How to Choose a Fall Mini Session Photographer: What to Know Before You Book

Fall colors arrive in Minnesota, somebody posts, “Looking for a reasonably priced photographer for family pictures,” and within an hour there can be dozens of recommendations.

That’s wonderful — but it can also make choosing a photographer surprisingly difficult.

Prices may look similar at first glance, but what you actually receive can be very different.

Before you book a fall mini session based only on the advertised price, here are a few things worth asking.

1. What is actually included in the price?

A $75 session and a $200 session may not be comparable at all.

Ask whether the price includes:

• The photography session

• Digital images

• How many finished images you receive

• Professional retouching

• Printing rights

• Prints or products

• Additional family groupings

• Pets

• Sales tax or other fees

Sometimes an inexpensive session fee is simply the starting point.

There is nothing wrong with that — as long as you know before booking what your final investment may be.

2. How many images will you actually receive?

“Digital images included” can mean very different things.

You may receive three finished photographs, ten photographs, a complete gallery, or simply the opportunity to purchase images afterward.

Ask specifically:

How many finished, retouched images are included with my session price?

That one question makes comparing photographers much easier.

3. Are the photographs professionally finished?

There is a difference between receiving photographs straight from the camera and receiving professionally finished portraits.

Professional retouching may include color correction, exposure adjustments, cropping, skin retouching, removing distractions and refining the image so it is ready to display in your home.

If something matters to you — stray hairs, glasses glare, blemishes, background distractions or other small details — ask how those things are handled.

4. Is there enough time for your family?

Mini sessions can be wonderful, especially when everyone is prepared and things go smoothly.

But families are rarely perfectly predictable.

Little children sometimes need a minute to warm up.

Dogs don't always look at the camera on command.

Dad may blink.

Someone's hair will inevitably blow across their face at exactly the wrong moment.

Ask how long the session lasts and what happens if your family needs a little extra help.

An experienced photographer should know how to work quickly without making the experience feel rushed.

5. Will the photographer help you look your best?

Good family photography involves much more than choosing a pretty tree.

Your photographer should understand:

• Flattering posing

• Family grouping

• Lighting

• Clothing coordination

• Expressions

• How to work with children

• How to photograph different body types

• How to keep a session moving without making everyone miserable

A beautiful location helps.

Knowing what to do with the people standing in that location matters even more.

6. What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?

Minnesota fall weather has a personality of its own.

Ask your photographer what happens if there is rain, strong wind, unusually cold temperatures or another weather problem.

Is there a reschedule date?

An indoor alternative?

A backup plan?

It is much nicer to know this before everyone is dressed and ready to leave the house.

7. Does the photographer have experience with families like yours?

Look beyond one beautiful photograph on social media.

Look through several sessions.

Can they photograph toddlers?

Teenagers?

Grandparents?

Large families?

Pets?

Families with different personalities and comfort levels in front of the camera?

Consistency is one of the biggest differences between hiring someone who occasionally takes a great photograph and hiring an experienced professional photographer.

8. What can you actually do with the finished photographs?

If digital images are important to you, ask what size files you receive and what printing permissions come with them.

If wall portraits, albums or gift prints are important, ask whether those are available too.

Your family photographs shouldn't have to live forever inside your phone.

The best photography experience gives you something you will actually enjoy seeing years from now.

9. Compare value — not just the session fee.

This may be the most important tip.

The least expensive photographer is not automatically the best value.

The most expensive photographer isn't automatically the right choice either.

Instead, ask:

What am I receiving for the money I'm spending?

A photographer who provides experience, preparation, professional lighting, skilled posing, retouching, dependable service and finished photographs you love may ultimately give you much more value than a lower-priced session that doesn't include those things.

Looking for an affordable way to update your family portraits this fall?

At The Imagery, we understand that families have different needs and different budgets.

That's why during the October and November family portrait season we offer several ways to create beautiful updated family photographs without every family needing the same type of session.

