Mini-Sessions: How to Make $5k in a Weekend

The goal is to create a shortened session that gives a new client a taste of who you are and the style of work you produce, to turn them into a regular client.  For past clients the goal is to make them feel like the most valuable person in the world to you for 30 minutes. Over the past 10 years I have offered mini sessions and have continued to adjust to get the best results. 

One month before a mini session date I send an email to all my past mini session clients. After that I post on all the local facebook groups I am a part of.  I attach 1-3 images to my post.

On the first day you send out your post you will get the most responses. So stay put at your computer to be ready to answer and book instantly. I schedule with 45 min slots starting at 9am and going to one hour before sunset with a 1 hour break at noon.  I offer only 30 minute sessions and at one location. The extra 15 minutes added to the shoot is to allow for a longer session, or those clients who are running late or get lost. 

Here is a example of my post:

Fall Mini Sessions are back with Lazio Images

WHEN? October 8/9

WHERE?  Evergreen, CO

WHAT?
30 minute sessions in the mountains. 
10 digital images 
We will play, explore and capture your family connection.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SESSION?
After your session I will give you a link to view a slideshow. This slideshow can be sent to any friends and families but the main purpose of this slideshow is for you to view your images. Typically at a mini session you will receive anywhere from 15-30 images to view. From the slideshow you can choose the images you would like the copy-write to, shoot me an e-mail with your selection and I will send the selected files to you. These are your images to do whatever you want to do with.

To Book your session please send a dm or email to youremail@gmail.com

PAYMENT: I charge a low fee of $250 for each client. This just gives them 10 images; I deliver 30-50 in their client gallery.  I give them the option to buy all the images for an additional $100.  90% buy them all. I ask for the $250 to hold their spot and I send them an invoice through paypal. I keep the money in there and transfer it all after the weekend of the shoot so I have a better sense of accomplishment after such a full weekend.

I advertise 30 days before the shoot. I have found Tuesdays and Thursdays to be the best days to post.  If I post on a Tuesday, I bump my post again on Thursday and then on Sunday, Back to Tuesday and Thursday, Sunday every week until the spots are full. I typically fill up with in 7-10 days after the first post. 

Typically I offer two mini session weekends in the fall, one in the spring and one in December right before the holiday. I try to offer a different spin on each one. For ex. Mothers day in the spring, Fall for the changing leaves, and winter would be snow, holiday sessions.  A lot of time I will have the same clients book for all three.  

One week before the session I send this info out:

 Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to photograph your family. I look forward to having fun with you on the 8th of October at your mini session.
Here are a few things to help you prepare for your mini session:

WHAT TO WEAR?
Before your session some of the most frequently asked questions are what to wear.  I am attaching a few examples below that I loved. They mixed colors and patterns really well and it will work for holiday cards. Have fun and send me a text if you need any help. (303) 842-3426

WHAT TO BRING?
If you have a pet you would like in your photograph feel free to bring your pet along, I understand your pet is a part of your family and I would be happy to get a few shots with your family pet.  Also if you have any favorite items such as a quilt, a cozy blanket, or anything else that you would like to be included in your session feel free to bring it with you.  Snacks such as fruit snacks and gold fish are sometimes helpful to have on hand for the smaller children, as well as water. 

WHAT TO EXPECT?
My goal when approaching every family at a mini session is to come with a laid back, playful approach.  We will do a few family shots where every one is looking at me and the camera, then I typically break it down to the kiddos and then a few at the end with the mom and dad.  Typically the kids drive the results and I seek out the unique interaction from each family.  This makes the sessions true to only your family and no family can be duplicated.

WHERE?

Crown Hill (Parking on 32nd) 

WHEN?
Johson Family
October 7th
9am

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SESSION?
After your session I will give you a link to view a slideshow. This slideshow can be sent to any friends and families but the main purpose of this slideshow is for you to view your images. Typically at a mini session you will receive anywhere from 30-50 images to view.  From the slideshow you can choose the images you would like the copy-write to, shoot me an e-mail with your selection and I will send the selected files to you.  These are your images to do whatever you want to do with. 

PAYMENT
Minis are $250.00 This is due at the time of booking your session
If you have sent your payment to the studio thank you!! If you still need to do that you can mail a check to the address below and make the check to Lazio Images

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
If you need ANYTHING at ANY time, please never hesitate to call, text or e-mail me.
My phone number is: 000-000-0000
THANK YOU again for this wonderful opportunity!! I am very excited to capture your family this fall!!

 Best of luck!! These are always fun weekends and a great opportunity to stay connected to all your families from throughout the years.  

Post authored by the talented Sara Lazio. Check out her website and her magical instagram.