If you just want a handful of great photos for holiday cards without committing to a full family session, a mini session is almost certainly what you're looking for. Here's exactly what that means, when to book one, and what the day actually looks like.
Quick answer
What a mini session actually is
A mini session trades session length and image count for speed and a lower price point. Instead of a full 45- to 90-minute session, you get a focused 15- to 20-minute slot, usually at one location with minimal outfit changes, resulting in a smaller set of fully edited images — typically enough to cover cards, a few prints, and social media, without the larger gallery a full session produces.
Mini session vs. full session
| Mini session | Full session | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 15–20 minutes | 45–90 minutes |
| Locations | One | One or more |
| Images delivered | Smaller, curated set | Larger gallery |
| Best for | Holiday cards, quick updates | A dedicated family session |
When to book
Mini session dates are limited by design — usually a handful of back-to-back slots on one or two specific dates — which means they tend to sell out faster than full sessions get booked up. Beyond availability, you also need time afterward for editing, then printing and shipping if you're ordering physical cards. Booking by mid-to-late October gives enough runway for all of that before the holidays actually arrive.
The families who get their cards out early almost always booked before they felt like they needed to.
What to expect on the day
Because the slot is short, a mini session moves fast — there's time for one main setup and a couple of variations, not a slow-paced exploration of multiple spots. Having outfits decided and kids fed and rested beforehand matters even more here than for a full session, since there's less built-in buffer to recover from a rough start.
Good locations for a quick session
A simple, flexible backdrop works best for a mini session, since there's no time to move between spots. Newport Civic Center Park is a strong choice for exactly this reason — flat, easy parking, and a clean background that doesn't need a second location to feel complete.
Frequently asked questions
What is a holiday mini session?
A shorter, lower-cost version of a full family session, built specifically for getting a handful of great images for holiday cards. Sessions are typically 15 to 20 minutes, with a smaller set of fully edited images, often scheduled back-to-back with other families at the same location.
When should you book?
Ideally by mid-to-late October. Mini session dates are limited and tend to sell out faster than full sessions, and you'll need time afterward for editing, printing, and shipping before the holidays.
Do you get fewer photos with a mini session?
Yes, that's the trade-off. A mini session delivers a smaller set of fully edited images rather than the larger gallery from a full session, which keeps the time and cost down while still covering what most families need for cards.
Book your mini session
Tell me you're interested in a holiday mini session and I'll let you know the next available dates. You can see how family sessions work on the family photography page, or get in touch directly.