Depending upon what you're looking for, we can help you choose an option that keeps the session simple and affordable or create a more complete family portrait experience.

And because we've been photographing families since 1998, you aren't simply booking a time slot beneath a pretty fall tree.

We'll help with clothing, posing, family groupings, expressions, lighting and the little details that make the finished portrait something you're proud to put on your wall.

Children, grown children, grandparents and pets are welcome too.

Our goal has always been simple:

Preserving what matters — today and forever.

If you're considering fall family photographs this October or November, contact The Imagery and tell us what you're hoping to create.

We'll help you find the option that makes the most sense for your family — and your budget.  

What If You Don’t Love Your Child’s School Pictures?

School pictures are a wonderful tradition. They give us that year-by-year record of our kids growing up—missing teeth, changing hairstyles, awkward stages and all.

But what happens when this year’s school picture just doesn’t feel like your child?

Maybe the expression seems forced. Maybe the pose or crop feels a little strange. Maybe their hair looked great when they left the house and considerably less great after lunch and recess.

The good news is: your annual school-age portrait doesn’t actually have to be taken at school.

Consider Your Family Photographer Instead

One option many parents don’t think about is simply calling the photographer who already photographs your family.

A professional photographer may be able to create that same annual “school portrait” for you—but in a much more relaxed environment.

Your child isn’t waiting in a long line. You can choose a time of day when they’re rested and generally at their best. You have more control over their clothing, hair and preparation.

And because it’s one-on-one, there’s time for your child to actually become comfortable in front of the camera.

That can make a surprisingly big difference.

Mom or Dad Can Be There, Too

Another advantage is that you can usually be right there during the session.

You know your child better than anyone. You can see whether the smile looks natural, whether their hair needs a quick adjustment or whether they need another minute to relax.

At our studio, we also show parents the photographs right after the session.

That means there’s no wondering for weeks whether you got a good one.

You actually get to see it and choose it.

And if something simply didn’t work? We can photograph it again.

Experience With Kids Matters

A good children’s photographer isn’t just thinking about getting a technically correct photograph.

Lighting and posing certainly matter. But so does knowing how to work with kids.

Sometimes you talk with them. Sometimes you make them laugh. Sometimes you give them a little space. And sometimes you know exactly when to press the shutter because there they are—that expression Mom recognizes immediately.

At The Imagery, we’re now in our 28th year, and Rod has spent decades photographing children and families. One of our biggest goals is that the parent loves the portrait—but also that the child looks at it and feels good about themselves.

That matters, too.

Ask About School-Portrait Specials

Here’s another tip: ask your photographer whether they offer a school-picture special.

You might be surprised.

Some studios offer short sessions specifically for annual school portraits, particularly during the fall.

At The Imagery, for example, we offer a school portrait mini-session and match the pricing of your school portrait package.

We do this for families who weren’t thrilled with the school picture they received, families who decide to skip school picture day entirely, and also quite a few homeschool families who still want that traditional portrait from every grade.

So before assuming a professional studio will be too expensive, it’s worth asking.

The Goal Is Simply a Portrait You’ll Want to Keep

There’s certainly nothing wrong with traditional school photography. For many families, it works beautifully.

But if your child’s school picture comes home and you don’t love it, you have options.

Call your family photographer.

Ask whether they offer a simple annual portrait session.

Choose a time when your child is at their best, take a few extra minutes getting ready, and create something that actually feels like them.

Because twenty years from now, you probably won’t care where their third-grade portrait was taken.

You’ll just be glad you have one you love.

The Imagery Portrait Photography
Preserving what matters — today and forever.

Your High School Senior Portrait Experience

Everything You Need to Know to Look and Feel Your Best

Senior portraits happen once.

Our goal isn't simply to take beautiful photographs—it's to create artwork that captures who you are at this exciting moment in your life. A little preparation beforehand allows you to relax, enjoy the experience and gives us the freedom to create incredible variety throughout your session.

The good news?

You don't need to know how to pose.
You don't need modeling experience.
You don't even need to know exactly what to wear.

