Photographers! Today we are talking about different photography mini session theme ideas! Do you need more mini session theme ideas? We have broken the different mini session themes by photography niche: newborn, maternity, senior, teen, engagement, wedding, boudoir, family and children!

Newborn Photography Mini Session Ideas

1. Newborn Mini Session

This can be similar to a regular newborn session, only instead of doing three to four hours for a regular newborn session, oﬀer a one‐hour newborn session. By offering a cheaper version of your normal session, you can ﬁt in more clients’ budgets. This is a really good idea to oﬀer if you want to book more session either to make some extra money, or to have more pictures to showcase in your portfolio.

2. Newborn Details Mini Session

Take a picture of all the little details, including: eyelashes, ear, nose, lips, fingers, toes, and hair. Ask the parent if there are any features they really love and make sure to get some really excellent ones of that. At the end, you can make a picture collage of all the details.

3. Themed Newborn Mini Session

For this, pick a specific theme to do and then you can set up for that theme for all the sessions that you are holding for that day. Some themes include: blue, pink, starry night, stuffed animal, or similar.

4. Newborn and Me Mini Session

You can set this up in your studio, at their home, or at an outside if the weather is OK for a newborn to be outside. You can oﬀer parent and newborn, sibling and newborn, grandparents and newborn, godparents and newborn, pet and newborn, and more.

5. Newborn Nursery Mini Session

Parents spend a lot of time decorating their nursery, so help them show oﬀ their creative efforts and their precious newborn with this session. Have mom or dad holding the newborn in a chair, or near the crib, and you can also take a picture of the newborn in their bed and get a view that shows their whole room. Another idea is you could take a picture of them on their changing table getting dressed or changed.

6. Breastfeeding Mini Session

This can be set up in the studio, outside, or in their home. The idea is to tastefully showcase the beauty of breastfeeding, and the strong bond between mother and child. Note that this can be set up at any age as long as they are still breastfeeding. This doesn’t technically have to only be offered in the newborn stages but I would suggest if they would want a picture like this setting it sooner than later since no one can control how long they potentially could be breastfeeding for and can’t control if something medical prevents them from continuing to breastfeed.

7. Milestone Mini Session

Set this up in the studio, outside, or in their home. You would photograph all the milestone months (3, 6, 9, one year), but the sessions would be 45 minutes to one hour long instead of the standard three to four hours.

8. In‐Home Lifestyle Mini Session

This setting should ideally take place in the client’s home, or perhaps a close family member’s home, and the idea is to take candid, real‐life images. For example, photograph their daily newborn routine such feeding, bathing, rocking them to sleep, and baby snuggles.

9. Baby’s First Haircut Mini Session

This is always a momentous event, and many parents would love for you to be there to capture it on ﬁlm! Set up a time to go with them when the child is getting his or her first haircut and capture the before, during, and after! Also make sure to get the parents’ expressions, as well!

10. Baptism Outfit Mini Session

Take a picture of the baby in their baptism outfit either at their house, in the studio, or even at their church. If you they would like to do this at the church, you could go to the baptism and take a picture in their outfit and a few of the baptism.

Want help posing your newborns? Check out our newborn posing cards and step by step posing tutorials.

Maternity Photography Mini Session Ideas

11. Belly Painting Mini Session

This can be set up in your studio or at an outside location. If they have other children, they can let their kids paint their belly or they can have their partner paint their belly for the pictures. Another option is to have them get the belly henna painting done, and you can take pictures of that either during the process or after.

12. Gender Reveal Mini Session

You can set this up in your studio or at an outside location, and it can be done a few different ways. For example, you can set it up to surprise both mom and dad. If you set it up this way, you would need them to get the ultrasound in an envelope so they don’t see the gender. They’ll either give it to you before the session so you can get this setup without them knowing the color of the item you choose to do the reveal, or they would need a relative or friend to set the items up to surprise them. If only Mom or Dad knows the gender, you can set it up to surprise the person who doesn’t know.

Try using our smoke bomb overlays for an added touch!

Finally, if both mom and dad know the gender, they can reveal the surprise to their existing children, or they can surprise family members. Even if both parents know and do not have anyone to surprise, they can still do this type of session to show the gender to their online friends.

Things you can use to reveal the gender include blue and pink gum, ice cream, balloons, confetti, cake, smoke bombs, and more.

13. Announcing the Baby’s Name Mini Session

You can have them make a sign with the baby’s name on it, or if they bought an item for the nursery with the name on it you could use that for the pictures. A fun option for this would be to have them hold each letter of the name in a separate picture and make a photo collage of all the pictures to spell out the name. You could even try to network with a prop shop that makes signs, and maybe either get a discount on the sign or a free sign in exchange for pictures of their product.

14. Pregnancy Craving Mini Session

This can be set up in the studio, outside or in their home. You can even set this up at a fast food restaurant or even at an ice cream shop if that is what they crave the most. Get creative! Make sure to take a picture of them holding the food she is craving, as well as some of her eating that food.

15. Baby’s Nursery Mini Session

This would be set up in their home before baby is actually born. Take pictures of the parents in the nursery after it’s completely done. You can have them stand in the middle of the room and at various locations (such as near the crib or a rocker or similar), and do your best to get a wide shot of the whole room, as well.

16. Monthly Pregnancy Progression Mini Sessions

This can be set up in the studio, outside or in their home. Hold a maternity mini session each month to capture the progression of their pregnancy. You could oﬀer the option of them doing all nine months, or every other month. At the end, consider creating a picture collage to see the side‐by‐side of each picture to really showcase the changes.

17. Ultrasound Mini Session

For this, you’ll take a picture of the ultrasound in a creative way. For example, next to Mom’s belly, or her holding it outstretched in front of her with a focus on the ultrasound. Another idea for this is go to the ultrasound oﬃce with them and take pictures of them actually getting their ultrasound.

18. Maternity Glamour Mini Session

For this, it’s all about pampering mom! Have her get her making done professionally, and wear a beautiful maternity gown that photographs well. This would be a great opportunity to network with a MUA, and you could even trade services. For example, they do the make up for free and you give them pictures to use for their business. If you have to pay for MUA, make sure to add that in the cost of the session fee. We have some amazing fabric overlays that would look amazing with this type of session!

