Behind the Lens: What It's Like to Do a Mini Session With Me
Behind the Lens: What It’s Like to Do a Mini Session With Me
By Gossett Photography | Marietta, Georgia
What happens after you book a mini session? What goes into editing your final gallery of images? Whether you’re new to professional photography or just curious about how things work behind the scenes, I’m sharing a glimpse about what it’s like to work with me — from our very first email or the time you book, to the final delivery of your photos.
Here’s a step-by-step look at the Gossett Photography Mini experience:
Step 1: The Inquiry
It all starts when you reach out — whether through my website contact form, Instagram DM, or email. Once I know what type of session you’re looking for (family, senior, milestone, etc.), I’ll respond with all the information you need: available dates, session pricing, and what’s included. Many clients skip right past this step and head to my booking site to peruse available minis. Don't forget to take a look through my blog - I always post "Location Spotlights" with tidbits of information and past sessions from that location so you can get a sense of what it has to offer in the way of aesthetics and logistics. On instagram, each location is featured in my "highlights".
💡 Pro tip: If you’re booking during a busy season (like fall minis), it helps to reach out or book early to secure your spot!
Step 2: Booking & Planning
After you've chosen which mini best suits your vision, you’ll fill out a client questionnaire, receive a confirmation, a simple digital contract and invoice to make things official. A non-refundable session fee secures your date on my calendar. You'll receive a reminder e-mail when we get closer to the date, with any additional information that might be helpful.
Step 3: Session Day
This is the fun part! I’ll guide you through the whole session with gentle posing, prompts, and plenty of space for candid moments. My goal is to make everyone — especially kids and dads — feel relaxed and natural. For mini sessions, things move quickly but efficiently.
Step 4: Behind-the-Scenes Editing
Once your session is done, I back up all your images immediately (because your memories matter!). Then the editing begins — and here’s where the magic happens:
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I cull through the MANY photos we captured and choose the very best — the ones with genuine connection, emotion, and flattering angles.
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I edit each selected image by hand: adjusting light, color, skin tones, and contrast. My editing style is clean, true-to-color, and timeless — no heavy filters or trends that will look dated in a few years.
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If needed, I’ll retouch minor distractions like blemishes, flyaway hairs, or background distractions — always keeping things natural.
Turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks, though I try to deliver sooner when possible.
Step 5: Gallery Delivery
Once your gallery is ready, you’ll receive an email with a link to your private online gallery. From there, you can:
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Download your high-resolution images
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Share with family and friends
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Order professional-quality prints, albums, or framed art right from the gallery
I’ll also guide you through print options if you need help choosing the best sizes or formats for your space!
Step 6: Staying Connected
One of my favorite parts of this job is watching families grow over time — from maternity to newborn, preschoolers to high school seniors. Many of my clients come back year after year, and it’s an honor I never take for granted.
Make sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook and sign up for my email list so you never miss seasonal sessions or special events like minis and limited editions!
I believe photography should be more than just pictures — it should be an experience that feels joyful, effortless, and meaningful. If you're ready to tell your family’s story in a way that’s real and beautiful, I’d be honored to be part of it.
📸 Ready to get started? Reach out to me HERE, look through my current mini offerings HERE, or e-mail me at [email protected] and let’s chat about your next session!
