Candid family photos captured in a serene pine forest with natural lighting and white clothing.
A family poses together in a beautiful autumn forest setting with vibrant orange and yellow fall foliage in the background.
Three playful photos show a parent and child lying on a wooden floor making silly faces while wearing black headphones.
A family with their black dog poses together in a series of candid outdoor photos in nature.

As a family photographer based in Greendale, WI, I love helping families capture their memories year after year – especially those sweet, fleeting stages when kiddos are still little. One of the best ways to update your family photos each year without breaking the bank is booking a mini session! These seasonal offerings have become a favorite for many of my families who I can’t wait to see year after year and it’s easy to see why.


Mini sessions are a great fit whether you’re trying to squeeze in updated photos during a busy season of life, want a few great shots for holiday cards, or simply love having a yearly tradition of documenting how much your family has grown. And with a streamlined, fun approach, they make family photos feel easy and enjoyable – yes, even with toddlers!

A tender outdoor moment between parent and child wearing matching cream sweaters amid autumn foliage.

Here are four major reasons mini sessions are such a popular choice:


First, they’re short and sweet which is perfect for young kids. Mini sessions typically run 15-20 minutes and are fast-paced enough to keep everyone engaged, especially those young whipper snappers. There’s no pressure to perform for a full hour – just enough time to get some great shots and be on your way.


Second, they’re budget friendly. I know having family photos taken can be quite the investment so if you’re not quite ready for that, mini sessions are a great way to get professional images at a lower price point without sacrificing quality. Many of my returning families love using mini sessions as an annual tradition, updating their wall art and holiday cards without breaking the bank.

A couple and their little one enjoying a cozy autumn photoshoot while laying on a blanket surrounded by fallen leaves.

Third, I take the guesswork out of planning by choosing beautiful, reliable locations that photograph well year after year. From golden fall colors to the charm of evergreens and festive studio setups, each spot is picked intentionally to reflect the season and offer a polished backdrop for your photos.


And finally, the timing couldn’t be better. The bulk of these sessions are designed to get you photos when you need them most – just in time for holiday cards, gifts for grandparents, or simply to celebrate your family right now, exactly as you are.

A family portrait in a room with brick walls and teal trim, sitting on and around a sage green velvet couch.
A family embraces while standing on fallen autumn leaves in a forest with golden foliage during a fall photo session.
Family enjoying a playful moment together at a Christmas tree farm with evergreen trees in the background on a cloudy day.
A playful triptych photo series of two people laying on a wooden floor with headphones, making silly poses and expressions.

If you’re thinking about booking a mini session this year, here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up:


This fall, I’ll be offering sessions at three of my favorite outdoor spots: The Conservancy for Healing and Heritage in Franklin, Muskego Park Beach in Muskego, and Canterbury Woods in Greendale.


As we head into the holiday season, I’m so excited to trying out a couple new locations. This year’s Tree Farm Minis will be held at Buffalo Bills Tree Farm in Franklin, a great spot for cozy, classic tree farm photos and Christmas Studio Minis will be at Studio North in Milwaukee, a bright and versatile studio perfect for festive photos. Mini sessions tend to book up quickly, especially in the fall and around the holidays, so I always offer priority booking to my email list subscribers. If you want first dibs on dates and details (plus a bonus special offer), make sure you are signed up.

A joyful family moment captured outdoors during autumn with fallen leaves and golden trees in the background.
Four connected lifestyle photos show a relaxed indoor scene with people posing together on a green velvet couch by windows.
Two people and their black dog sit close together on pine needles in a peaceful forest setting.
A small child wearing a red velvet holiday dress peeks out from under a snow-flocked Christmas tree.
A family holding hands and playing together in an autumn forest clearing with colorful fall foliage in the background.

Join the email list here to get early access to booking before the public. Or head over to the Mini Sessions page on my website to see what’s coming up and find the perfect session for your family. Let’s make some photo magic together this season. I can’t wait to see your family on the other side of the lens soon!

Family relaxing together on a blanket during an autumn photoshoot among fallen leaves in a sunlit forest setting.