What Types of Photography Are Best for Mini Sessions?

Mini sessions are a great way to fill your calendar and attract new clients. The only downside is the planning. Mini sessions require a lot of planning, from what type of photography you’ll do to the theme, and even how to juggle multiple clients in one day. 

So much planning, so many decisions!

I have tons of articles and resources to help you plan your mini session. Today, I’ll give you some tips for the best types of mini sessions for each photography niche and a few theme ideas. You can jot them down or get a copy of my 177 Session Theme Ideas Guide so you’ll never run out of ideas again!

First, let’s get the big question out of the way.

Are there any types of photography that don’t work as mini sessions?

Almost every type of photography can work for mini sessions. Some niches may be more challenging than others, like maternity or newborn photography. Any photography niche that relies heavily on being timed according to due dates can be hard to plan a pop-up style session. Challenging, but not impossible! 

Keep reading for ideas on how to overcome the due date concern.

The best types of photography for mini sessions

1. Family Mini Sessions

Family photography is one of the most popular types of photography for mini sessions (and for good reason!). If you’ve ever tried to wrangle small kids into sitting still for any amount of time, you know how hard it is! Families need a quick and easy way to get professional photos, and mini sessions provide that. 

Even if you’re not a family photographer, you can still offer family mini sessions. Many newborn photographers, maternity photographers, and wedding photographers will offer family sessions to their past clients. By staying in sight and in mind, you can reconnect with clients, inject cash into your business, and boost your referrals.

There are hundreds of fun, family session themes you could choose from. Some of my favorites are listed below!

Mini Session Themes for Family Photographers:

• PJ party
• Mommy & Me
• Picnic
• Red Truck Tailgates

2. Pet Photography

Pet photography is a fast-growing niche, but most people are still discovering it. Themed pet mini sessions are a perfect way to increase awareness. Plus, pets are a lot like small kids – they’re high energy, unpredictable, and don’t always have a long attention span when it comes to sitting still. Mini sessions get owners in and out.

I recommend sticking to outdoor sessions for pets. With multiple clients coming in and out, there’s no time to stop and clean up an accident. Better to move over a few feet and keep going! Plus, the outdoor theme possibilities are too good to pass up!

Popular Mini Session Themes for Pet Photographers:

• Pool Party
• Field Photos
• Birthday Smash Cakes (that are pet-safe!)

3. Wedding and Engagement Mini Sessions

We already discussed that family photos are a great option for wedding and engagement photographers. You can also do couple and engagement photo mini sessions, which are great ways to book new clients! 

Depending on where you are, host your engagement minis during the spring and summer when couples are planning their wedding. (If you can plan them soon after a bridal show, even better!) Outdoor engagement photos are the most popular request, so plan a theme that gets couples outside.

Themes for Engagement and Wedding Photographers:

• Beach Photoshoot
• Proposals
• Anniversary

4. Portrait Photography

Portrait photographers have lots of options when it comes to hosting mini sessions. I recommend deciding first if you’re going to do sessions for past clients or new clients. If you specialize in headshots or “professional” portraits, then use minis as an excuse to offer headshot updates. Not only will you bring in new clients, but it’s a great way to create new income from past clients. 

Portrait sessions can be done indoor or outdoors, but most clients will probably prefer a studio session with backdrops and lighting. Your theme will largely depend on what type of portraits you do, but here are some tried and true ones.

Mini Session Themes for Portrait Photographers:

• Updated Headshots
• Flower Field
• Coffee Shop

Where to get started

If you’re new to mini sessions or are looking for a better way to stay organized and maximize your profits, you’re in the right place! I create tons of resources that teach photographers how to plan, organize, automate, and market mini sessions. 
The first step is to decide what your theme will be and go from there. Check out my 177 Session Ideas Guide. You can binge my library of mini session resources and courses to help you have your own $5k, $10k, or $15k day of mini sessions!