Why I Quit Doing "Mini Sessions"
This week alone,I have been asked multiple times about booking a mini session….here’s why I stopped doing them altogether….
Why I No Longer Offer Mini Sessions – And What That Means for You
As a photographer, every decision I make in my business comes down to one thing: creating meaningful, lasting memories for you and your family. Over the years, I’ve tried different types of sessions—long, short, in-home, on-location—and one thing has become undeniably clear: mini sessions just don’t give us the time or space to tell your story the way it deserves to be told.
So, I made the decision to stop offering mini sessions—and here’s why.
1. The Truth: Mini Sessions Still Take a Lot of Time
On paper, a 20-minute session sounds quick and easy. But in reality, the time and energy behind the scenes is no different from a full session.
From scouting the perfect location to booking and coordinating schedules, sending prep guides, helping you plan outfits (and backup outfits, because #momlife), and then editing and delivering your gallery—the workload doesn’t shrink just because the session is shorter.
Honestly? You deserve more than just a rushed experience squeezed into a small window.
2. It Takes Time to Warm Up – For Everyone
If you’re a parent, you know that getting kids to settle into a new environment (especially in front of a camera) takes time. They need space to get comfortable, explore, and show their true personalities. And so do you.
Even as adults, we need a few minutes to shake off the nerves, get into the moment, and forget there’s a camera around. The magic doesn’t usually happen in the first 10 minutes—it happens when we’re laughing, relaxed, and being ourselves. That kind of connection just can’t be rushed.
3. You’re Doing All the Work – You Deserve the Full Experience
As a fellow mom, I know how much effort goes into preparing for family photos. You:
Coordinate outfits (and backups),
Bribe kids with snacks or screen time,
Get everyone out the door clean and on time,
Cross your fingers that the weather cooperates and moods hold up.
And after doing ALL of that... should you really only get 15-20 minutes and a handful of photos?
No. You deserve a session where you’re not watching the clock, where we can breathe, reset, and even go with the flow if the kids need a moment. That’s the experience I want to give you—and that’s just not possible in a mini.
4. Real Moments Take Time
My heart is in capturing the real stuff:
That sweet way your toddler reaches for your hand.
The belly laughs.
The quiet snuggles.
The in-between, unposed, beautifully honest moments.
Those aren’t the kinds of things we can force in a time crunch. I want our session to feel like a memory, not a rushed appointment. When we have time, you relax. Your kids relax. That’s when the real moments unfold.
5. Quality Over Quantity – Every Time
I’m no longer in the business of just delivering “a few good photos.” I want to give you a full story. A collection of images that you’ll look back on and feel the love, chaos, joy, and connection that defines your family.
That doesn’t mean hours of posing or rigid schedules. It just means we give ourselves the gift of time—so you can be fully present, and I can do what I do best.
So, What Can You Expect From a Full Session?
Time to settle in – We go at your family’s pace.
A deeper connection – I capture real interactions, not just posed smiles.
Guided storytelling – I’ll gently direct you, but always leave space for play and spontaneity.
A stress-free experience – I’m here to help every step of the way, from outfit planning to gallery delivery.
A gallery that tells YOUR story – Not just a snapshot, but a legacy.
I understand that mini sessions seem convenient—and for some photographers and clients, they work. But after years of experience, I’ve learned that what I really love—and what I believe you deserve—is more.
More connection. More storytelling. More value. More time to just be.
Thank you for trusting me with your memories. Let’s make them count. 💛
XOXO,
Whitney