Are you looking to add some whimsy and charm to your photography business? A tea party mini session may be just what you need! This theme allows you to tap into your clients’ love of all things cute and girly, and creates an opportunity for you to get creative with props, backdrops, and poses. In this article, we’ll provide practical advice and ideas for bringing the tea party theme to life, so you can host a successful mini session that will delight your clients and set you apart.

Setting the Scene

First things first, let’s talk about setting the scene for a tea party mini session. The backdrop should be designed to look like the inside of a tea room or the garden of a grand estate. This can be achieved through the use of wallpaper or fabric backdrops, or even by shooting at a real tea room or garden setting. If you don’t have access to a tea room or garden, consider creating a DIY tea room set-up in your studio. This can be done with the use of white or pastel-colored fabric backdrops, vintage furniture and table settings, and lots of floral arrangements.

Essential Props

As for props, a tea set is a must-have for any tea party mini session. Consider using a variety of tea cups and saucers, teapots, and sugar bowls to add to the elegant atmosphere. You could also include lace tablecloths and runners, and floral arrangements to add to the girly and romantic vibe. Another idea is to have your clients bring in their own favorite tea cups and saucers to personalize the session. This can be a fun activity for them to do with their children or significant other, and it adds a unique touch to the final images.

Dressing Up

When it comes to attire, think frilly dresses and bow ties for a traditional tea party look. Alternatively, you can allow your clients to choose their own whimsical and playful outfits to suit their personalities. For a more bohemian or indie feel, consider flowing dresses and rompers in soft pastel shades. For a vintage or retro vibe, consider tea-length dresses and pencil skirts in bold prints. Whatever route you choose, be sure to encourage your clients to have fun with their outfits and bring their own personal style to the session.

To add an extra touch of magic to the tea party mini session, consider incorporating dress-up elements such as tiaras, fancy hats, and gloves. This can be a great opportunity to let the children’s imaginations run wild and have fun with the theme. You could also set up a dress-up station in your studio or at the location, with a variety of hats, boas, and other fun accessories for your clients to choose from.

Posing and Composition

For the posing and composition of the shots, try to capture the fun and playful nature of the tea party. Consider candid shots of the subjects enjoying their tea and treats, as well as more posed shots of them pouring and serving each other. You could also have the subjects play tea party games, such as pretending to sip from invisible cups or having a tea party “conversation.” This can add a touch of whimsy and humor to the images.

Customizing the Theme

In addition to the traditional tea party theme, there are many other ways you can customize your mini session to suit your clients’ interests and personalities. For example, you could do a Harry Potter-themed tea party, complete with Hogwarts robes and wands. Or, for a more modern and edgy twist, consider doing a punk rock tea party with leather jackets and studded boots. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!

Overall, a tea party mini session is a great opportunity to create whimsical and memorable images for your clients.

Extra Ideas for Whimsy

With a tea party mini session, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity and whimsy. Here are a few more ideas to consider when planning your session:

• Get creative with the tea menu: While traditional tea flavors like Earl Grey and Darjeeling are always a hit, consider offering unique and playful options like bubblegum or cotton candy flavored tea. You could also offer a variety of sweet and savory treats like scones, cookies, sandwiches, and fruit tarts to give your clients more options.
• Incorporate a tea party games: Games like tea cup matching, tea bag toss, and pin the cherry on the tea cup can add an element of fun and interaction to the session. This can be especially great for younger children who might get restless during a longer photoshoot.
• Consider offering a tea party-themed photo album or wall art as an add-on purchase: This can be a great way to upsell your clients and give them a special keepsake from the session. You could also offer custom tea party-themed thank you cards or invitations as an added bonus.
• Make use of natural light: If you’re shooting at a real tea room or garden setting, take advantage of the natural light to create a softer and more romantic atmosphere. You could also use reflectors or off-camera flash to add some extra light and dimension to your shots.
• Get personal: Encourage your clients to bring in special tea cups or other personal items that have meaning to them. This can add an extra touch of sentimentality to the session and make it more meaningful for the clients.
• Play with perspective: Instead of shooting the tea party from a traditional eye level perspective, consider getting creative with your angles. Shoot from above to create a bird’s eye view, or get down low to capture a more intimate and playful perspective.

With these ideas in mind, your tea party mini session is sure to be a success. So brew up a pot of your favorite tea, gather your props, and get ready to create some charming and whimsical images for your clients.

Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash