You’ve seen what I’m talking about, right?

Large, elaborate sets that photographers use for their mini sessions. They are absolutely adorable!

But they’re also a lot of work and can be very costly.

I don’t use props or sets for my minis and here’s why:

1. They’re expensive.
Gathering the elements needed can take a lot of money up front that cuts into your mini session profit. And when your mini sessions are over, oftentimes those set pieces get thrown away, which is quite literally money down the drain. Instead, I choose a gorgeous location that fits my photography style and I know will appeal to my high-end clients. Some examples are a field with tall grass, an all-white studio with tons of natural light, wildflowers in the Spring, or a glowing desert with cacti.

2. They take up your time.
I don’t know about you, but I am not a carpenter, a set decorator, or an interior designer. The thought of building or designing an intricate set from scratch overwhelms me! I would rather use that time to market my mini sessions, find new clients, keep up my relationships with existing clients, or–best of all–spend time with my family.

3. They can be distracting.
The most important aspects of my photos are the people in them. Fancy sets may actually distract the viewer’s eye away from the people and onto the things, which is the last thing I want. A beautiful location will complement the family without taking the attention away from them. That’s always my goal!

I have a few other reasons why I don’t use props, and I touch on those in my mini session course. But I’d love to know your thoughts! Have you used large sets in the past? Let me know in the comments!