That's our job.

We'll coach you through every step, helping you feel comfortable and confident while creating portraits that look natural—not stiff or over-posed.

Before Your Session

Complete Your Senior Questionnaire

One of the most important things you can do before your appointment is complete our Senior Questionnaire.

We genuinely want to get to know you.

Your hobbies, personality, future plans, favorite activities, music, sports, pets, and interests all help us create portraits that are uniquely yours instead of looking like everyone else's.

Senior Questionnaire:

https://theimagery.wufoo.com/forms/q3wqcbx00et0cg/

If you're interested in adding an outdoor location session in addition to your studio session and our private Portrait Park, please let us know as early as possible so we can plan accordingly.

Planning Your Wardrobe

Don't think of outfits.

Think of different versions of YOU.

The more variety you bring, the more unique your finished collection becomes.

We recommend bringing outfits from several different categories.

Something that brings out your eyes

Colors that complement your eye color almost always photograph beautifully.

Something casual

What would your friends expect to see you wearing?

Jeans, sweaters, hoodies, layered shirts—whatever feels authentic to you.

Something dressy

Think wedding.
Holiday.
Church.
A nice dinner.
A concert.
Or even that outfit from Junior Prom.

This often becomes a parent's favorite portrait.

A seasonal look

Even if your session takes place during summer, consider bringing something that feels like fall or winter.

Sweaters, jackets, scarves, boots, and layers create timeless portraits you'll love for years.

Your passions and interests

Bring anything that tells your story:

• Sports uniforms

• Dance attire

• Musical instruments

• Letter jacket

• Books

• Art supplies

• Fishing gear

• Classic car or motorcycle

• Horse

• Gaming setup

• Hobby collections

• Anything that represents who you are

Don't be afraid to bring more than you think you'll need.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime portrait experience, and we'd much rather have too many ideas than wish we'd brought something.

Need a Little Extra Help?

Preparing for your senior portraits should be fun—not stressful.

If you'd like a little extra guidance, we're happy to recommend trusted professionals for:

• Personal styling and wardrobe planning

• Professional hair styling

• Professional makeup artistry

We've worked with many talented professionals over the years and are happy to recommend someone based on your style, personality, and goals for your session.

Just give Stephanie a call before your appointment, and she'll be happy to help you find the right fit.

The Imagery
(952) 890-7640

If you choose to schedule professional hair and makeup, we recommend planning for it to finish about one hour before your portrait session begins.

Considering an Outdoor Session?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing The Imagery is flexibility.

Unlike photographers who rely entirely on public parks or outdoor locations, we have:

• Beautiful indoor studio spaces

• A natural-light camera room

• Our own private Portrait Park

• Weather backup options

• Multiple looks without driving from location to location

If you'd also like an additional off-site location, just let us know as early as possible so we can plan enough time.

Inspiration

Need ideas?

Browse our Senior Pinterest boards for clothing inspiration, posing ideas, colors, and styling.

https://www.pinterest.com/theimagery/

Think About Where Your Portraits Will Eventually Live

Will they hang over your fireplace?

In the family room?

A hallway gallery?

Your bedroom?

Choosing clothing that complements your home's colors can make your finished wall portraits feel like they were designed specifically for your home.

The portraits you'll treasure the longest often aren't the biggest smiles.

They're the quiet expressions.

The thoughtful moments.

The eyes that tell a story.

Those are the portraits families continue to love for decades.

A Few Helpful Tips

• Bring every pair of shoes you'll need.

• Iron clothing ahead of time.

• Remove tags from new outfits.

• Bring accessories and layers.

• Solid colors generally photograph better than busy patterns.

• Vary your fabrics, colors, and styles from outfit to outfit.

• Darker shoes usually keep attention on your face.

• Guys generally photograph best in long pants.

• Bring more outfits than you think you'll use.

• Relax—we'll guide you through everything.