19. Underwater Maternity Mini Session

Obviously, you’ll need a waterproof case for your camera to oﬀer this type of session, but it’s a really cool idea to oﬀer! You can do this in their pool, your pool, or even at a hotel, community, or spa (with permission). I would suggest trying to find a time that is less busy so you can get pictures without anyone else in the pool. Another option for a public pool is to rent the pool if you can, and then hold a bunch of these in one day and the cost per each session wouldn’t increase as much to include the rental price. We also have underwater photo overlays you could use on your images as well!

20. Baby Shower Mini Session

Discuss what Mom wants photographed beforehand and then arrive accordingly. For example, maybe it’s just photographs of her preparing for the baby shower, maybe she wants images of the activities, or maybe she wants pictures of the gift‐opening.

21. Buying a New House Mini Session

If Mom and Dad (or recently engaged/newlyweds) are buying a new house, this is a great opportunity to capture those must‐have memories. You can take a picture of them in front of their new house, and you can even include them with their keys to the new house. Get creative!

22. In‐Home Lifestyle Mini Session

This would take place in their home with you capturing pictures of their daily routine. Another idea would be taking pictures of them getting the nursery ready, putting the crib together (or any other baby item), or folding the baby clothes.

23. Sunset Mini Session

This should be held at an outside location during sunset. You will need to find a perfect location where you can see the sun as it’s going down. Also make sure it’s ideal for silhouettes (you want to be able to see them clearing without them blending into things in the background).

Need some help posing maternity sessions? Check out our maternity posing cards!

Senior Photography Mini Session Ideas & Teen Mini Session Ideas

24. Prom Mini Session

Set this up in your studio or at an outside location, and have the client wear their prom outfit. You want to do this on a different day than prom — such as the day before — to prevent feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You could do it on the day of, but you’d want to make sure you have plenty of time. Click here for our prom marketing kit and prom posing cards!

25. Promposal Mini Session

This entails you photographing one student asking another student to prom. Make sure you capture the way they’re being asked, the setting, and the emotions that follow!

26. Homecoming Mini Session

The students will wear their homecoming outfits at an outside location either the day of homecoming, or the day before. This is a great opportunity to photograph a group of high school kids and then advertise your senior pictures. You can also get your studio’s name on younger high school kids’ radars.

27. Car Mini Session

These are mini sessions with a high schooler and his or her car! We recommend securing a beautiful outdoor location and booking a bunch of these in one day. If you only book a couple of these, or if you don’t have an outside location, you could also set this up at their house.

28. Tractor Mini Session

If a student lives on a farm, or if you have access to one, take images of the student with a tractor. This is obviously going to be a hit if you live in an area where there’s a great emphasis on crops and farming.

29. Graﬃti Mini Session

Hold a session at a wall or alley that has some really neat graffiti. This is a graphic, fun option for students who don’t play any sports or have hobbies that have things they can bring to the session, but it’ll work well for any senior!

30. Graduation Mini Session

Set this up for the day of their graduation ceremony and take pictures of when they are called up to get their diploma. Alternatively, you could go before or after and take a few pictures of just them, with their friends, and with their parents.

31. Cap and Gown Mini Session

This can be set up in your studio or at an outside location and they’ll wear their cap and gown. This is a good session to market to seniors that already had their pictures taken because this opens up the opportunity to book another session with them. You could even give them a discount if they had a senior session with you incentivize them to book this as an extra session, or you could even oﬀer this as an add‐on to their senior session.

32. Sunset Mini Session

As you probably guessed, this session should be held at an outside location during sunset. You will need to find a perfect location where the sunset is in clear view. You also want to be able to take clean silhouettes of them, so avoid busy backgrounds if possible.

33. Favorite Fast Food Mini Session

This is a kitschy and fun option that sounds a little odd, but makes for some really cute photos! Set it up at their favorite fast food restaurant and take images of them inside and outside with their fave meal. Have them invite some friends, as well, for some great interaction shots! Always make sure to get permission first!

34. Band Mini Session

At your studio or at an outside location, have the student bring his or her band instruments. You can take pictures of them holding and playing it.

35. Golf Mini Session

Secure permission from a golf course to photograph and and follow the student around several holes to capture them getting their game on.

36. Local College Football Field Mini Session

This will take place at a college football stadium close by, or their favorite football team’s stadium if it’s close enough. Most stadiums charge you to use the actual football ﬁeld, so contact the stadium before you set this type of session up so you know the cost of holding the sessions there. Make sure to add this cost into the session fee.

37. Sports Mini Session

You can set this up in your studio, at an outside location or even at the location where they often play sports. They can take pictures with their sports equipment while wearing their uniform. Sports ideas: football, baseball, softball, hockey, basketball, soccer, track, tennis, wrestling, golf, cheer. We have stadium backgrounds that would be perfect for this!

38. Quinceanera Mini Session

Set this up in your studio, at an outside location, or at their home. Ideally, though, you’re wherever they’re holding the quinceanera to capture a part of the day.

Alternatively, you can have them wear their quinceanera outfit for the picture at your studio, and consider inviting their court for a few group shots.

39. Sweet 16 Mini Session

Set this up in your studio, at an outside location, or at their home and have them wear their Sweet 16 outfit. If they want to use these pictures for their actual party, have them invite a few besties for a couple group shots!

Need more senior posing inspiration and ideas? Check out senior posing card collection.

Engagement Photography Mini Session Ideas

40. Proposal Mini Session

Coordinate with the partner who will propose to the other. You would want to stay out of sight and take pictures while the proposal is happening, so using a longer lens with a high shutter speed is ideal for this type of session.

41. Fur Baby Engagement Announcement Mini Session

You can set this up in the studio or at an outside location and have the couple bring their fur baby along. A cute idea would be to use a sign that says something like, “My humans are getting married,” or “My dad asked, and my mom said yes.”

42. Paint Fight Mini Session

This is such a fun idea and this is great for couples that want to do something different for pictures! Secure an outside location and have them engage in a colorful paint fight with their hands or brushes. Put the paint in clear jars so you can see the paint better, and advise that they wear white clothing for more of an impact!

