What is a Mini Photo Session?

Mini Sessions are offered on the weekends in the late Spring, Summer and Fall. The sessions are held at various outdoor locations such as the beach and park, in both the city and suburbs. The sessions are exactly twenty-five minutes in length. You may book a single or double session. The sessions include an online web page to view and purchase images and a proofing session in our Glenview office.


UPCOMING DATES (Updated 07/20/08)

Friday, July 25th, 2008
Gillson Beach, Wilmette

Saturday, July 26th, 2008 / Sunday, July 27th (rain date)
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, near Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)

Friday, August 1st, 2008 / Friday, August 8th (rain date)
Graue Mill in Oakbrook

Saturday, August 9th, 2008 / Saturday, August 10th (rain date)
Ravine Beach in Highland Park

Friday, September 12th, 2008 / Friday, September 19th (rain date)
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, near Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)

Saturday, Sept. 20th, 2008 / Sunday, Sept. 21st (rain date)
Stephen Kaey Nature Center, Wilmette

Saturday, October 4th, 2008 / Sunday, October 12th (rain date)
Glenview Woods (Harms & Glenview Rd) in Glenview (This session is almost fully booked)

Saturday, October 11th, 2008 / Sunday, October 19th (rain date)
Ravine Woods in Highland Park

LOCATION OPTIONS
Gilson Beach - Wilmette, Illinois




Ravine Beach - Highland Park






Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, near Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)
coming soon...

Stephen R. Keay Nature Center in Wilmette


GENERAL QUESTIONS
How does a mini session differ from a full session?

Our regular photo sessions are sixty to ninety minutes in length and at the location of your choice. Mini sessions are conducted at a specific location and are twenty-five minutes in length.

All sessions include a proofing session in our Glenview office. You also have the option to order online.

May I book multiple mini sessions together?
You may book more than one session in a row. In fact, it is recommended that you book multiple sessions if you have three or more children. The cost of a double mini session (two sessions) is $350 for the weekend session.

What is the cost of a mini session?
The cost of a weekend twenty-five minute mini session is $200, or you may book a double session for $350. The session fee is due at the time of booking and payable by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.

How do I sign up for a mini session?
Please call us at 847-729-4466 or contact us by email

What if it rains or the weather is bad on the day of our mini session?
In case of inclement weather, mini photo sessions will be held on our rain date. If you have any questions about weather, please call us at 847-729-4466. When booking your session, please make sure that you are able to attend both the planned photo session date and the back up date.

Can I get a map to the mini session?
We will send you a Mapquest from your home to the location of the mini session; or go to the "Maps to locations" in the top right part of this webpage.


PREPARING FOR THE SHOOT - TIPS
What to wear?
The most important thing is that everyone is dressed in clothes they like and feel comfortable in. Put all family members in the same color tone and a similar style. The blue color family is the most complimentary color on every complexion. Navy in particular photographs beautifully. Dark colors like chocolate brown and navy are a great alternative to black as they do not loose their dimension and texture in a photograph. Avoid dressing family members in contrasting colors. For example, do not dress your children in white and then have the adults in black. This creates too much contrast in an image and photographs poorly.

Our sessions are at casual indoor and outdoor locations so choose clothing that is fun, do not dress in formal attire. Solids are always a safe choice and choose clothing that is classic in style as it tends to create a more timeless look. Hats, headbands and barrettes are a great way to jazz up and outfit. Collared shirts with rolled up sleeves and jean or khaki shorts look great. Choose t-shirts that have details like v-necks, embroidery, or lightly ruffled sleeves. For boys Polo style shirts are another good choice.

Avoid bright colors like orange and red as they tend to highlight ruddy undertones in your skin. If you have fair complexion do not dress in light colors and pastels as these color will wash out your coloring in a photograph. Textured fabrics photograph beautifully, denim, cable knits, sweater, linen and eyelet dresses have great textures and are excellent choices.

If the photograph includes more than one individual, remember to coordinate clothing so that everyone is dressed in a similar style and choose clothing that is similar in tone. In other words, dressing one child in black and the other in white is not advised; instead choose two similar shades of cream.

AFTER THE SHOOT
How do I view and purchase my photos?
About a week or two after your photo session, you will receive an email notifying you that your images are ready to be viewed. A link will be provided which will enable you to view and purchase your images online. If you prefer, you may place your order via email, phone or by coming to our Glenview office for a proofing session.

How many images will I get to choose from?
Generally there will be 20 to 40 images per twenty-five minute mini session. Numbers may vary as each session is different. Please keep in mind that we post only the best images in an effort to make your selections easier.

Can I use an image from our mini session for a holiday card?
Absolutely, you may order loose prints which can be inserted into photo cards or choose a press-printed folded card option where the image is printed directly onto a heavy stock. These cards also allow for a small image on the back of the card, which adds interest and personality.

What are the prices of prints for holiday cards or folded press-printed holiday cards?
If you place your holiday card order by October 15th you will receive a 20% discount off of the regular card prices. See below for details.

What is the ordering deadline for holiday cards and prints?
We ask that you place your order by November 15th. Any orders placed after that date are not guaranteed by the holidays. We would like to further encourage you to place your order early by offering a 20% discount on holiday card orders placed by October 15th, 2008.