After Your Session

About one week after your portrait session, you'll see your images posted in a private gallery online. Narrow down at your leisure.  Then a few weeks after that you'll come in for your viewing and ordering session in person.

This is where you'll see your portraits projected large on our showroom screen, compare your favorites, and begin designing artwork for your home.

Whenever possible, we recommend that everyone involved in making purchasing decisions attend together.

Seeing these portraits at life size is often one of the most emotional parts of the entire experience, and something parents tell us they never expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many outfits should I bring?

Most seniors bring 5–8 outfits. It's perfectly fine to bring more—we'll help choose what photographs best.

Should I get professional hair and makeup?

It's completely optional, but many seniors love the extra confidence it provides. If you'd like recommendations, we're happy to help.

Can I bring my pet?

Absolutely! Pets are family too, and we love including them whenever possible.

Can I bring sports equipment or props?

Yes! Bring anything meaningful—from instruments and uniforms to dance shoes, books, artwork, fishing gear, cars, motorcycles, or anything that helps tell your story.

What if I'm awkward in front of the camera?

Almost everyone says this.

Don't worry.

We'll coach you through every pose, expression, and movement. Most seniors tell us afterward that the session was much easier—and much more fun—than they expected.

What if the weather is bad?

One of the advantages of photographing at The Imagery is that we have beautiful indoor studio spaces and our own private Portrait Park, giving us flexibility that many photographers simply don't have.

How long until we see the portraits?

Your view onlie is about a week after your session, and your Design & Ordering Appointment is usually scheduled about three weeks after your session.

Can we purchase digital images?

Yes. We offer both printed artwork and digital image options depending on the collection you choose.

When should we schedule senior portraits?

Earlier is almost always better.

Scheduling during the summer gives you the greatest flexibility, beautiful greenery, and plenty of time before yearbook deadlines.

We Can't Wait to Meet You!

This is an exciting milestone—not just another photo session.

Our goal is to create portraits that feel genuine today and become even more meaningful twenty years from now.

Thank you for trusting us with such an important season in your family's story. We can't wait to create something extraordinary together.

Stephanie & Rod Oman
The Imagery Portrait Photography
11804 Kennelly Road
Burnsville, MN 55337

(952) 890-7640

www.theimagery.net

Our Portraits, Like Our Clients, Last a Lifetime.

Why We Built the Senior Experience Parents and Seniors Deserve

Senior year only happens once.

For nearly 30 years, we've photographed thousands of seniors, and every season has taught us something new. We listened to what families loved, what they worried about, and what they wished every senior photography experience could be.

So instead of simply finding beautiful places to take pictures, we built an experience around the people in front of the camera.

An experience that's easier.

More comfortable.

More flexible.

And capable of producing incredible variety—all in one session.

We believe parents shouldn't have to worry about the weather, crowded public locations, long walks between outfits, or whether a once-in-a-lifetime session will go as planned.

We believe seniors deserve to relax, have fun, and feel confident enough to let their real personalities shine.

That's why we created professional indoor studios alongside our private Portrait Park. It's why outfit changes are simple, why we can adapt to Minnesota's unpredictable weather, and why every session is designed to create a collection of portraits that feels uniquely you—not just another afternoon at a public park.

Everything we've built has been shaped by one simple question:

"What would create the best possible experience for our families?"

The answer has been refined through nearly three decades of listening, learning, and improving.

Because beautiful portraits matter.

But an unforgettable experience—and the memories that come with it—matter even more.

That's the difference.

That's why we built the senior experience parents and seniors deserve.

What Most Parents Don't Think to Ask Before Booking Senior Pictures

Your senior only graduates once.

Long after graduation parties are over and yearbooks are tucked away, these portraits become part of your family's story. They hang on walls, fill albums, become treasured keepsakes, and one day remind you of exactly who your son or daughter was during this exciting season of life.

That's why choosing a senior photographer isn't just about finding someone whose photos look beautiful on social media.

It's about choosing an experience that fits your family.

As photographers, we encourage every family to ask these questions—whether you choose The Imagery or someone else.

