Roaring Fun: Behind the Scenes of Our Dino Mini Sessions
Another year of Dino Mini Sessions is officially in the works, and I couldn’t be more excited! These sessions have become a favorite among my little clients (and their parents!), and seeing their faces light up when they meet our prehistoric friend is absolutely priceless.
The Hunt for Kota the Triceratops
The success of these mini sessions has been a long time in the making—literally! The star of the show is none other than Kota the Triceratops by Playskool, a life-sized, interactive dino ride that kids adore. There’s just one problem: Kota was discontinued years ago, and because he’s still so popular, finding one in good condition is like unearthing a rare fossil!
After months of searching online marketplaces, I finally found a clean, fully functioning Kota—and yes, I may have paid a small fortune for him (over $300 for a secondhand toy—who knew?!). But seeing the joy he brings to every session? Worth every penny.
Dino-Themed Props & Styling
Last year, Zara surprised us with an adorable Dino line, and you better believe I snatched up the dino-print luggage, backpack, and boots immediately! These pieces add such a fun, stylish touch to the sessions, whether we’re going for a jungle explorer vibe or just letting the little ones play pretend as paleontologists.
Why Kids (and Parents) Love These Sessions
There’s something magical about dinosaurs that captivates kids—maybe it’s the giant size, the roaring sounds, or just the thrill of imagining a prehistoric world. Whatever it is, these sessions are always full of:
Giggles (especially when Kota "talks" or moves his head)
Adorable poses (some kids hug him, some "ride" him, some roar right back!)
Pure, unfiltered childhood joy (and let’s be honest—parents love the photos just as much).
Booking Your Spot
I usually do Dino mini sessions in summer, when the summer is long and hot. Spots for these sessions always fill up fast, so if you’ve got a little dino lover at home, keep an eye out for announcements! Whether your child is a fierce T-Rex fan or a gentle Triceratops rider, we’ll make sure they have a roaring good time.
Can’t wait to see all the tiny paleontologists and dino enthusiasts this year! 🦖✨
— Yao Li (July Angel Photography @ Peppermint Studio in Southlake, TX.
Capturing childhood, one adventure at a time.