Every autumn, one of the most common questions I get is some version of: "We want family portraits for our holiday cards, but we don't need a full session — is there a shorter option?"

The answer is yes. Mini sessions are designed exactly for this.

A mini session is a condensed portrait session — typically 20 to 30 minutes — at a pre-set location with a curated backdrop or seasonal setting. They're offered on specific dates, usually in October and November, and are priced significantly lower than a full session because of the shorter time and streamlined format.

Mini sessions are ideal for:

• Families who want updated portraits for holiday cards
• Couples who want a quick set of seasonal images
• Anyone who wants professional portraits without the investment of a full session

A typical mini session includes 10–15 fully edited images delivered via an online gallery within 5–7 business days. The images are high-resolution and available for download — perfect for printing holiday cards, sharing online, or framing.

The key to a great mini session is arriving prepared. Because the time is short, there's no room for lengthy wardrobe decisions or extended warm-up time. Here's how to set yourself up for success:

Arrive on time — or a few minutes early. Mini sessions run back-to-back, and a late start means a shorter session.

Have your outfits sorted before you arrive. Coordinate your family's looks in advance. Refer to our wardrobe guide for tips on what photographs well.

Brief the kids. If you're bringing young children, talk to them beforehand about what's happening. Excited kids are great; surprised and confused kids are harder to work with.

Keep it simple. Mini sessions aren't the time for elaborate prop setups or multiple location changes. The magic comes from great light, natural expressions, and a relaxed family — not complexity.

I typically offer holiday mini sessions on two or three weekends in October and November, at locations chosen for their autumn color and beautiful natural light. Spots fill up quickly — often within days of the announcement.

The best way to secure your spot is to join the newsletter, where mini session dates are announced first, before they're posted anywhere else.

Time slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. I do my best to accommodate preferences — families with young children who nap in the afternoon, for example — but I can't guarantee specific times.

The Pacific Northwest in autumn means weather is always a possibility. I monitor forecasts closely and make a call by the morning of the session day. If conditions are genuinely unsuitable, sessions are rescheduled to a backup date at no charge.

Light rain and overcast skies are generally fine — and often produce beautiful, moody portraits.

Want to be first to know when holiday mini sessions open? Join the newsletter and you'll get the announcement before anyone else. Or reach out directly if you have questions about whether a mini session is right for your family.