1. Where Will the Session Take Place?

Many photographers create beautiful images in public parks, downtown areas, open fields, or other shared locations. Those places can absolutely produce stunning portraits.

But they're also public.

Before booking, ask yourself:

• Will there be other photographers there?

• Will there be crowds?

• What happens if there's a wedding, festival, or event?

• What if the weather suddenly changes?

At The Imagery, we've taken a different approach.

Instead of depending entirely on public locations, we've created our own private Portrait Park and professional indoor studio, giving our seniors an experience that's relaxed, comfortable, and full of variety.

2. What Happens If the Weather Doesn't Cooperate?

Minnesota weather has a mind of its own.

Extreme heat. Wind. Rain. Smoke. Cold.

Ask your photographer what happens if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.

Because we offer both indoor and outdoor portrait spaces, we have options. Your session doesn't have to be defined by the forecast.

3. How Much Variety Can We Really Get?

One of the biggest misconceptions about senior portraits is that creating lots of different looks requires driving all over town.

It doesn't.

Our private Portrait Park includes waterfalls, gardens, stone pathways, rustic settings, architectural elements, vintage pieces, natural landscapes, and countless portrait opportunities—all in one location.

Then, just steps away, our indoor studio offers timeless classic portraits, dramatic lighting, and contemporary looks.

And if there's a place that's meaningful to your senior—a favorite lake, dance studio, sports field, family cabin, or downtown location—we're happy to include that too.

You don't have to choose between studio portraits and outdoor portraits.

With us, you can have both.

4. How Much Time Will We Spend Creating Portraits… Instead of Driving?

Driving between multiple locations can easily take a large portion of a session.

We'd rather spend that time creating photographs.

Because our locations are together, your senior enjoys more variety, more outfit changes, and more creativity without spending the afternoon in the car.

5. Will My Senior Feel Comfortable?

This may be the most important question of all.

Most seniors have never been professionally photographed before.

They're nervous.

They're worried they'll feel awkward.

Our job isn't simply to take photographs.

Our job is to help every senior relax, laugh, gain confidence, and simply be themselves.

When that happens, authentic expressions naturally follow.

6. Is There Privacy?

Let's be honest.

Not everyone enjoys changing outfits in a public restroom or having strangers watch while they're being photographed.

Our private property allows seniors to relax, change comfortably, and enjoy the experience without feeling like they're on display.

Parents appreciate that too.

7. Will We Be Rushed?

Senior year is busy enough.

Your portrait session shouldn't feel rushed.

Because everything is thoughtfully designed and close together, we can move naturally from one look to the next without constantly packing up, relocating, finding parking, or waiting for crowds to clear.

8. Who Will Actually Photograph My Senior?

Photography is about much more than owning a great camera.

It's about experience.

For nearly three decades, Rod and Stephanie Oman have had the privilege of photographing thousands of Minnesota families, creating portraits that celebrate life's biggest milestones while preserving what matters most.

Every senior receives personal guidance, encouragement, and an experience designed to help them look—and feel—their very best.

A Quick Comparison

We Didn't Build a Portrait Park to Be Different.

We built it to create a better experience.

Most photographers take you to beautiful places.

We decided to build beautiful places, so your senior session could be more comfortable, more creative, and more enjoyable from beginning to end.

It's not about replacing meaningful locations.

It's about giving families more choices.

More variety.

More flexibility.

More comfort.

And ultimately, more portraits you'll treasure for a lifetime.

We'd Love to Show You Around

The best way to understand what makes The Imagery different is to experience it for yourself.

Come tour our private Portrait Park.

Walk through the studio.

Ask questions.

See the variety firsthand.

Whether you're planning for the Class of 2027, 2028, or simply beginning your search, we'd love to help you create senior portraits that celebrate exactly who your senior is today—and preserve those memories for tomorrow.

Because your senior only graduates once. Let's make it unforgettable. Call us at 952-890-7640 or visit our website at www.theimagery.net