Summer Minis Guide 2023

The general flow of my mini sessions include photographing everyone together at the start to make sure we capture those updated family portraits, then moving on to some play time together. I have games and prompts lined up to capture some more candid moments. If there are “must capture” shots, or unique things about your family that you’d like documented, let me know ahead of time and I’ll do my best to make it happen!

The goal of this session is to capture your family as it is, chaos and all. Whether you have one little baby or five teenagers, we want to make sure that everyone is represented in who they are! Parents, please do not stress out if your baby, child, or teenager is not behaving how you had imagined for the shoot. I have three kids of my own (11, 9, and 3) and can handle the tantrums and running around like crazy! I’m a pediatric nurse in my day job, I’ve won kids over for a lot more difficult things than photos! I work around the kids and their temperaments instead of trying to get them to work for me. For this shoot, the kids are in charge!

Location


Sessions will be held at Shirley's Bay Park at Shirley Blvd, Ottawa, ON K2K 2Z2. Click the map below for a link to the google map location. There is plenty of free parking available in NCC P1, which is right at the edge of the beach. This beach is a rocky beach, so please be sure to bring sandals or water shoes to avoid any hurt toes. Please arrive a few minutes early to find a spot and get everyone settled for our session! I have a full afternoon/evening planned and I don't want you to miss any of your time slot!

Preparation and what to wear


What to wear is totally up to you! It’s super tempting to go out and buy all new outfits, but consider wearing some of your favourite pieces you already own. Feeling comfortable in your clothing is going to make a huge difference to how you act in front of the camera. Especially for kids! Personally, I love colour and love for my own family's photos to reflect that. But if neutrals are your jam, go for it! A few things to keep in mind:

  • Coordinating outfits are fine if that’s your family style, but avoid everyone in the same outfit. If you would like some help planning your coordinated outfits, please reach out! Send me an email to katesteelephotography@gmail.com and I am happy to chat about specifics for your family.
  • Pinterest has lots of beautiful examples! Search "What to wear summer family photos" or reach out for links to my saved boards.
  • Avoid large logos and multiple busy prints as they can steal the show.
  • Please be yourself! If you aren’t normally a heels and fancy dress kind of person, don’t feel you need to pull those out for your photos!

Due to the short time frame of a mini session, I will run through a few games and prompts to keep everyone moving and having fun. But if there are fun things your kids enjoy, by all means start those up! I'm thinking something like ring around the rosie, family dance parties, silly songs - anything they are familiar with to get them smiling!


After the session


I aim to return galleries to families no later than 14 days after our session. Session includes 8 high resolution photos that you can choose from the online gallery. There is an option to upgrade your gallery for $75 for the full gallery, or $20 per additional photo. Full instructions will be sent in your gallery email.


You will have access to my print store for easy online ordering and free local delivery of any photos you would like printed. I strongly believe in getting photos off your camera roll and into your home! I'll bring along some sample prints if you'd like to take a look in person after your session.


Sharing my work is the best way for new clients to find me. I’ve included a model release on my questionnaire to share some sneak peek photos from our session on my social media pages so you can see some pictures as soon as possible! I also may include some photos from our session on my website to highlight for others what a lifestyle mini session looks like. Please let me know if you do not want photos shared online.

 

I am fully vaccinated against COVID19 as well as up to date on all of my other vaccinations, including (but not limited to) Tdap, flu, and MMR. We will reschedule if myself or your household develop any symptoms before our session.

 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!