location details

The location for the sessions is Crawfordsburn Country Park.

Where exactly will the session take place? I love to use the meadow between the visitor centre and the path to the beach. But the beach is always an option too, tide permitting.

Where should we meet you? I will meet you in the bottom car park closest to the beach. I’ll be the one holding a camera and scanning the horizon for you!

Should we arrive early? These are 20 minute sessions but I have built in a bit of a buffer between each one. I would suggest arriving no more than 5 minutes before your session, unless you are planning to feed your baby beforehand. I will be sticking to the scheduled times to ensure that each of you gets the maximum time with me. As there is such a quick turnaround between sessions, if you arrive late your session will still finish at the scheduled time.

What if it’s really busy? I have never had a problem with this area being too busy. However, if the good weather means that we are likely to run into crowds, there are plenty of little areas I know where the crowds won’t be.

But we’re bringing the kids with us!!!

Now listen, if you’re bringing kids, then you know the reason that you’re doing this is because you love them so much you want to remember this time in your crazy busy lives. The thing you need to remember is that they are kids. I’ve got 2, I’ve taught thousands over the years and photographed hundreds. Kids are brilliant!

But in case you’re still worried, here are a few of the questions I get asked all the time, along with my advice and suggestions.

What if my kids don’t behave? This is hands down the question I get asked the most! So I want you to know that in over 15 years I have never worked with a family who had kids who didn’t have fun for at least part of the session. My advice here is to just let it go. Things I don’t want you to do or to worry about are:

• Crying - it will stop and all will be well!

• A bit of mischief or not listening - let them be themselves. It’s a new situation and I’ve got tricks to engage them.

• Kids not smiling or looking at me - it’s honestly better if they don’t!

• Disciplining them - your session is not the time to worry about following the rules. Ignore, pick your battles and I will distract.

• Dirty clothes - it will be a story for down the line, that time they had the bribery chocolate all over their face in the photo!

What if my kids don’t smile at all? That is fine. Kids are not all smilers all the time. But again, let me reassure you that we will play games and it is highly unlikely that this will be an issue.

Should we bring toys? If your kid has a toy or a blankie that they can’t be without, then bring it along. I will have bubbles with me and there is plenty to amuse even the youngest kid in that area of Crawfordsburn.

What if we’re bringing a young baby? I would advise making sure they are fed, rested and clean before the session. Parents often find a quick feed in the car before the session can make for an easy start. It might also be useful to have a change of clothes for them and maybe also for yourself, just in case we end up in a worst case scenario! A blanket of your choice might also be good to allow for sitting on the grass or sand. I will have one handy as well, just in case we need it.

Last words of advice for kids - of all ages!

In my experience, all humans are better when they are fed, rested and comfortable! Maybe bring a small snack and drinks, and if you want to bring bribery material with you, that is fine with me!

As for clothing, we want everyone to feel relaxed and comfortable. If you have teenagers or kids who are very specific about what they will wear, I promise you that battling with them to wear the clothes YOU want them to is one that won’t end well!

Finally, if you have a child who has particular needs that I can help accommodate, please let me know before our session. If slow and quiet works better, then I want to be able to let that happen. Also, if anyone has hay fever, that can be helpful to know before I take you into a field of grasses!

Other FAQs

What if it’s raining? Unless it is torrential rain, we will try to find one of the more sheltered areas in Crawfordsburn Country Park. There are some that I love and that will allow us to get you some gorgeous photos despite the weather.

What if we have to cancel due to sickness? No amount of planning can account for this. If sickness totally derails your session, I will try to get you rescheduled in the next group of mini sessions, if not before. Your session fee is not refundable and I want you to get the photos you have booked me for!

Should we coordinate our clothes? I have so many thoughts on this, but let’s leave it at not unless you do that as part of your daily life! By all means, try to make sure you aren’t totally clashing, and it would be advisable not to wear a lot of patterned clothing. Simple, classics like jeans or a summer dress will stand the test of time. 1980s shell suits will not!

Hopefully this has put your mind at ease about your session, but if you still have questions for me, pop them in the contact box below and I will get back to you asap.

I’m so looking forward to seeing you at your session. See you then!