If you’ve ever searched for a family photographer, you’ve probably come across the term mini sessions. They’re quick, back-to-back time slots offered to multiple families in a single day. While they can sound appealing on the surface, I’ve made the intentional decision not to offer them—and I want to share why.

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Before I dive in, I want to say—there’s absolutely nothing wrong with mini sessions. They can be a great fit for a lot of families and photographers, especially those who are just starting out and looking to build their client base.

For me, though, after more than 20 years of working with families, I’ve found they’re just not the way I love to work or the kind of experience I want to create for my clients.

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It Puts Unnecessary Pressure on Kids (and Parents)

Mini sessions often run on a tight schedule—sometimes just 10–15 minutes per family. That might not sound like a big deal, but for young kids, it can feel overwhelming. They’re expected to smile, cooperate, and “perform” on cue in a very short window of time.

That pressure doesn’t just affect the kids—it trickles up to parents, too. Instead of being present and enjoying the moment, parents often feel stressed, worrying about behavior, expressions, and whether their child will “do well” before time runs out. That’s not the kind of experience I want for the families I work with.

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The Poses Feel Forced and Repetitive

Because mini sessions are so fast-paced, there’s little room for flexibility or personalization. Poses are often pre-planned and repeated for each family to keep things moving efficiently.

The result? Galleries that can feel a bit cookie-cutter.

Every family is different—their personalities, connections, and dynamics deserve to be captured in a way that reflects them, not a template. I want your photos to feel genuine and natural, not staged or rushed.

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Creativity Gets Limited

Creativity is at the heart of what I do. Mini sessions, by nature, limit that creativity. There’s little time to explore different angles, play with light, or lean into candid, in-between moments. Everything has to stay on a strict timeline.

When I’m not watching the clock, I’m able to be more intentional—experimenting, adjusting, and capturing the moments that often end up meaning the most.

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It Becomes a “Check the Box” Experience

Mini sessions can sometimes feel like just another item on the to-do list: “We got our family photos done for the year.”

But I believe your photos should be more than that. They should tell your story, reflect your connection, and capture this season of your life in a meaningful way. That takes time, intention, and space to breathe.

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What I Do Instead

Rather than scheduling multiple families back-to-back, I choose to work with one family per evening, whether your session takes 40 minutes or an hour and a half.

This approach allows me to:

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• Give you my full attention and creative energy

• Create a relaxed, unhurried environment

• Allow for breaks if a child (or anyone!) needs one

• Follow the natural flow of your family instead of forcing moments

 

Without the pressure of a ticking clock, sessions become more enjoyable for everyone involved. Kids can be themselves, parents can relax, and I can focus on capturing real, meaningful moments.

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A More Relaxed Experience

At the end of the day, I want your session to feel less like a performance and more like an experience—one where you can laugh, connect, and simply be together. Because those are the moments you’ll actually want to remember.

If you’re looking for a photography experience that’s calm, personalized, and centered around your family—not a schedule—I’d love to work with you.

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A Note on “Teeny Tiny” Sessions

I do offer teeny tiny family sessions once a year for those families who just need that one picture for their holiday card. However, all proceeds from those sessions are donated to a local charity.

I offer these in a limited capacity because they serve a very specific purpose—but they are not a true representation of what or how I typically work. My goal with these is simply to give back, while still helping families check that one small box during a busy season.