Mini Sessions Explained — Are They Right for You?

What Is a Mini Session?

A mini session is a shorter, more affordable version of a full portrait session. You get 25 minutes of shooting time at a pre-selected location during golden hour, with 15 or more professionally edited images delivered in a private online gallery. It's the same quality and the same editing style as a full session — just a more condensed version.

I schedule mini sessions back to back on a single date, usually on a Saturday evening at a gorgeous location I've chosen for the season. Each family or senior gets their own dedicated 25-minute window. You show up at your assigned time, we shoot, and the next person arrives after you leave.

The result is a beautiful, curated set of photos at a lower price point than a full session. It's one of the best values in portrait photography.

What's Included

Every mini session includes 25 minutes of shooting time, one location (chosen by me for the best seasonal backdrop), 15 or more fully edited images, a private online gallery with download and sharing capabilities, and a print release so you can print anywhere you'd like.

The editing is identical to what you'd get in a full session — color correction, skin retouching, and that warm bella vita look applied to every single image. There's no difference in quality between a mini session photo and a full session photo.

What a mini session doesn't include is multiple outfit changes, multiple locations, or the extended 60–90 minute shooting window of a full session. It's designed to be efficient and focused — one great look, one great location, one gorgeous set of photos.

Who Mini Sessions Are Perfect For

Families who want updated photos without the commitment of a full session. If you did a full session last year and just want a quick refresh for your holiday cards or a wall update, a mini is perfect.

Couples who want a few beautiful photos together but don't need 50+ images. Date night minis are one of my most popular requests — 25 minutes, gorgeous light, and photos you'll actually use.

Seniors on a budget who want professional portraits without the full session investment. A mini gives you a polished, curated gallery that's more than enough for graduation announcements, social media, and a few prints for grandma.

Families with young children who may not last through a full 60-minute session. Twenty-five minutes is often the sweet spot for toddlers — long enough to get great photos, short enough that nobody melts down.

Mini vs Full Session

The question I get most often is whether a mini is enough. Here's my honest answer: it depends on what you want.

A mini session gives you one polished look at one beautiful location. You'll walk away with 15+ images that are perfect for cards, prints, and sharing. If that's your goal, a mini is more than enough.

A full session gives you variety — multiple outfits, multiple locations or areas within a location, and a much larger gallery of 40–50+ images. If you want range, if you want to experiment with different looks, or if you want a comprehensive collection that covers multiple vibes and groupings, a full session is the way to go.

For seniors, I almost always recommend a full session because variety matters for graduation announcements, yearbooks, and gifts for family. For families who already have a big gallery from a recent full session, a mini is a great way to get a quick annual update.

Why They Sell Out So Fast

I only offer mini sessions on a handful of dates each year — typically one or two in fall and one around the holidays. Each date has a limited number of slots because I need to fit everyone into the golden hour window, and the sun doesn't wait for anyone.

The price point makes them accessible, the time commitment is minimal, and the results are consistently gorgeous. Word gets around. Returning clients book first, then their friends hear about it, and within a few days the slots are gone.

I announce mini session dates on Instagram and my email list first, usually 4–6 weeks before the date. Email list subscribers get a 24-hour head start before I open it to the public. If minis are on your radar, getting on that list is the single best thing you can do.

How to Book

When I announce a mini session date, I'll share the location, the date, the available time slots, and the price. Booking is first-come, first-served through a link I share in the announcement. You pick your time slot, pay the session fee, and you're locked in.

After booking, I'll send you a prep guide with outfit suggestions for the location and season, tips for getting the kids ready, and exactly what to expect on session day. Your gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks, just like a full session.

If you want to be first in line, send me a message now and I'll add you to my mini session notification list. You'll hear about dates before anyone else.