43. Water Balloon Fight Mini Session

Everyone loved water balloons when they were growing up, so let’s bring on the nostalgia! This is another great idea for couples who want a different sort of session. Prepare a bunch of water balloons in a bucket or basket, and use different colors for a vibrant shoot. I would advise against wearing white for this since we don’t want a wet t‐shirt situation, ya know? Instead, suggest a darker color shirt.

44. Anniversary Mini Session

We suggest checking in with the client annually to see if they’re interested in doing an anniversary session, as it’s a great session to market to past brides and grooms. A fun idea for this type of session is for every year anniversary, you could even set it up for that type of theme for the present they are supposed to give. For example, the first year anniversary traditional gift is paper and modern is clock, so create a paper banner for traditional and/or incorporate a clock into the session for modern.

45. Underwater Mini Session

You’ll need a waterproof case for your camera, but this is a really cool idea to oﬀer. Set this up at a pool (theirs, yours, or a public pool during non‐peak business hours). One option is to rent out a public pool for a day and hold a bunch of these at once. Include the rental price in the session fee. You can also use our underwater photo overlays!

46. Golf Mini Session

Secure permission from a golf course to photograph a couple riding around playing a few holes. You can even do a few fun poses at the golf course, and if you go at dusk or near sunset it’d make for some beautiful images!

47. Sparkler Mini Session

Set this up outside either during or after the sunset Using a tripod works best for these kinds of pictures, and will allow you to take long‐exposure images. Have them make a heart shape, spell out love, or do their wedding date with the sparklers. Don’t want to go through the trouble of buying the sparklers? We have sparkler overlays as well!

48. Pillow Fight Mini Session

Set this up your studio if you have a bed prop, at a hotel, or at the client’s home. Have them wear pajamas if they want to add a really fun vibe to the session, and you could even make some popcorn and encourage a little bedtime snuggling! Bring a vacuum if you plan to have feathers go flying!

49. Cooking Class Mini Session

This is a great session to oﬀer to those who love to cook. This would be set up at the place where they’ll take a cooking class, and you’ll take images of them while they prepare the food. Alternatively, a cooking instructor could come to their home for the session. Either way, do some networking with the cooking class or instructor to see if they’d be interested in a trade of services.

50. Wine and Painting Mini Session

This is a great session to oﬀer for the crafty couple, and should be set up at a local wine and painting class. You could network with the class to see if they’d be interested in trading pictures for a discounted session.

51. Favorite Fast Food Mini Session

Set this up at the couple’s favorite fast food restaurant and take images of them outside and inside while they chow down on their favorite meal. Some ideas: photographing their ring on some French fries, or finding a Taco Bell hot sauce packet that says, “Will you marry me?” (it exists!).

52. Buying a New House Mini Session

If they are buying a new house this is a great opportunity to capture those sweet memories. Take pictures of them in front of their new house, holding their key, holding a “Sold!” sign, or even opening the front door.

53. Biker Mini Session

If biking is this couple’s thing, they’ll love this session! Incorporate their bikes into the photo any way you can. For example, take shots of them riding it, sitting on it, standing next to it, and more.

54. Hunting Mini Session

This is a great session for those couple that love to hunt together since it combines their love for hunting together with their love for each other. Have them bring their gun or crossbow and dress the part. Ideally, this is done at an outdoor location where hunting would take place. Include a disclaimer that guns can’t be loaded.

55. Canoe or Kayak Mini Session

Having sessions that really show a couple’s hobbies or activities they love to do together is a really great way for them to show who they are and make their pictures personalized. If a couple loves canoeing or kayaking, encourage this session! Make sure to get pictures in and out of the water!

56. Skiing Mini Session

And here’s one for the snowbirds! You can take a few pictures of them skiing down the ski hill, and then you can also take a few pictures of them holding their skis at the bottom of the hill for a few cute close ups. Encourage snowball fights, hot cocoa drinking, and more.

57. Riding Horses Mini Session

If they can transport their horses, you could set this up at a location that will allow animals. If they can’t transport them, you would have to set this up at their horse stables. Get some really cute pictures of them riding together, walking the horses together, and more. As a safety precaution, don’t stand right behind or directly in front of the horse. Instead, shoot oﬀ to the side.

58. In‐Home Lifestyle Mini Session

Set up a date to visit their home and photograph them in their habitat! Some ideas include capturing them drinking their morning coﬀee, having their morning snuggles, baking or cooking together, or chowing down on popcorn or drinking wine during a night in!

59. Sunset Mini Session

This session would take place outside location during sunset, and your mission is to find a perfect location that showcases the sun as it’s setting. Make sure you can capture some great silhouettes, too. You’ll want a clean, uncluttered background!

60. Earth Day Mini Session

Market this session to Earth lovers and gardener‐types! The couple could plant a tree together, tend to a garden, or hike through a beautiful park.

61. Football Stadium Mini Session

This would take place at either a college football stadium, or a local sports team stadium if you’re close enough. Note that most stadiums charge you to use the actual football ﬁeld, so contact the stadium beforehand so you know the cost and can add it to the session fee. Consider hosting multiple sessions in a row to reduce the overall fee for couples.

62. Bookstore Mini Session

Calling all bookworms and bibliophiles! Find a quaint, picturesque bookstore (or their favorite bookstore) and photograph the couple reading and hanging out there. Try to get some inside and outside!

Want more engagement posing ideas? Check out our engagement posing cards!

Wedding Photography Mini Session Ideas

A really great marketing idea for wedding mini session is to oﬀer these as add‐ons to a bridal package. Also consider offering a discounted bundle incentive if they’re booking multiple minis.

63. Love the Dress Mini Session

This type of session can be held at your studio or at an outside location and is meant to show oﬀ the bride’s wedding dress. Take pictures that accentuate the details of the dress, as well as full‐length images, as well. Check out bridal image posing ideas here!

64. Trash the Dress Mini Session

This session usually works best at an outside location, and allows you to really get your creative juices ﬂowing! We recommend letting the bride pick what type of “trashing” she is most comfortable with. Some ideas: standing in a lake or ocean near the shoreline, painting to get some colors on the dress, a muddy session with four wheelers through mud puddles, and more.

65. First Year Anniversary Mini Session

Set up a mini session for their first year anniversary. With all the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, this is a great session they can feel relaxed at. Set it up at your studio, at an outside location, or in their home. Make sure to market it to past brides and grooms annually.

