300 Out Of The Box Mini Session Ideas:

Elf On The Shelf Mini Session, or Christopher Pop-In-Kins in Kins Mini Sessions:

(If you’re unfamiliar, Christopher Pop-in-Kins is similar to the Elf on the Shelf)

Have the child read the book with their elf sitting on something next to them, but far enough away that they won’t touch the elf. Have the client bring in the Elf on the Shelf nonchalantly so that the child does not see you placing the Elf on the setup. You want to maintain that elf mystery and magic, after all!

May The 4th Be With You Mini Session

This is a Star Wars themed mini session that takes place on or around the Fourth of May. You could hold these in your studio and set up a Star Wars theme, or you can set this up at an outside location. Have them wear their Star Wars costume and bring a light saber. You can even host a lightsaber fight.

Puppy Cake Smash

This is similar to a one-year-old baby’s cake smash session, but instead you have a one-year-old fur baby eating cake for theirbirthday! If you are getting the cake for this session, make sure it has doggy-approved ingredients. These days, there are many gourmet pet bakeries (barkeries!), so consider this an opportunity to collaborate and network!

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.

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!

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!

200 Unique Location Ideas for Photographers:

Sample Location Ideas:

• At an Outdoor Flea Market — You’re guaranteed to get some quirky shots at an outdoor flea market. Shoot in and around booths, next to large décor pieces/signs, and while interacting with trinkets and fun accessories.
• At a Boat Dock — Use the elements around you, such as stacked canoes or the worn wood, to craft a unique picture.
• At a Pool — Spring or summer sessions at the pool are bound to be a hit, and you can really play it up with the accessories. Try sunglasses, cute bathing suits, and giant pool floats!
• On a College Campus — These are often open to the public and the grounds are well taken care of, which makes for gorgeous images! You’ll find they’re less busy during campus-wide holidays and breaks (including summer vacation).
• On a Farm — If you can secure access, use the tractors and fields of crops as your backdrop. The expansive landscape feels simple, earthy, and really grounded. We love this for all kinds of sessions, including senior pics!
• At a Brewery — Same idea, only this is ideal for beer lovers. If you’re able to photograph near the fermenting kegs, it could make for some very cool industrial shots.
• At the Bowling Alley — The shoes, the ball, the nostalgia! This is great for families and couples and will deliver lots of authentic smiles and candid shots.
• On a Ski Lift — Whether it’s snowy or green outside, a ski lift offers the potential for unique images. Some resorts or cities provide inexpensive lift tickets for people who just want to “go for a ride” without the skis, but if your clients want to ski, as well, have at it!
• At Indoor Rock Climbing Gym — Sporty clients may dig the idea of shooting at an indoor rock climbing gym. We recommend this for families and couples, or even seniors who excel at climbing.
• Indoor Jump House/Bouncy House — Though this is obviously great for a children or family session, we think it’s pretty cute/romantic for an e-session, as well!

240 Creative Prop Ideas for Photographers:

Engagement

1. Flickering Candles: Candles add romantic ambiance to a dusk or evening engagement session. Try placing many in a variety of heights/shapes/sizes around a room or outdoor space, place a couple in the background, or on a table between the two lovebirds.
2. Coffee Mugs: For a cozy-casual shoot, have him and her hold coffee cups while chatting or looking at each other. Shoot in or near a café, at home, or sitting on a stoop.
3. Sundae: Having them share a sundae on a spring or summer day. Make sure it’s loaded with all the toppings and a cherry!
4. Skincare Masks: Capture a cute image of them (ideally at the end of their session) both wearing a face mask on their couch. To keep it flattering and sweet, paint on a thin layer of a brightly hued mask with a skincare brush and shoot quickly before it dries.

Maternity

1. Packing Boxes or Sign That Spell Out: “Nursery Coming Soon”: Ideally you photograph this in the actual nursery, or perhaps outside with only the boxes and a natural backdrop. Have Mom or Dad sit on and around them, or put them in the corner with the parents in the foreground.
2. Bicycle with a Tiny Tricycle Attached: Have Mom or Dad standing next to a bicycle (or a tandem one!) and attach a little tricycle to the back. Extra points if they’re colorful or have a vintage vibe.
3. Vintage Stroller: Have Mom and/or Dad pose around the stroller. Vintage strollers tend to photograph more sweetly than modern versions, but trust your instincts!
4. “Coming Soon” Sign: Go for a cinema theme with a sign that says, “Coming Soon.” You could even shoot at a movie theater. If you know how to pull strings, ask the theater to put up the sign for you on their marquee.

Family

1. Kite: Let’s go fly a kite! This prop looks especially good in distance or in landscape shots. Keep it simple and colorful versus over the top.
2. Vintage Bed: If you’re willing and able, a vintage bed set outside under a tree or in the middle of a sprawling field would make for an epic family shot. You can also move this indoors for a “tucked in” feeling.
3. Ice Cream Cones: A family that enjoys ice cream together is a family that’s about to have a really sweet (literally) photo session! Make sure you photograph the process of scooping or ordering the cones, too.
4. Cotton Candy: Same idea as above, only whimsical, lightweight, pastel-hued cotton candy! Get some action shots of the family plucking it and devouring, as well.
5. Paper Lanterns: If you shoot at dusk, have the family send paper lanterns into the sky, photographing the entire process along the way (including them looking up as they float away).

Kids

1. Piñata: Think of the color, actionable shots, and looks of pure joy you’ll be able to capture with a piñata in tow!
2. Old Polaroid Camera: Hand over an old polaroid camera and photograph what happens next! Make sure you explain what it is eventually, and snap some good ones of them “shooting.”
3. Tire or Wooden Swing: Whether sitting or swinging, this is a great prop to elicit smiles and a sense of whimsy.
4. Fishing Pole: Hit the pond with a pole, tackle, and bait and set yourself up for some great pictures. Feel free to add a “gone fishin’” sign into the mix, or a classic straw hat!

There’s 223 more ideas where this came from! This product is such a timesaver. Even if you’ve done some of the ideas, this explains all the options in a professional way so you don’t have to!

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