Category Archives: mini session

Choosing a location for Mini Sessions

If you’ve ever wanted a peek into the brain of a photographer & wanted to know how I personally choose where I have my mini sessions at this post will have some interesting content for you 😉

So what do I look for when I’m choosing a spot for a mini session? Here’s a bullet point quick list starting with the most important requirement for me:

  • I need a spot that will have shade at the beginning part of the mini session day as I’m doing short sessions back to back & want them to look as consistent as possible. This is the struggle of having mini sessions. I’m working with about 4 hours usually with the sun being at all different points in there & I have to try my best to make the sessions look as similar as possible. SHADE is what helps me with that!
  • For two of the mini sessions I offer during the year, I need a location that will look very similar on two different days as I have a Day 1 & Day 2. (For example I have two days of fall mini sessions.)
  • I really, really prefer to choose a spot not near a playground. I know that’s kind of an odd requirement & I won’t always be able to do that but as a mom myself, if my kids see a playground as we’re headed to get our family pictures done they are going to WANT to play on that playground instead of do photos! And I don’t want my clients to have that battle at the beginning of our time together.
  • I really like to have a quiet spot to do photos. Again this won’t always be able to happen but I try really hard to make it happen. I’ve even used several friend’s backyards for sessions as I know this GUARANTEES a quiet & private place!
  • Again to help my families with younger kiddos & anyone elderly, I try to find a location that has close parking to where we will do the actual photos. Who wants to hike a mile & get all sweaty before photos? Not me!
  • Close bathrooms. And no half the time I’m not able to check this off my requirement box but every once in awhile I do!
  • Something that’s important to me for fall mini sessions is to find a spot that will help block wind. It gets SO windy in October & having some blockage really, really helps make fall mini sessions go smoother.
  • Bloomington-Normal isn’t a metropolis 😉 & I’ve had to use the same locations again & again for mini’s. But I try really hard to use a different area IF I have to use a repeat location. A compliment I was once paid & I’ve always remembered it is someone told me they hardly recognized local spots I used for sessions even though they’d lived in BloNo for years.

Well there you have it! Those are all things I think about as I location scout & think about where to meet with some amazing couples & families. Was that interesting? Did it give you a headache? Haha! Not gonna lie, I’ve gotten a headache or two worrying & looking for the right spot for many sessions! Is there a spot you think I should check out? I’d love to hear what it is!

The very, very first thing I do though for mini sessions & for other sessions is I pray. I pray & talk to the Lord about who I’m photographing, what their needs are & what I’m hoping for their session & for Him to lead me to the right spot. He always does.

BUT a location doesn’t make photos- YOU DO! And that’s what I’m most excited about is photographing YOU & your loved one/s!

Back2Homeschool Mini Sessions 2023!

Hi friends! I’ve added just a few things to help organize these mini’s to be the best yet! So it may look like a lot of info but please try to read/skim 😉 it all! Links to signup for the two days are at the bottom!

This is such a special time of year for me with Naomi Elizabeth Photography! First of all I’m celebrating 10 years of my photography business this year! ANDDDDD it’s time for mini sessions for my fellow homeschoolers! I’ve offered these since the beginning of NEP but it’s been extra special as we’ve started homeschooling ourselves (this is our 3rd year!) & now they are extra, extra special for me as I see so many families we do life with & also those who I’ve done since Year 1 & asked ALL the questions!

As usual I am offering two options of Back2School Mini Sessions! Please see below for a detailed description of each session so you can make your selection 🙂

Also I couldn’t help but use these photos of my two precious boys 😉 to show off our location! It’s a location I’ve used before but I’ve fallen in love with a certain spot at it that we’ll use!

If you’re curious about what type of images & poses we’ll do THIS LINK, THIS ONE & THIS will take you back through previous years of my Back2Homeschool Mini Sessions! I am VERY behind on blogging so these are a few years ago 😉

PRICING & INFO
– Student Minis are $50 per student
– If there are 3 or more students it’s automatically considered a Family Mini which is $145
– If you want to choose a mini session slot for your high school senior, it’s $100 for the 20 minute mini session slot (I also offer senior sessions through-out the year if this date doesn’t work for you so please feel free to ask me about! But they aren’t at this homeschool discount price 🙂 )
– After 6 individuals in a session being photographed, there is a $10.00 fee per additional family member.
– 4-6 Images of each student
– With the Family Minis, images of students together & with parents are also included
– For high school seniors, there would be around 20-25 images

We’ll have a blast having your family interact together & capture your family as a whole along with individual pictures of each child in the family!

MAKEUP DAYS I save my Sundays right after the scheduled mini to be our back up rain days. For extra hot days, I won’t be rescheduling them unless there is a heat advisory.
PREVIEWS In the past I’ve sent previews from sessions the same evening the session has happened, with our family being full blown into little kid life previews will be emailed out within 48 hrs after the session.
ONE STUDENT If you have just one student & aren’t planning to do a family session, email me, don’t signup for a spot! I will fit you in on the day you need 🙂
LOCATION Same spot where these photos of my boys were taken! I’ve used the location before but using a different area of it this time around 🙂
LINKS TO SIGNUP!!! August date is HERE & September date is HERE. IF they are booked up before you grab a spot please email me!!! Don’t be shy! I can’t promise anything but I may be able to squeeze in more depending on how life is at the time! Once you reserve a spot you’ll receive an email from me within a few days 🙂

All images will be delivered within 4 weeks of the session via email with a link to an online gallery where they can be downloaded to your computer & then printed wherever you choose. Print Release is also included. Full remainder of the session fee is due at session. An online contract & more details about preparing for your session will be emailed ahead of time. No outfit changes are allowed. Feel free to ask me about my Senior Experience Package!

Please email me with any questions- naomi@naomielizabethphotography.com!!!

Summer 2023 Mini Sessions!


Summer Mini Sessions are here!!! They’re perfect for everyone! Families! Couples! Even a Father’s Day gift! Below is all the information about them & you can always email me at naomi@naomielizabethphotography.com with any questions!

(If you’re wondering what Mini Sessions I will be offering in 2023? Click HERE to see the full list!)

A few more details!

  • SIGNUP HERE Spots are limited! I am only offering FOUR spots. Save your session HERE. Later you’ll receive an email from me with details.Location: TBA- somewhere in Bloomington-Normal!
  • Saturday, June 24 (our rain date is the next day, Sunday, June 25)
  • 20 minute interactive mini photo session
  • Each session is $225.00 & covers 6 total people. (After 6 individuals, there is a $15.00 cost per additional person.)
  • Images & print release will be delivered via an online gallery where you can download them & print them wherever you choose.

    Email me at naomi@naomielizabethphotography.com with any questions you may have!

(If you’re not exactly sure what a Mini Session with Naomi Elizabeth Photography consists of or want to check out the most frequently asked questions regarding my mini’s, read HERE.)

Spring Mini Sessions 2023


The very first photography mini sessions I ever offered were “Mommy & Me Minis”. I’ve offered them year after year until covid came & kind of rocked the world including that whole “stay 6 ft apart thing” made life a bit tricky for us photographers! Anyway in 2018 I used a photographer’s dream location & I am SO PLEASED to announce I am going BACK to that location for SPRING MINI’S this year! (These photos are from 2018 so a few years ago but they will give you an idea of what the session will be like! CLICK HERE.)

I have loved doing Mom & Me Mini’s over the years but I always felt there was something missing.

I know some mom’s truly, truly want their husband in the pictures. And some mom’s want to have photos of just them & their children as they’re never in front of the camera! SO to just make Mom & Me Mini’s work for ANYONE & everyone, I am having SPRING MINI’S this year & making it so whoever wants photos can have them!

Maybe you want to update photos with you & your adult siblings for your mother? Maybe you’re an expecting momma & you want maternity photos? Or maybe you’re a dad & want photos with your children! Updated pictures of just the kids to give to Grandma & Grandpa? Want to give mom photos this year for Mother’s Day? THESE ARE PERFECT for all of those!

The mini sessions will take place at Neipagen Greenhouse & Garden Center. They have graciously allowed us to use their space once again! I CAN’T WAIT!!!

(If you’re wondering what Mini Sessions I will be offering in 2023? Click HERE to see the full list!)

A few more details!

  • Location: Wendell Niepagen Greenhouse & Garden Center in Bloomington
  • Saturday, April 29 (our location is indoor so we don’t need a rain day-YAY!!! BUT if something crazy happens our backup date is April 30)
  • 20 minute interactive mini photo session
  • Each session is $200.00 & covers 6 total people. (After 6 individuals, there is a $15.00 cost per additional person.)
  • Images & print release will be delivered via an online gallery where you can download them & print them wherever you choose.
  • Spots are limited! I am only offering FOUR spots. Save your session HERE. Later you’ll receive an email from me with details.

    Email me at naomi@naomielizabethphotography.com with any questions you may have!

(If you’re not exactly sure what a Mini Session with Naomi Elizabeth Photography consists of or want to check out the most frequently asked questions regarding my mini’s, read HERE.)

Mini Sessions for 2023

Hi friends! If you’re a planner like I am, this post may be helpful for you as you decide on what photography session works best for you!

Here are the Mini Sessions I’ll be offering in 2023:

Spring Mini Sessions – April 29
Summer Mini Sessions – June 24
Homeschool Back-to-School Mini Sessions – I’ll be offering two dates Aug/Sept!
Fall Mini Sessions – October


*To the best of my ability I will strive to make these exact dates happen
& will update if life changes things!

The best way to know about when my mini session signups are open to choose a spot is to signup for my enewsletter list! I always send out information to my enewsletter family first! Click HERE to signup!