66. Rehearsal Mini Session

You can oﬀer this session a couple different ways. First, you can go to the ceremony rehearsal and take pictures of them practicing for the wedding day, or you could take pictures at the rehearsal dinner. If it’s the same space as their wedding venue, get some detail shots while you’re there. Also try to get a few group pictures to remember the night before the wedding.

67. Bridal Shower Mini Session

You have several options for this. First, take pictures at the bridal shower before it starts to capture all the details. Second, you could go around the time they will be opening up the gifts.

Family Photography Mini Session Ideas

Need help with your family posing workflow? We have you covered! Check out our family and children posing cards.

69. Family Mini Session

This can be set up in your studio, at an outside location or at their home. If you’re booking a bunch of these in one day, we recommend securing an outdoor location. These are great to market for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and

Grandparents’ Day, but these also will work on a non‐special occasion for families that want updated pictures. Some marketing ideas:

Mommy and me mini sessions
Daddy and me mini sessions
Grandpa and me mini sessions
Grandma and me mini sessions
Brother and me mini session
Sister and me mini sessions

70. Military Mini Session

This can be set up in your studio, at an outside location or at their home. If Mom or Dad is in the military, or if both are in the military, have them wear their military uniforms and take pictures with the kiddos. This would be a nice session to discount to thank those who are in the military.

71. Police Mini Session

This can be set up in your studio, at an outside location, or at their home. Have the police oﬃcer parent(s) wear their uniforms and take pictures with their children. Consider discounting this session to thank those who protect your city.

72. Firefighter Mini Session

This can be set up in your studio, at an outside location, or at their home. Have the firefighter parent(s) wear their uniforms and take pictures with their children. Consider discounting this session to thank those who protect your city.

73. Mom and Me Salon Day Mini Session

Secure permission from a local salon and take images of the parent and child spending time together getting their hair done, a mani‐pedi, facial, or foot massage.

74. Slumber Party Mini Session

Set this up in your studio or at their home and have them wear pajamas for a slumber party mini session. Options can include mom and me, cousin and me, sister and me. Fun ideas that they can do for the slumber party session include popcorn fight, skincare facials, nail painting, and pillow fights.

75. Cooking Class Mini Session

This is a great session to oﬀer to families that love to cook. This would be set up at the place where they’ll take a cooking class, and you’ll take images of them while they prepare the food. Alternatively, a cooking instructor could come to their home for the session. Either way, do some networking with the cooking class or instructor to see if they’d be interested in a trade of services.

76. Favorite Fast Food Mini Session

This is a kitschy and fun option that sounds a little odd, but makes for some really cute photos! Set this session up at their favorite fast food restaurant and take images of the family inside and outside with their fave meal.

77. Make Up With Mommy

This can be set up in your studio, at an outside location or at their home. Let the child put makeup on Mommy and show oﬀ their makeup skills! Try to incorporate some bright and fun colors into the session.

78. Painting Nails with Mommy

This can be set up in your studio, at an outside location or at their home. Let them paint Mommy’s nails, and they can even get creative and use diﬀerent colors of nail polish! Get some close up detail shots of the action.

79. Fishing with Daddy Mini Session

We can’t leave Dad out of a special session! This would have to take place at a location that allows fishing, and you’ll want to make sure that permits have been secured.

80. Spring Break Mini Session

If you live near a popular spring break destination, oﬀer mini sessions there. This may be a beach, pool, or other hotspot. This is a great session to oﬀer because most people probably do not think about getting pictures taken on vacation, but it’s a great opportunity for the family to get some fun pictures together. Want to add another level of fun? Near a beach? Offer mermaid mini sessions! Check out these mermaid photo overlays!

81. In‐Home Lifestyle Mini Session

This would be set up in their home, and you’ll want to capture the family going about their day. For example, you could photograph the morning coffee ritual, cereal or cinnamon roll baking, and morning snuggles. You could also capture the family baking/cooking, playing with toys or games, or reading books at bedtime.

82. Sunset Mini Session

This would be held at an outside location during sunset, so find a beautiful setting where you can watch the sun set. Try to get some silhouette images, as well!

83. Earth Day Mini Session

This session would be great to market to the plant lovers. The family can plant a tree together, play at a park, botanical garden, or even in their at‐home garden!

84. Pottery Mini Session

If they family has all the necessary supplies, you can photograph this at their home. Alternatively, head to a pottery making class. Either way, photograph the beginning stage of pottery making, or the end stage when they are painting the pottery.

85. Grocery Shopping Mini Session

Follow the family around at their local grocery store, making sure to capture details and fun moments.

86. Football Stadium Mini Session

If there is a college football stadium or their favorite football team stadium nearby, this is an awesome option. Most stadiums charge you to use the actual football ﬁeld, so contact the stadium beforehand so you can add this cost to the session fee. Consider doing a series of these in one day to lower the cost.

87. Camping Mini Session

Camping is a great family activity in the spring and summer, and presents tons of photo opportunities! Head to a nearby campsite — or even set up a tent in the backyard — and capture all those fun camping activities. Don’t risk anything happening to your clients or the kiddos and use our fire photo overlays.

88. Buying a New House Mini Session

If the family is buying a new house, this is a great opportunity to capture those must‐have memories. Take photos of them in front of the house, with a sold sign, with their keys, and walking through.

89. Adoption Anniversary Mini Session

Adoption is such a wonderful gift, and this session will allow you to capture important memories. This can be set up in your studio, at an outside location or at their home. You can even create a collage of adoption anniversary pictures if they book you multiple years in a row.

Boudoir Photography Mini Session Ideas

Boudoir Photographers, we are about to give you a few mini session ideas? Want more boudoir products? Check out our entire boudoir collection.

90. Glamour Beauty Mini Session

For this session, your client will have professional makeup and hairstyling done, so consider this a great opportunity to network with an MUA and a hair stylist. For example, they do the makeup and hair for free or at a discount, and you give them pictures to use for their business. If you have to pay for MUA and or a hair stylist, make sure to add that in the cost of the session fee. This could be set up in their home or at a hotel, but make sure to add the cost of the hotel into the session fee. Booking multiple sessions in one day would help lower the cost added onto each session fee.

