This year I tried something new. Back-to-School Mini Sessions. And I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun with portraits.
Here’s the thing: in some of our local middle schools, kids aren’t allowed to wear what they want for school pictures. They have to stay in uniform. Parents hate it, the kids hate it, and honestly, buying those stiff, cookie-cutter photos with zero personality just isn’t enticing for parents. Most of the time they have a miserable look on their face anyway. Why do I want to buy that? Because it's the photo that will be slapped into their yearbook? Pass.
That’s why these minis felt so refreshing. The kids showed up in outfits that felt like them, whether that meant fun dresses, favorite sneakers, cowboy boots, or just their natural style. One little girl even came with her new backpack that was TOO cute. Some posed like total pros, others gave me all the silly faces and giggles, and every single one showed off their personality in the best way.
And the parents loved them! Instead of a backdrop forced smiles and necks turned every which way, they now have portraits that actually look and feel like their children.
School pictures don’t have to be boring. They can be something your kids are excited about, something you actually want to hang on your wall, and something you’ll love looking back on years from now. I can’t wait to do these minis again next year!