MINI SESSION TIMELINE |
For babies it can be as simple as a sneeze. I couldn't tell you why but the majority of babies laugh so hard at someone sneezing! Bouncing on the hip, peek a boo, surprise expressions are all tried and true ways to get your baby to smile. Once you have found it, do it often enough to encourage smiles but not so much that you wear it out. Be sure to let us know what it is if we can apply it in the session! |
Preschool children are just starting to understand the world around them and how they fit into it. This means they are in constant motion, we have to be quick! There are a few tricks I use that you can practice at home. One is, I will draw a circle in the sand and tell them that is their very own spot and we just have to stand in it and count to five. This gives me their attention for plenty of time to get the shot. Counting and visual timers are amazing tools to be utilized for many situations! |
Even as an adult if you put a time to anything you do not want to do it's so much easier to get through it. I save bribery for last. For one thing, it doesn't last long and I don't want to give away my secret weapon too soon. I keep a roll of Smarties on me because not only is there no saturated fat, very very little sugar (just 6 grams for a whole roll), they are also gluten, dairy, and peanut-free, according to the official website. It dissolves quickly enough for toddlers to not present a choking hazard, it does not leave candy trails on the face or hands and comes in rolls of 15 so it can be used more than once. I essentially buy their happiness and pay them to like me. "After every picture we get a Smartie!". (We do permission beforehand).

Start showing pictures and videos of the beach to get your child familiar with environment. A lot of children are amazed with the sand, they either love it and want to roll in it and eat it or they're scared it will stick to them and never come off. Try putting some dirt in a bowl for your child to play with and get used to the idea that it's ok. If you know your child has tactile sensory issues and will not get in the sand let us know and we can be prepared with something for him/her to stand/sit on during the session.
Start showing pictures and videos of the beach to get your child familiar with environment. A lot of children are amazed with the sand, they either love it and want to roll in it and eat it or they're scared it will stick to them and never come off. Try putting some dirt in a bowl for your child to play with and get used to the idea that it's ok. If you know your child has tactile sensory issues and will not get in the sand let us know and we can be prepared with something for him/her to stand/sit on during the session.
What do we do if they are just not having it? We distract them. Sandcastle, walking along the water, pulling a little sailboat etc. I will attempt to get your child happy but I would never force your child to do anything they were not comfortable with. I want them to have a good experience so future sessions will become a breeze! |
If you have anymore tips or tricks that have worked for you let us know in the comments below!
Located along a 26-mile stretch of white sandy beaches in Northwest Florida, South Walton encompasses 16 distinct beach neighborhoods, each with its own visual style, amenities and charm. South Walton is home to four state parks, one state forest, and more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. Renowned for natural scenic beauty, turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches, South Walton was named one of the “Secret Florida Beaches” by Travel + Leisure, but is easily accessible as a drive to destination or by flying to nearby airports Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or the Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). An upscale, yet casual place to unwind, South Walton is the place to recharge and build lasting memories. Learn more at VisitSouthWalton.com
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SHOULD WE BRING ANYTHING WITH US?
We are often asked what to do to prepare for the portrait session. While no two sessions will be the same, there are a few things that would be helpful to have on hand.
While we do shoot towards the end of the day, it can get hot! A handheld fan or cooling cloth can be greatly appreciated when the sweat starts dripping. A water bottle is great not just for drinking but to clean off any items fallen into the sand, such as a pacifier.
A folding chair is nice for anyone having trouble standing for long periods of time.
You can bring a towel or blanket to lay purses, keys, shoes and sunglasses on in an attempt to remain sand free.
Speaking of sand, a simple Ziploc bag can keep your car keys and phone protected from sand getting into places it doesn't belong. The most brilliant idea I ever heard was to use a clean diaper to wrap up your valuables in then leave it wadded up on the towel. No one is going to steal a dirty diaper!
If you have any special items you would like included in the pictures be sure to bring those as well. Framed picture of loved ones, toddlers favorite toy/blanket, etc.
You may want to bring a change of clothes or towel to keep in the car for after the session.
CHILDREN
You can find more in-depth information in this article from the blog.
You can bring baby powder and a cloth or make up brush to wipe any sand that gets on their face.
I will have Smarties on hand but if there is a snack they like better you can bring that.
Try not to bring a large toy you wouldn't want in the session.
A rattle or noise maker can get their attention so they look towards the camera.
WOMEN
You might want a back up hair choice in case it is windy. We have an article on windy day hair you can read HERE.
Add hairspray to everyone, even the men.
You will want a face spray such as THIS to keep your makeup in place. I do smooth the skin texture and tone as well as remove any sweat drops in editing however it helps keep it natural when I do not have to do as much.
You don't want to add dark eyeliner under the eye, it can create a racoon look and distract from your actual eye.
If using a make up and hair artist keep in mind if the weather does not cooperate then you may not get your deposit back.
While we do shoot towards the end of the day, it can get hot! A handheld fan or cooling cloth can be greatly appreciated when the sweat starts dripping. A water bottle is great not just for drinking but to clean off any items fallen into the sand, such as a pacifier.
A folding chair is nice for anyone having trouble standing for long periods of time.
You can bring a towel or blanket to lay purses, keys, shoes and sunglasses on in an attempt to remain sand free.
Speaking of sand, a simple Ziploc bag can keep your car keys and phone protected from sand getting into places it doesn't belong. The most brilliant idea I ever heard was to use a clean diaper to wrap up your valuables in then leave it wadded up on the towel. No one is going to steal a dirty diaper!
If you have any special items you would like included in the pictures be sure to bring those as well. Framed picture of loved ones, toddlers favorite toy/blanket, etc.
You may want to bring a change of clothes or towel to keep in the car for after the session.
CHILDREN
You can find more in-depth information in this article from the blog.
You can bring baby powder and a cloth or make up brush to wipe any sand that gets on their face.
I will have Smarties on hand but if there is a snack they like better you can bring that.
Try not to bring a large toy you wouldn't want in the session.
A rattle or noise maker can get their attention so they look towards the camera.
WOMEN
You might want a back up hair choice in case it is windy. We have an article on windy day hair you can read HERE.
Add hairspray to everyone, even the men.
You will want a face spray such as THIS to keep your makeup in place. I do smooth the skin texture and tone as well as remove any sweat drops in editing however it helps keep it natural when I do not have to do as much.
You don't want to add dark eyeliner under the eye, it can create a racoon look and distract from your actual eye.
If using a make up and hair artist keep in mind if the weather does not cooperate then you may not get your deposit back.
I have a Pinterest board with tips on posing, make up, hair, what to wear and more, check it out!
I will bring any prop you request, such as this sandcastle, clothing tape, bobby pins, bug spray, band aids, Smarties, and your list of requested shots. |
Caitie Beth Nelson
Destin + 30A Family and Senior Portrait Photographer
“A mini or a full session — which is best for us?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions that Amy and I receive in our inquiries from folks vacationing in the Destin and 30A areas. It's a good question with a simple answer. We just need to take a few things into consideration!
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