91. Weight Loss Mini Session

A client who’s beginning a weight loss journey would love to take advantage of this. Have a mini session before they begin and after to document the progress they’re making. This session will make them feel so great about themselves, and you can even oﬀer a discount if they reach their ultimate goal to further incentivize them!

92. Underwater Mini Session

You’ll need a waterproof case for your camera to oﬀer this type of session, but these are really cool of you have the equipment! Since this is a boudoir underwater session, hold it at a private pool. Try ﬂowing lingerie, swimwear, and whatever else the client is comfortable with. Add more flare to your photos with our underwater photo overlays!

93. Biker Mini Session

For this, you’ll need to be outdoors, so secure some place that’s private. Have your client dress the part in leather, or soften things up with her choice lacey lingerie! This would be a great gift idea if the bike belongs to the partner since you would be combining two things that they love.

94. Boudoir Pin‐Up Mini Session

Retro pin‐ups will never go out of style, and they are a great way to show oﬀ a woman’s curves! We recommend either setting up a studio in a retro theme, or going to a hotel that has a retro vibe. Examine the classic pin‐up poses and help your client recreate them while wearing her choice outfit. Get inspired for awesome boudoir photo ideas here.

95. Holiday Themed Mini Session

Have the client wear lingerie that coincides with the holiday theme you’re holding minis for. Some examples of holidays to oﬀer mini sessions for include Easter, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, St. Patrick’s day, Fourth of July, and even their birthday. If you’re offering Easter Mini Sessions and want to have bunnies in the photo, we have real bunny photo overlays!

Adult Photography Mini Session

96. Headshot Mini Session

Set this up in your studio or a neutral outdoor location. You can market this to any type of profession, including real estate agents, doctors, small business owners, and even other photographers.

97. Buying a New House Mini Session

Capture this momentous occasion for a client who’s buying a new home. Have them stand in front of the home with their keys, a sold sign, and more.

98. Cooking Class Mini Session

This would take place at the cooking class studio. Oﬀer this session to individuals, or even a group of friends, and take pictures of them while they’re preparing their meal. Alternatively, a cooking instructor could come to their home for the session. Either way, do some networking with the cooking class or instructor to see if they’d be interested in a trade of services.

99. Wine and Painting Mini Session

This is a great session to oﬀer to a crafty person, and should be set up at a local wine and painting class. You could network with the class to see if they’d be interested in trading pictures for a discounted session. Consider having the person bring their BFF, parent, co‐worker, or partner.

100. Biker Mini Session

People love to show oﬀ their bikes, and they photograph beautifully, as well! Incorporate the client and their bike into the photo with them standing next to it, riding it, or sitting on it.

101. Hunting Mini Session

This is a mini session where you’d simulate a hunt versus following them around while they actually hunt (the latter may scare oﬀ the prey)! Encourage the client to get a group of friends together and wear all their gear with their gun or crossbow. Include a disclaimer that says guns can’t be loaded.

102. Lake Mini Session

If you’re lucky enough to be by a lake, take advantage of it! Take the images on the dock, near the shore, or in the lake itself via canoe/kayak or just stepping in the water at the shoreline.

103. Skiing Mini Session

Snow lovers who love skiing will love this session. Capture images of them skiing down the ski hill, with their equipment, at the lodge, and more. Add more drama with our blowing snow overlays!

104. Horse Riding Mini Session

Set this up either at their stable or a location that allows horses. Capture pictures of the client riding a horse, walking next to it, and even grooming it. Remember to practice safety first and avoid standing in front of and behind the horse.

105. Fraternity Mini Session

Set up a session at a fraternity house to do group shots and then individual headshots for those who want them. Also capture details from the house and shots of groups of friends. This will provide a lot of opportunities for future bookings, as well as print sales!

106. Sorority Mini Session

Set up a session at a sorority house to do group shots and then individual headshots for those who want them. Also capture details from the house and shots of groups of friends. This will provide a lot of opportunities for future bookings, as well as print sales!

107. Ballroom Dancing Mini Session

Set this up at a dance studio and take pictures of individuals or a group of friends, or even the group who is taking the classes together. Network with the studio for a trade of services!

108. Spring Break Mini Session

If you live next to a spring break hotspot, take advantage of it by offering a mini session capturing a client’s vacation. You could even market this as an Instagram or social media photo session and provide a free digital image.

109. Car Mini Session

People love showing oﬀ their car, so this is a great session for them to do just that. For example, Jeeps photograph really well, as do convertibles and sports cars. Secure a beautiful location where your clients are allowed to have their car.

110. Classic Car Mini Session

This is the same idea as above! People who own a classic car love to show them oﬀ, and they’ll photograph beautifully. Secure a beautiful location where your clients are allowed to have their car.

111. Scuba Mini Session

You’ll need an underwater case for your camera for this one, but it’ll be a cool session for both you and your client! If you live in a popular destination location where people scuba dive, market to tourists!

112. Billiards Mini Session

This would take place at the billiards hall and can be marketed to individuals or a group of friends. Take pictures while they are playing, and take a head shot of each person while holding their cue stick.

113. Rock Climbing Mini Session

Set this up at a rock climbing facility, or at an outdoor location that’s popular for rock climbers. Note that if the client plans to climb really high, you’ll need a long lens and a fast shutter speed.

114. Pottery Mini Session

This can be held at their home if they have all the equipment, or at a pottery studio. Take images either at the beginning stage of pottery making, or toward the end when they are painting the pottery. This is great for individuals or a group.

115. Dance Mini Session

Set this up at a local dancing studio, or you could even opt for a graphic street scene or beautiful outdoor location. Market to individuals or a group of friends, and take pictures while they show oﬀ their moves. Consider all types of dancing: hip hop, salsa, ballroom, breakdancing, and more.

116. Archery Mini Session

Set this up at an archery studio, or where the client practices at most (it could be their home!). You can take pictures of them practicing, as well as images of them holding their bow and arrow. This would be a great way to expand your market by including all hobbies.

117. Tractor Mini Session

Live near farmland? Embrace it! Secure a tractor at a beautiful farm and photograph the client standing next to it, sitting on it, and even with it in the background while they’re in the foreground. Market this service at farmers’ markets, to farmers or produce sellers, or even to real estate agents who sell farmland.

118. CosPlay Mini Session

Dress up isn’t just for kids; adults can have fun, too! CosPlay is really big in some areas, and this would be a great way for your client to show oﬀ the costumes they work so hard putting together. Market this at a local Comic Con, and also beforehand.

