Theme for the Mini Session
As summer approached, I wasn’t quite sure what direction to take to draw clients in. Between market research and reading other photographers’ blogs, I found myself more lost than when I first started.
Then, finally, I came across a quaint farm nestled in the country that had planted sunflowers for a fundraiser. The catch? They were set to bloom within the next two weeks.
Feeling optimistic, I reached out to the owners of Puddleford Tree Farm to ask if they allowed professional shoots, being the event was for the CK Alzheimer’s Society. When I received the go-ahead from the Gail’s, ideas started to flow.
Planning
Being on a budget made the advertising stage a little tricky and that’s where Canva came into play.
While designing the post, accessibility was at the forefront. Creating an ad that’s not only visually appealing but also easy to read is - (and will always be) a priority.
There’s so much potential in both the free and paid versions of Canva, especially when you’re trying to stay professional without breaking the bank.
To get the message out there I posted on different Facebook groups and used ChatGPT to curate hashtags for engagement on Instagram and TikTok.
Timing
At first, I followed the advice of the Gail’s and kept bookings open for the weekend of July 4th and 5th, that was when the flowers peaked, however after getting some interest, I decided to extend the time frame for another week.
As the sunflowers grew taller, I started to notice posing clients became a little trickier but honestly, I welcomed the challenge. It pushed me to think more creatively, stay flexible, and adapt on the fly.
Now I’ve got a better feel for the do’s and don’ts of shooting in a live, ever-changing floral environment, knowledge I’ll be carrying into next year’s sessions.
Shoot Prep
Once my families were booked, I did a full gear check. I shoot with the Canon 750D also known as the Rebel T6i. It’s a solid little workhorse that’s served me well. With its 24.4-megapixel crop sensor paired with the Canon 24-105mm L-series lens, I’m able to capture clean, sharp portraits that still have that dreamy, professional feel.
I’ll save the deep dive into camera bodies, lenses, and settings for another blog, that rabbit hole deserves its own spotlight.
But here’s where I stepped out of the box.
When I touched base with one of my clients, I found out their son who is almost a year old and he doesn’t really smile much yet, especially around new faces. Totally understandable. He’s also not really into toys.
He’s just a really chill baby laid-back, observant, taking it all in at his own pace.
So I thought: keep it simple, and maybe add a little color while we’re at it. I didn’t want to stress the little one out, so I put my thinking cap on. That’s when the idea of adding balloons came to mind, something playful to potentially hold his interest without overstimulating him.
The go-to spot in Chatham for low-key props, balloons, or anything party-related? Dollar Tree. Always a win.
I had a feeling the balloons might be a bit too big, but it was totally worth a try and honestly, I’ll be using them in future shoots too. They brought just enough visual interest without stealing the show.
Canon 750D (Rebal T6i) paired with canon 24-105mm L series lens
Shooting during a heatwave
This summer has been a hot and sticky one. When you think of a summer shoot, maybe what comes to mind is a rolling grassy field, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, that warm golden light kissing everything in sight, all the dreamy vibes.
What probably doesn’t come to mind? Sweat dripping into your eyes, stressing over your gear overheating, clients feeling sticky but powering through, or being swarmed by relentless little flies.
(Yes… I had lots of bug spray on.)
The good thing? The flies and mosquitoes didn’t show up in full force until the tail end of our sessions. Small wins.
Safety
My client safety will always be a priority for me. I asked each family to bring water and wear breathable outfits.
For myself I always make sure to arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes early it gives my camera time to adjust to the heat and humidity, and gives me a moment to scope out the area.
I check for the best bloom spots, and honestly, those few quiet minutes before a session help calm my nerves too.
If you’re shooting for more than 30 minutes during a heatwave, take breaks especially if there’s a baby involved. Heat exhaustion can hit fast, especially in places with little shade or breeze.
Keep an eye on your clients — they might be too focused on getting the perfect shot to notice how hot or tired they’re getting. It’s up to us as photographers to look out for their well-being while also creating magic.
Reflections
This mini session was more than just a test run to me it was a reminder that even when things feel uncertain, creativity finds a way through.
I started off unsure of what to offer this summer, unsure if anyone would book, unsure if I could pull it off. But the moment those sunflower fields opened up, so did the vision.
It wasn’t perfect, the heat, the bugs, the timing of the bloom — but it was real, it was joyful, and it pushed me to grow as a photographer. I learned how to adapt quickly, how to work with a live environment, and most importantly, how to keep my clients comfortable and happy no matter the conditions.
To the families that trusted me, thank you. You turned this idea into something tangible, something beautiful.
And to the ones still watching from the sidelines: I hope to see you in front of my lens next time. 🌻
