Mini sessions are designed to give you beautiful, professional photos in a fraction of the time and cost of a full session — perfect for families who want updated family portraits, photos for their holiday cards, or just want a milestone documented. Here's how Mini Sessions work with me:
1. Booking
Choose your preferred time slot through my booking page. To officially secure your spot, you'll need to fill out a questionnaire, sign the contract, and submit the full session fee through a secure payment portal. You’ll receive a confirmation email and tips on how to prepare.
2. Preparing for Your Session
If you noted interest in clothing advice, I’ll send you a clothing guide to get you started. I'll also be on standby via email, text, etc if you want to talk through your clothing options. And I say "IF" because some folks already have their sights set on specific outfits and who am I to tell them NOT to do so if it brings them joy. I'll also reach out to discuss your shots list, ie our plan of attack that lists the types of shots we’ll aim for (kids-willing). This allows us to get on the same page in terms of expectations so that you're not leaving the session thinking, 'why didn't we try to capture X.' In terms of preparing the kids, you may want to show the kids' a picture (or reel) of mine to avoid stranger danger and let them know we'll be playing games together. I'll also have a toy for them at the end of the session (if you gave me permission to do so in your questionnaire) that you can tell them about as a motivator. You're welcome to bribe them with donuts, etc; I'll leave that up to you!
3. The Session
Each mini is 20 minutes long. I try to keep things fun, relaxed, and efficient so you get a mix of candid moments and classic posed shots (unless you noted in your questionnaire that you prefer one way or the other). I do my best to make it fun for the kids to participate; I never force anyone to do anything (force doesn't usually result in natural smiles). Don't worry about "posing," I'll guide you every step of the way so your body language shouts natural and not unnaturally posed.
4. Image Selection
Within 14 business days, you’ll receive a proofing gallery with lightly edited images. From there, you’ll select your favorites (10 are included in your session; 13 if you're a returning client). You are also able to add comments on specific editing requests that we have not already discussed, e.g. teeth whitening, darkening of backdrop, eczema removal, etc. Note that I will automatically remove glare from glasses, stains on clothing, drool, boogers, food crumbs, and distractions in the background.
5. Final Gallery
Once you’ve chosen your final images, I’ll apply my signature true-to-color edits + Photoshop edits/retouching to your selected images. Your final high-resolution files will be delivered in a private online gallery, ready for download, printing, or sharing. You will also be able to submit any last-minute editing requests, if needed. You will have access to your final gallery for one year.
FAQs - Mini Sessions
What happens if it rains or is cloudy?
If it's raining, sleeting/snowing, or if the temperature is below 40 degrees fahrenheit during the time of the session, your session will be moved to the rain date specified in your package (and contract). No other weather-related conditions, outside of the three listed above, will be considered valid reasons to reschedule the session to the rain date. If you want to avoid cloudy skies at all cost, minis are not for you. Consider my regular family session package instead.
When can I book a mini?
My minis are generally seasonal and set by me on specific days at specific times. I do not book minis outside of the seasonal and floral sets that I host. Note that I always host fall mini sessions and will sporadically include other floral-centered minis as my schedule allows. Be sure to be on my email listserv to get first dibs on my mini sessions before they are advertised to everyone else.
Can we bring a pet or extended family?
Sure! But be aware that additional people and pets may end up taking away time from your list of "must have" shots. We'll only have 20 minutes together so be sure to evaluate how much coordination time will be needed in having those additional folks - and fur babies - present. My mini sessions are stacked back to back so unfortunately I will not be able to add additional time to your session.