119. Church Mini Session

Oﬀer mini session at different churches on different days to capture family pictures, congregation images (perfect for their website), and for individuals in their Sunday best. Consider asking the church to help market these since it would be for their members or their staff.

Children Photography Mini Session Ideas

Want 959 ways to pose families and children? Click here for the posing cards!

120. Painting Mini Session

Every child loves to paint! What makes painting sessions so fun is mixing the colors together, capturing the paint dripping oﬀ the bushes, and of course the children creating their masterpieces. Set this up in the studio, at an outside location or at their home. Older children can paint a canvas on an easel and younger children can paint their canvas on the ground.

121. S’mores and Campﬁre Mini Session

All kids love s’mores, so why not have a session they can make their own and smash it after? Capture gooey, sticky fingers and chocolate‐y faces — the true definition of being a child. You can set this up outside in a location that allows campﬁres, or simply opt for a local campground! Make sure to keep those kiddos safe and use our fire photo overlays. You could even add a magic touch with our night sky overlays for the camp photos!

122. Pancake Mini Session

Another childhood love is…pancakes! Kids are obsessed with them! Set this up in the studio, at an outside location, or at their home. You can either have them make the pancakes or have a giant stack of pancakes that they can eat. Add some color to the session with colored pancakes or syrups.

123. Water Balloon Mini Session

Water balloons are a childhood favorite, as well, and this is a really fun session that’ll capture kids having a blast. You can either have them have a fight with someone, or you can have them stand in front of the camera while Mom or Dad toss water balloons at them as you capture their reactions.

124. Silly String Mini Session

This is another really fun way to capture kids having a blast. You can either have them have a fight with someone, or you can have them stand in front of the camera while Mom and Dad spray them with the silly string as you capture their reactions.

125. Teepee Mini Session

You can set this up in the studio, at an outside location or at their home. Set up a tepee and have them sit outside next to it and even lying half out of it. Decorate with lots of different textures and colors.

126. Picnic Mini Session

Set up a picnic on a cute blanket either outside or at your studio and capture the kids eating and hanging out. Don’t forget the desserts! You could even have them set up their own picnic at their home and come take pictures of their picnic fun.

127. Beach Mini Session

Set up a time to go to a local beach and capture pictures of the kids just being kids! Think splashing, beach ﬂoaties, sand castles, sunscreen, and more. If there is not a beach around your area, try a creek, stream, or even a pool. You’re going to love our beach backgrounds.

128. Flower Field Mini Session

Scout out a beautiful flower ﬁeld and set up a set of mini sessions. You’ll take images of the children walking through the flowers, smelling the flowers, chasing butterflies, and just hanging out. Consider bringing a sweet blanket and a book or toy. Check out some of our spring flower photo overlays and butterfly overlays!

129. Making Lemonade Mini Session

When thinking of childhood, lemonade is one of the first things that pops into mind. Set this up in the studio, at an outside location or at their home, and have everything they need to make lemonade ready to go. Capture images of them making lemonade, and even try to get them to eat a piece of the lemon for a funny face picture!

130. Watermelon Mini Session

Watermelon is another childhood favorite, and it photographs really well. Give the kiddos a large slice of watermelon and have them eat it for the photo! Set up some additional watermelon nearby to add dimension to the photos.

131. Mermaid Mini Session

Girls are obsessed with mermaids, so let them pretend to be one for a day! Set this up in the studio, at a beach location, or at a pool. If you’re fabricating a scene, add lots of shimmery blue and teal fabrics, as well as some sand and seashells! A mermaid tale is a must, and prop wigs would also be fun! Check out our mermaid photo overlays!

132. Tea Party Mini Session

Little girls also love their tea parties. Set up a perfect tea party scene with their favorite dolls or favorite stuffed animals at your studio, an outside location, or their bedroom.

133. Wedding Dress Mini Session

A mother would be happy to have her daughter wear the wedding dress she wore on her wedding day! It’s especially sweet if the child is still young. Have her dress in Mom’s wedding gown against a beautiful backdrop at your studio, their home, or outdoors.

134. Ice Cream Mini Session

Let kids be kids and eat a colorful, fully loaded ice cream cone! Get pictures of them dressing their cone with sprinkles and chocolate and cherries, and also capture all those sticky fingers and messy faces! Set this up in the studio, their home, outdoors, or at their favorite ice cream parlor.

135. Catching Lightning Bugs Mini Session

There are few things sweeter and more precious than a lightning bug catching session. Let the kids run around and catch lighting bugs while you take pictures of the process. Also get detail shots of the jars, their tiny hands, and the bugs. Offering lightning bug mini sessions? Check out our lightning bug composite tutorial!

136. Fall Colors Mini Session

Fall is an awesome season to photograph during because of all the pretty colors. As such, it’s also one of the busiest times for photographers. Holding fall minis all in one or two days would save you time and let all the clients get their pictures taken without you having to turn people away. Scout out a gorgeous outdoor location and ﬁll those slots!

137. Sports Mini Session

Have your client bring their sports equipment and uniforms to your studio or at an outside location. Oﬀer this for all seasons and different sports, including football, baseball, softball, hockey, basketball, soccer.

138. Girl Scout and Boy Scout Mini Session

Have the children wear their uniforms to your studio or to an outside location. You could market this to the troop and get the whole troop to come to the session and even provide a group picture to include in their package. Network with the girl scouts or boy scout troops to help market these sessions.

139. Birthday Mini Session

Set this up at your studio, at an outside location or even at their home and market this to all ages. The kids can hold the number that represents their age, or hold a sign with their age and their favorite things (including food, color, hobby, animal). Using a cake with candles, don’t light them, instead use our candle flame overlays! You could also use our balloon overlays!

140. Favorite Activity Mini Session

Kids love to show oﬀ and what they can do, ave them do their favorite activity at your studio, their home, or an outdoor location. Activities include coloring, making something, dancing, and more.

141. Reading Mini Session

Have the child read a favorite book for the session against a really sweet background. Set this up in the studio, an outside location, or their home. Want to add some fun magic to the book? Check out these magic book overlays.

