How to Run a Profitable Mini Session Event

Whether you are just dipping your toes in the world of minis or run them successfully every year- learning how to run a profitable mini session event is something you should have on your radar as a photographer.

Now, promise me that you won't cringe at the word "mini" - I use it loosely! Most photographers we work with don't LOVE that word, as it implies... cheap.

So please feel free to replace "mini" with Simple, Half, Speciality, etc etc etc.

However, having these smaller photo session events can be such a strategic and smart way to build income throughout the year. They fill gaps and boost your bottom line without a TON of extra work - IF YOU DO THEM RIGHT.

Read that again.

If you do not have the prep and planning poured into your mini session event, I promise you, they might be a little tornado of work that you never wanna touch again. (If this has happened to you, I'm so sorry).

Here's the checklist you need to make sure you're running an event that is SAVING you time and MAKING you money.

Because remember- time is your most valuable asset. That is what we are protecting here.

1. Create an automation: keep it simple!

It should look like this:

- lead form/contact page/scheduling page (Lead Forms in Honeybook makes this SO easy)

- Confirmation + contract

- Prep Email (welcome guide and/or questionnaire attached)

- 1 Week Prior Check-in (include address/parking/logistics etc)

- 1 Day Post-Session (set expectations on next steps)

- 4 Week Post-Session (ask for a review)

EASY. Boom. DONE.

2. Build in breaks for yourself!

Don't try to run a marathon and do back-to-back sessions with no break.

I promise, these can be so mentally draining when you're shooting all day.

You deserve a nice, big lunch break. And a few little ones along the way, depending how long your day is.

3. Get an assistant!

I've assisted some of my photographer friends for their mini session day. Just signing in the new clients who arrive, small talk, texting with the ones who are running late... someone to keep things running smoothly so you can focus on the people in front of your camera.

4. Shoot in a small space with consistent lighting

Make editing a lot easier on yourself.

You want to be able to create a preset and apply it to MOST of the photos as a base. This will allow you to speed up the editing process.

5.If you are upselling galleries (you should be), make sure you over-educate about the process:

Mention it in EVERY email about how it works.

They need to see repetition on this so nothing feels like a blindside, and you aren't getting a thousand questions afterwards.

6. Use a Google Spreadsheet:

Please don't cringe at the idea of a spreadsheet! They are sooooo simple in Google! I recommend just having these categories:

SERIOUSLY MAKE IT SOOOO EASY ON YOURSELF.

You can also print out that spreadsheet for your assistant to use at the shoot!

Okay my friends! Go make yourself some $$$ and have fun doing creative sessions! We're seeing lots of inquiries for stylistic sets right now in our client's inboxes. So these are popping!!

Dream up something cool and get in there :)