AHA: The Mini!

You don’t have time for boring details. That’s why you’re here.

So, let’s get real.

Who is Session, really?

What started as a simple ‘contracts’ platform to help our photographer wives manage their paperwork (not exactly thrilling) quickly evolved into a powerful management system designed specifically for mini sessions. Traditional scheduling apps and CRMs couldn’t cut it. Mini sessions were a whole different beast, and there was a gap that needed filling. Thanks to our wives, we knew it firsthand.

So, we dove in and created Session, serving a niche within a niche—photographers who do mini sessions. We discovered that solving specific pain points for small, targeted markets can lead to deep loyalty and word-of-mouth growth. Turns out, small markets can be incredibly valuable if you meet their needs! You can take that tip to the bank.

After that initial aha moment, the real work began.

Step 1: Conceptualization

We brainstormed what the mini session builder should be—intuitive and effective. Our design focused on simplicity, and that core concept has stuck around.

KISS: Keep It Simple, Session. (We’re seriously considering matching tattoos.)

Step 2: Development

We coded the first version—a bare-bones MVP with just a mini session builder and booking system. We needed something functional to validate our idea. Nailed it.

Step 3: Business Model

We launched with a flat $19 fee, no freemium. If there was genuine demand, we knew people would pay. This strategy helped us gauge true market fit right from the start.

Step 4: Balancing Act

For two years, we juggled full-time jobs while developing Session nights and weekends. It wasn’t easy, but it kept us moving forward without risking financial stability.

Step 5: Continuous Improvement

While balancing it all, we kept iterating based on user feedback. Late-night coding and design sessions were crucial to refining the product to meet our photographers’ needs.

Every decision, from design to pricing, was made with our photographers in mind. We didn’t get distracted by the competition; we focused on solving real problems for real people. But here’s the truth—none of it felt that organized at the time.

Neither of us had much experience running a business, so every decision felt like stepping into the unknown. Self-doubt can be paralyzing, especially when you’re trying to create something that genuinely impacts someone’s livelihood. The odds? Overwhelming. Just Google "startup success rates.”

The competition? Industry giants that made us feel like David against Goliath. But our team’s optimism kept us going when things seemed impossible.
We stayed committed. Our photographers were our true north, and we kept our focus on their needs. We weren’t just building a product; we were solving real problems for real people.

That user-centered approach was our anchor. It pushed us through the doubt and fear. Looking back, those tough moments shaped our resilience and drive. They made us who we are today.

And then came our highest high: the first time our platform was shared on Instagram.

It’s still the most unforgettable day for us.

Katie Lamb, one of our early subscribers with thousands of followers, posted a story showing her mini session going live. You could see everything in real-time—earnings climbing, spots getting booked, views rolling in. It was electric, unlike anything we’d seen before.

That moment was a game-changer.

It proved we had something truly special. We still get goosebumps just thinking about it.

And before you go, let’s tackle some quick FAQs:

Q: What does Session do?

Session simplifies the booking process for photographers. Admin tasks can slow creatives down, so we’ve built a platform that photographers have always needed. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Session is intuitive and aligns with your workflow, letting you focus on capturing amazing moments.

Q: What makes Session special?

Simplicity. Our unique edge? Contracts signed, questionnaires answered, and fees paid—all during booking. It’s a seamless process that clients love.

Q: What’s Session’s vision for the future?

We plan to keep delivering top-tier products and customer service while expanding globally. The future is bright!

Let’s keep snappin’ together!

Love,
Team Session