142. Apple Orchard Mini Session

Secure permission to photograph at an apple orchard and capture images of the child picking apples, eating one, or just standing within it since it’s so pretty.

Network with the apple orchard to help you promote these mini sessions and consider doing many in one day.

143. Jumping on the Bed Mini Session

I am pretty sure every child has at one time jumped on a bed, so here’s their chance! Place a bed in an open area, or even outdoors if you can, and capture them jumping and having some fun.

144. Candy Mini Session

This is a child’s dream world! Set up jars of different types of candy at the studio, or an outside location. Make sure to let them eat some and capture their sticky fingers!

145. Glitter Mini Session

Have a session that’s all about things that sparkle! At your studio or an outside location, let the kids blow glitter at you or throw glitter up in the air. You can even ask them to wear a glittery or sequined dress for the session. Add more glitter and glam with our glitter photo overlays!

146. Hot Air Balloon Mini Session

At your studio or a beautiful outdoor location, create a makeshift hot air balloon with a basket and helium‐filled balloons. If you have a child who won’t ﬁt in the basket, they can sit next to it. You can still create a hot air balloon session without hot air balloons with these hot air balloon overlays.

147. My Favorite Food Mini Session

Having a session that’s all about their favorite food — or the only food they will eat — is a cute way to always remember this little personality quirk!

148. Library Mini Session

Secure permission from a local library and then follow a child around as he or she picks out a book. Take pictures of them sitting and reading a book in the aisles!

149. Zoo Mini Session

Secure permission to photograph at a local zoo or aquarium and capture the kids’ expressions as they see and interact with the animals. Don’t want to do that? We have elephant overlays that will add that animal magic to your composite images!

150. Cookies and Milk Mini Session

Kids love to dip cookies in milk, so what a better way to capture a great childhood memory? You can set this up in the studio, at an outside location or at their home. Provide a stack of cookies and a cup of milk and photograph them eating and dunking!

151. Pajama Mini Session

Have the child wear their favorite pajamas to your studio, an outside location or at their home. Also have them bring their favorite stuffed animal to snuggle with!

152. Sledding Mini Session

At a secured outdoor location or at their home, take pictures of the child sledding down a hill in their winter apparel! We recommend making these shorter than standard mini sessions since it will be cold out, and you probably don’t want to be out too long if you have multiple of these in one day. Make sure to add more magic with our blowing snow photo overlays.

153. Dance Mini Session

Set this up at your studio, at an outside location, or even at their dance studio and have the child wear their dance outfits. If you hold these at their dance studio, market these to the whole dance class. You can even network with the dance studio by providing them with pictures to hang in their studio.

154. Cheer Mini Session

Have the child wear her cheer outfit to your studio or at their home or an outdoors location. Alternatively, oﬀer these to the cheer team and take a couple group shots to oﬀer in the packages.

155. Fair Mini Session

Hold fair mini sessions while your local fair is going on! Take a couple pictures of the child playing games or eating their favorite fair snack, or in front of their favorite ride. Don’t forget to add the cost of admission into the session price.

156. Sunset Mini Session

Find a perfect location that showcases the sun going down and allows for clean silhouette portraits. Check out our Silhouette Actions Made Easy and Silhouette Presets Made Easy – perfect for these types of sessions! We also have high resolution sunset overlays that add the perfect flair to your photos.

157. Catching Tadpoles/Minnows Mini Session

When I think of childhood — and especially boys — I think of splashing through the water with nets. This is a great session to let kids be kids. Hold these at a shallow river and have the child bring nets and a jar to show oﬀ what they catch.

158. Playground Mini Session

Let the kids show oﬀ their personalities in playground pictures. Opt for a playground with a bunch of different colors or some really fun equipment. Take pictures of them running around and playing, swinging, and and more.

159. Snowball Fight Mini Session

Capture them either having a playful fight with a friend or sibling, or have them stand in front of the camera while Mom and Dad toss them snowballs as you capture their reactions. Add more snow with our snow overlays!

160. Building a Snowman Mini Session

This can be set up at an outside location or at their home. Take pictures of them building their snowman, and then one of them next to their snowman once it’s done. Don’t forget the carrots for the nose!

161. Leaf Fight Mini Session

This is a really fun thing to do during the fall! Have them playfully fight with a friend or sibling, or have them stand in front of the camera while Mom and Dad toss leaves at them and you capture their reactions. Want to add more leafs to your photos try these leaf overlays.

162. Water Gun Fight Mini Session

This is the same idea as before! Have the child playfully fight with a friend or sibling, or have them stand in front of the camera while Mom and Dad spray them as you capture their reactions. Use these water splash overlays for an added touch!

163. Bubbles Mini Session

Bubbles to kids are like lasers to cats! Have a bunch of bubble around them via a bubble machine or an assistant/parent blowing bubbles. Photograph them popping the bubbles, playing with them, or just standing there look cute! This is best for outdoors since the bubbles get can slippery on floors. Don’t want all that mess? Try these bubble overlays.

164. Lollipop Mini Session

Purchase extra large lollipops and have the child eat it while you photograph away. Create a cute candy scene at your studio or outdoors, or opt for a candy store.

Bonus points if you buy the lollipops from the candy store itself!

165. Swimsuit Mini Session

Have the child wear their swimsuit, sunglasses, and favorite pool toys to your studio or an outdoor location.

166. Make Up Mini Session

Kids sneaking into Mom’s makeup and trying to put it on the way Mom does is the cutest thing ever! You can set this up in the studio, at an outside location or at their home. Let them put makeup on and take a picture before, during, and after.

167. Painting Nails Mini Session

You can set this up in the studio, at an outside location or at their home. Let them paint their nails and take a picture of them choosing the color, painting, and after they’re finished!

168. Baking / Cooking Mini Session

This would work best in their home unless you have a studio with a kitchen. Have them bake or cook their favorite dish with a parent’s assistance. Capture them prepping the dish, all the steps after, and the finished product.

169. Petting Zoo Mini Session

Hire a petting zoo to set up at your studio or an outdoor location and hold mini sessions with the animals. Holding a bunch of these in the same day is best since it’s less expensive.

170. Magician Mini Session

Have the child dress like a magician and provide all the props, including a live bunny if you’re feeling up to it! Alternatively, hire a magician to show each kid a trick and photograph the process. Holding many of these in the same day is best.

