Fall Minis

QUICK, COZY, CANDID

meet the artist

If you don't personally know Mel, you should know her inner child shines brightest when she’s playing pretend and making believe with little ones. Beyond being a proud dog mom, she’s also a doting aunt to four adorable nieces and nephews. Mel loves every opportunity to connect with families and help everyone feel at ease in front of the camera. From goofy dances to silly sounds, she’s always ready to keep the laughter flowing while supporting parents—and capturing as many beautiful, high-quality moments as possible in just 15 minutes.

WHY FALL MINIS?

Mini sessions are the perfect way to capture your family’s story as the leaves change and season shifts. Offered at three different locations around Raleigh—JC Raulston Arboretum, NC Art Walk, or your very own backyard! - each session is thoughtfully styled to create a beautiful, cohesive look. Every mini includes a style and prep guide (upon request), 5 sneak peaks 24 hours after the shoot, plus a digital online gallery of your images.

Every detail is designed to keep the process stress-free—so you can simply enjoy the experience and leave with joyful, lasting memories.

SCHEDULE HERE

Q & A

How soon should I book my session for this fall?

Would say the sooner the better especially with the weather dropping significantly by November. This ensures that I have space for you in my calendar. You also get better options on dates that work well for you and your family. Booking early also gives you a chance to prep your kiddos and find those outfits that fit your aesthetic.

What location should we go to?

The location depends on what you envision for the final outcome of your photos. Do you want the colors and location to go with the look and feel of your home? These prints could be on your walls for a while. Another question to ask is, where would my family feel comfortable being photographed?

How do I plan our outfits?

First, I want you to know that I’m always here to support you when it comes to choosing outfits for your session. Please never hesitate to reach out—there are no silly or “wrong” questions! You can even send me options before you make any purchases, and I’ll happily give you my thoughts. Personally I'm a big fan of consignment shopping - there are some great second hand options out there that won't break your bank. Ultimately you and your family should feel that your outfit makes you feel confident and comfortable! From my experience, neutral tones photograph beautifully and complement a wide range of decor, especially if you’ll be displaying the prints on your walls. My best tip: start with your outfit as mom, then build the rest of the family’s looks around yours for a cohesive style.

How soon after our session will I get my images?

I will communicate to you at the end of your session what to expect as far as image delivery. I usually say about 2 weeks, but in the busy season it may be more like 3-4 weeks until you get your images.

How many images will I get?

The number of images depends on how the session goes but as a rule of thumb you can plan on at least 20-30 images in your final gallery.

How much diversity will there be?

Typically, I'll start with the entire family and then break it down into special pairings. Mom and dad, siblings, girls, boys, etc. I'll also be sure to grab individual shots of everyone there!

Can we bring our dog?

Absolutely! Did I mention I LOVE dogs? I do suggest that if you choose to bring your dog, you also bring a pet helper with you (an extra person who is NOT going to be in the photos). Sometimes our furry friends need a little break and with such a short session, it's helpful for the family to continue their photos while a helper takes care of your furry friend.

What if my kids are having a hard time?

Trust me, I've seen it all. Please release any anxiety you may be feeling about this mini session. I understand this can be a lot for some kiddos and we will do whatever it takes to make sure everyone stays happy and content!

What if it rains?

Please be sure to check each mini session date's rain date. If the weather isn't cooperating, I will automatically rebook you to the rain date listed. If you have a conflict with the rain date and there happens to be an open session still available from another mini session day, you are welcome to snag it. If you cannot make the designated rain date and there are no sessions available, I will credit your session fee towards a future photoshoot.

What if we are late for a very legitimate reason?

It happens ... and I totally get it! However, since mini session schedules are so tightly packed, reschedules are only possible in case of weather issues, as determined by the photographer. If you are unable to attend your reserved mini session due to an unforeseen circumstance, the session credit may be applied towards a full session and not a mini session.