Prom season is one of the most exciting times of the year — the dresses, the tuxes, the flowers, the memories! And if you’re booked for a prom mini session, you’re already making a smart move to capture this once-in-a-lifetime night beautifully. To ensure everything goes smoothly, a little planning ahead of time goes a long way. Here are my top tips to help you prepare for your prom mini session so you can enjoy every second (and look amazing doing it!):

Table of Contents
1. Arrive On Time (or Even a Few Minutes Early!)
High school prom minis are booked back-to-back, which means every minute counts. Plan to arrive at least 5–10 minutes early so you can hop out of the car, do any last-minute touch-ups, and be ready to go right when your session starts. Running late can mean losing precious photo time — and nobody wants to feel rushed right before their big night!
👉 Pro Tip: Check travel times and possible traffic ahead of time, especially if you’re coming from a salon or a nearby city. Better to be a little early than to miss a single photo opportunity!
Important Reminder:
If you’re bringing a date or coming with a small group of 2–4 friends, make sure everyone is fully ready to go when your session time begins. We want to maximize your time in front of the camera — not waiting for someone to finish getting dressed or fixing hair!

2. Have Your Bouquet (or Boutonniere) Ready and With You
Florals are such a special part of prom night — they add that finishing touch to your entire look! Make sure to pick up your bouquet or boutonniere early enough in the day so you have it in-hand and ready when you arrive for your mini session.
👉 Bonus Tip: Bring a small towel or cloth to gently dry off any flowers if they’re a little damp from the florist — we don’t want water spots on your outfits!

3. Schedule Hair and Makeup With Plenty of Time to Spare
Trust me, prom day flies by faster than you think! Make sure to schedule your hair and makeup appointments early enough so you’re not stressed if things run late, as they sometimes do. Aim to be completely ready at least 45 minutes to an hour before you need to leave for your photos.
👉 Helpful Tip: Build some “buffer time” into your day. It’s always better to relax for a few minutes than scramble out the door with pins still in your hair!

4. Bring a Few Essentials With You to Your Prom Mini Session
Here’s a quick checklist of little things you might want to bring for touch-ups before or during your session:
- Lip gloss or lipstick
- Powder for shine
- Hairbrush or comb
- Safety pins or fashion tape (for any dress emergencies)
- A little bottle of water (stay hydrated, queen!)

5. Relax and Have Fun!
You’ve already done all the work — now it’s time to enjoy it! Don’t stress about being “perfect.” Some of the best prom photos happen when you’re just laughing with your friends, spinning in your dress, or sharing a sweet moment with your date. Let’s capture the magic of YOU being fully present in this unforgettable moment!
Here is another excellent read for preparing for a session, this FAQ blog post is loaded with beneficial information that answers so many questions—Senior FAQ Blog.

If you haven’t booked your prom mini session, now is your chance! I only have limited slots available.
Final Note:
Prom only happens once — let’s make sure the memories we capture are joyful, relaxed, and full of excitement. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up and glowing with happiness!
If you have any last-minute questions before your mini session, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Mary Wiebe is an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer based in Denver City, Texas, serving Lubbock Texas and beyond. Named Best Wedding Photographer for Gaines County in 2025, Mary is passionate about capturing joyful, heartwarming memories that families will cherish for generations. With a love for storytelling through photography, she creates a fun and relaxed experience for every session.
Beyond the lens, Mary adores spending time with her husband, children, and two precious grandbabies. Whether photographing a glowing bride, a growing family, or a sweet newborn, she finds joy in preserving life’s most beautiful moments.
How to Plan for Your Prom Mini Session
April 28, 2025