Sean Malone, Photographer

Group Mini-Sessions

For the time limited, budget conscious, need-the-holiday-card-photos-now family.
What is a Group Mini-Session?
A Mini-Session is an abbreviated version of my regular family photography session. A Group Mini-Session is a set of Mini-Sessions for 5 to 7 families. 

Mini-Sessions allow me to capture great portraits of your whole family, some of each family member and perhaps a few lifestyle/candid shots in less than half the time and price of a full family portrait session.

These 30 minute sessions are perfect for families who need handful of pictures to choose from for their holiday cards, to post on Facebook or even to print, frame and hang on the wall. They are not fully engaged lifestyle photography or portraits of the family with a multiple settings, outfit changes, different groupings, etc. Rather these short sessions are in a single spot, move quickly and are a fast and efficient way to capture some some great portraits.

Plan on spending no more than 45 minutes at a Mini-Session in total; arrive 5-10 minutes early so we can start and end your session on time.

Overview of what's included:
The Host Family receive their session and 3 digital downloads complimentary, in exchange for:
  1. refer 4-6 families who book a time for the session day
  2. work with me to find & select mini-session location
  3. small snacks/refreshments for all families
also...
  • $75 per family; 1-5 people, each additional person is $25
  • 30 minute mini-sessions
  • 5-7 mini-sessions required (including Host Family)
  • 25+ fully edited images to proof in an online gallery
  • 3 digital downloads included with mini-session (medium resolution prints up to 8x10)

Typical Mini-Session Schedule might look like this:
  • Session 1 – 8:15 AM
  • Session 2 – 9:00 AM
  • Session 3 – 9:45 AM
  • Session 4 – 10:30 AM
  • Session 5 – 11:15 AM
  • Session 6 – 12:00 PM
  • Session 7 – 12:45 PM

How many images will we get from the mini-session?
Typically, 25+ fully edited images for each family will be available in the online proofing gallery. Three medium-sized digital downloads are included with your session and are fully downloadable from the gallery. You can also order prints, framed prints, additional digital downloads and other products directly from the session gallery.

How many family members can you shoot for a mini-session? 
A mini-session includes up to five (5) family members, pets count as one member of the family. Each additional person/pet is $25.

How do I host a Mini-Session?
Work with us (and maybe reach out to your network of contacts, friends and families) to coordinate a date and location for a Mini-Session. I will then set up a page on my website for families to book their time slot and deposit.

I've been invited to a Mini-Session, how do I book mine?
Your Host Family should have provided you with a link where you can book your time slot for your Mini-Session date. Please select your time and book it with your deposit. Times closest to sunrise and sunset have the best light and are generally the most desirable, so book yours early. Deposits are non-refundable but your credit card will not be charged until the minimum time slots are booked making the date confirmed. 

What should we wear?
Clothing certainly reflects individual style, but ideally it's in a way that complements skin tones, eye color and hair without being to 'loud'. Keep it simple. Allow the primary focus to be on the individual. I recommend solid colors, or subtle patterns or stripes. Colors; a few different colors is ok, if they are within a complementary color palette w/in the outfit as well as the outfits of others in the group. If someone doesn't feel great in an outfit, it doesn't work. Confidence will shine through when it does work, and that will show in your photographs. Here are some ideas: seanmalone.com/what-to-wear.

One of my kids is very difficult/shy/stubborn what can you do?
I work to establish rapport with kids, and I’ve found that I can often get them out of the shell or work around stubbornness by engaging in their interests or silly games (depending on the age). And sometimes it's best to stop and them run around for a few minutes to get out any nervous energy. If your Mini-Session is kids only, I will often encourage you to take a little walk and enjoy yourselves while I work. I find kids will be far more inclined to work with the photographer, without the distraction of their parents.

Would you feature my family photographs on your blog/website/Facebook?
Per the contract, and , but with your permission, of course, your photograph may be used for marketing my services.  I will always respect your privacy, so if you’re not interested, I will not.

Send me an email to set up a Group Mini-Session.

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