If you’re wondering what a Mini Session with Naomi Elizabeth Photography looks like HERE’S A BLOG POST that will give you all the details!

Fall 2022 Mini Photography Session!

Fall Mini’s are here!!! Keep scrolling for all the info!

FALL 2022 FALL MINIS
Price $210 || Package Includes:
– entire family (several poses)
– individual pictures of each child (2-3 poses) 
– mom/dad/significant together (2-3 poses)
– each parent/guardian with all children (1 pose)
– all children together (1-2 poses)
– 20 minutes
– these are great for couples, families even maternity photos!

Click a date to choose & signup for a Fall Mini Session:
October 22

Quick Facts regarding Fall 2022 MINIS

  • Location TBA in Normal. It’s actually the location in the photo above. There will be more fall color. I’m going for a more field look with fall mini’s this year but there will be fall color around us!
  • Each session is $210.00 (After 6 members of an immediate family, there is a $15.00 cost per additional person.)
  • You will receive a few images from your session via your email as a preview within few days of your session.
  • The full gallery & print release will be delivered via an online gallery where you can download them & print them wherever you choose within three weeks. You can also share this gallery with friends & family to download as well at no extra charge.
  • As we get closer to the mini session date, you’ll receive an email from me with the location of our mini sessions & other details.
  • Email me at naomi@naomielizabethphotography.com with any questions you may have!

Back2School Mini Sessions for Homeschoolers 2022!

Hi friends! Another year of back to school pictures for homeschoolers is here! As usual I am offering two options of Back2School Mini Sessions. Please see below the detailed description of each session so you can make your selection 🙂


PRICING & INFO
– Student Minis are $50 per student
– If there are 3 or more students it’s automatically considered a Family Mini which is $145
– If you want to choose a mini session slot for your high school senior, it’s $100 for the 20 minute mini session slot (I also offer senior sessions through-out the year so please feel free to ask me about that but not at this homeschool discount price.)
– After 6 individuals in a session being photographed, there is a $10.00 fee per additional family member.
– 4-6 Images of each student
– With the Family Minis images of students together & with parents are also included
– For high school seniors, there would be around 20-30 images
We’ll have a blast having your family interact together & capture your family as a whole along with individual pictures of each child in the family!

MAKEUP DAYS Remember I save my Sundays right after the scheduled mini to be our back up rain days. It may be a bit warm & toasty for these but I won’t be rescheduling them unless there is a heat advisory.
PREVIEWS In the past I’ve sent previews from sessions the same evening the session has happened, with our family being full blown into little kid life previews will be emailed out within 24-48 hrs after the session.
LOCATION TBA but will let know in plenty of advance time for you to find plan!

All images will be delivered within 4 weeks of the session via email with a link to an online gallery where they can be downloaded to your computer & then printed wherever you choose. Print Release is also included. Full remainder of the session fee is due at session. An online contract & more details about preparing for your session will be emailed ahead of time. No outfit changes are allowed. Feel free to ask me about my Senior Experience Package!

Fall 2020 Mini Sessions Info!

So the big news is, I’m not offering full length sessions this fall. I am ONLY offering MINI SESSIONS! Crazy right? All you mini sessions happy people get EXCITED!!!

If you’re wondering, Wait, is there a difference between this years & last years minis? YES! I could boil it down to describing the difference in one word- MORE. Basically this year’s minis we’ll have more time together & you’ll get a variety of more poses PLUS because we have more time & I’m throwing back in pictures of each individual child.

They are also longer in time to allow for social distancing & to be frank I’m getting too old to be doing 8-10 families back to back in one day haha!

FALL 2020 FALL MINIS
Price $190 || Package Includes:
– entire family (several poses)
– individual pictures of each child (2-3 poses) 
– mom/dad/significant together (2-3 poses)
– each parent/guardian with all children (1 pose)
– all children together (1-2 poses)
– 30 minutes
– designed with social distancing in mind
– $30.00 non-refundable deposit to officially reserve a session for you

Click HERE to signup for a Fall Mini Session

Quick Facts regarding Fall 2020 MINIS

  • Location TBA in BN with fall colors
  • Dates are HERE at signup link
  • Each session is $190.00 (After 6 members of an immediate family, there is a $15.00 cost per additional person.)
  • A nonrefundable $30.00 deposit is required to officially secure your spot. The remainder balance of $160.00 is due at the time of your session. Your deposit can be paid online through an invoice I’ll email you. If the deposit isn’t paid within a certain time, the spot will automatically become open for another client to take it. The remainder fee has to be paid by the time of the mini session.
  • You will receive a few images from your session via your email as a preview within few days of your session.
  • The full gallery & print release will be delivered via an online gallery where you can download them & print them wherever you choose within three weeks. You can also share this gallery with friends & family to download as well at no extra charge.
  • As we get closer to the mini session date, you’ll receive an email from me with the location of our mini sessions & other details.
  • Email me at naomi@naomielizabethphotography.com with any questions you may have!