171. What I Want to Be When I Grow Up” Mini Session

Have kids come dressed in their “adult career” outfit at your studio, an outdoor location, or their home. You could even have them make a sign about why they want to have that job!

172. Confetti Mini Session

At an outdoor location or in your studio, set up a confetti shoot where the child blows and throws confetti! Have them wear a colorful, fun outfit to match! Check out our confetti overlays.

173. Favorite Sports Team Mini Session

Have the child wear their favorite team’s jersey and bring sports memorabilia to your studio, their home, or an outdoor location.

174. Make Your Own Pizza Mini Session

This should ideally take place in the client’s home. Provide everything they need to make their own pizza, and take photos of the process and finished pie!

175. Roller Skating Mini Session

Secure permission to photograph at a roller skating rink and take pictures of the child playing and skating. You could even have them bring a group of their friends!

176. Ice Skating Mini Session

Secure permission to photograph at an ice skating rink and take pictures of the child playing and skating. You could even have them bring a group of their friends!

177. Slip and Slide Mini Session

Kids playing with water is always a good time, and it photographs well! Set this up at their home and take pictures of them playing on the slip and slide. Bring some popsicles for break time!

178. Building Sand Castles Mini Session

This is ideal for a beach or lake, or even a backyard sandbox. Take pictures of the child building a sandcastle, and capture a shot of them next to it, as well!

179. Strawberry Field Mini Session

Network with a local strawberry ﬁeld and take images of child picking, eating, and playing amid this unique, beautiful background. Trade admission for images the ﬁeld owners can hang or use on their social media.

180. Back To School/Preschool Mini Session

At your studio or an outdoor location, have the child sit at a desk with a globe on it, or incorporate an apple, books, rulers, pencils, and other school supplies. You can also have them hold a stack of books or hold a sign that says their grade and the teacher’s name.

181. Science Experiment Mini Session

Have them do science experiments at your studio, an outside location or at their home. Some ideas include a homemade volcano, or mixing different ingredients to show the reactions. Use beakers, white aprons, and goggles for props!

182. Photo Booth Mini Session

Set up a photo booth style session and take funny photo booth pictures. This could be set up in your studio or at an outside location, and you can even set up unique backgrounds with doors or hanging material streamers. Oﬀer these sessions for different holidays, too.

185. Talent Mini Session

Kids have so many different talents, and they love to show anyone who will watch. Let them show oﬀ their talent at a session by setting up a colorful space at your studio or an outdoor location and snapping away!

186. Ceramic Painting Mini Session

Have them paint ceramics at at your studio, an outside location or at their home. Oﬀer these for holiday sessions where they paint ceramics that coincide with the holiday.

187. Underwater Mini Session

188. Snow Angel Mini Session

Take pictures of children making snow angels at a picturesque outdoor location. Bring candy canes and hot cocoa to warm them (and their parents) up! Don’t want to take them out in the snow? Use this christmas cooke snow angel backdrop for a session idea!

189. Flying Kite Mini Session

You can set this up at an outside location or at their home, but make sure at either there is enough room to ﬂy a kite. Take pictures of the kite, their reactions, their hands holding the kite, and more. Add a dramatic sky with these sky overlays.

190. Bowling Mini Session

Secure permission from a bowling alley and photograph the child putting on their shoes, choosing a ball, holding the ball, bowling, and eating snacks. You could even have a group of friends come to this session.

191. Black and White Mini Session

This session can be done anywhere, but make sure it’s graphic with a lot of contrast since you’ll be turning all the pictures into black and white. If you want, you could even go for a retro theme!

192. Composite Mini Session

Pick out a composite picture to create and then oﬀer a session to come and get a picture that looks like that composite. You could even oﬀer different composites on different days, and if they would like to book more than one you could oﬀer a discount. Want to learn more about how to do composites? Check out our step by step video tutorials.

193. No Front Teeth/”I Lost a Tooth” Mini Session

You can do this for any age that lost a tooth, and at any location you prefer. Capture images of the child holding their tooth in their hand, of them grinning with the missing tooth, and even of the tooth on a pillow!

194. Karate Mini Session

You can set this up in the studio, at an outside location, at their home, or at a local karate class. Have the child wear their karate outfits for the pictures and photograph them in different poses and with their belt. If you hold these at their karate class, try to market to the whole class. Network with the studio, if possible!

195. Ballet Mini Session

You can set this up in the studio, at an outside location, at their home, or at a local ballet class. Have the child wear their ballet outfits for the pictures and photograph them in different poses. If you hold these at the class, try to market to the whole class and network with the studio, if possible!

196. Gymnastic Mini Session

You can set this up in the studio, at an outside location, at their home, or at a local gymnastics studio. Have the child wear their outfits for the pictures and photograph them in different poses and doing different activities. If you hold these at the class, try to market to the whole class and network with the studio, if possible!

197. Bookstore mini sessions

Hold the session at their favorite bookstore, or a cute little neighborhood book store. Follow them as they pick out a book, or take some pictures of them setting in a reading nook.

Photography Mini Session Stand Ideas

Pro Tip: Build a stand that you can use at multiple mini sessions, and change out the theme for each session so you can get a lot of usage out of it.

198. Lemonade Stand Mini Session

Place a pitcher of pink or yellow lemonade on the stand and have lemons and jars of sugar cubes nearby. Hang a cute sign that says, “Lemonade for Sale” or “Lemonade.”

199. Watermelon Stand Mini Session

Place cut watermelon on and around the stand, along with some other summery decor! Hang a cute sign that says, “Watermelon for Sale” or “Watermelon.”

200. Apple Stand Mini Session

Place red, green, and pink apples on and around the stand (baskets and glass bowls are cute), along with some apple juice! Hang a cute sign that says, “Apples for Sale” or “Apples.”

201. Flower Stand Mini Session

Place flowers in pots on the stand, or have flower bushels on the stand with potted flowers nearby. Another idea is you could have packets of flower seeds on the stand. Hang a cute sign that says, “Flowers for Sale” or “Flowers”

202. Vegetable Stand Mini Session

Place a colorful variety of vegetable in pots and baskets on and nearby the stand. Another idea is you could have packets of vegetable seeds set up on the stand. Hang a cute sign that says, “Veggies for Sale” or “Vegetables.”