The Comeback of Mini Sessions (And Why You Should Care)
For a long time, mini sessions got a bad reputation. Like once you hit a certain level, you were supposed to outgrow them. But if we’re being honest, the industry has shifted. Photography is a luxury, and when people start tightening their spending, luxury is one of the first things to go. A lot of photographers who were once fully booked and making consistent income are feeling that change right now.
Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but since when do we care?
Mini Sessions Aren’t Beneath You. They’re Smart Business.
Mini sessions aren’t a step backward, they’re a smart, adaptable way forward. They open the door for families who still want photos but can’t commit to full session pricing, and they give you a way to keep shooting, connecting, and creating income without relying on fewer, higher-ticket bookings. And maybe most importantly, they don’t have to be boring or cookie-cutter. When done intentionally, they can be just as creative, expressive, and meaningful as any full session.
So if you’ve been feeling weird about offering them, this is your permission to drop the shame. This is artists adapting, not settling.
Do they have to be for everyone?
No.
Should you feel like less of an artist for wanting or needing to offer them?
Also no.
You do you. But if you’ve been a mini session hater… maybe these will change your mind.
Bright, bold, and full of personality—Ice Cream Minis by Brianna Wiesenthal. Playful, colorful, and guaranteed fun for the whole family.
A clothesline setup is always a win for Bailey Miller. Crochet tablecloths, worn sheets, client closet pieces—layered up for depth and framing. Honestly, it can make even a crying toddler look good.
Indoor Motherhood Minis by Kristen Davis. Two king sheets, a long piece of sheer fabric, and a floral arrangement.
Motherhood Minis by Amy Brazil Barber — just a drop cloth and a bundle of baby’s breath. No overthinking, no over-styling. Simple, honest, and so damn good.
Jocelyn Kuhlman runs a full day of mini sessions, going directly to her clients’ homes for 15-minute shoots. She’s based on a military base, but this setup would work so well in small towns or apartment complexes where everything is close and connected.
Masterpiece Minis by Jocelyn Collins—let the kids paint on canvas, keep them busy, and send everyone home with a little souvenir. Honestly, brilliant.
Studio Mother’s Day Minis by Julie Ryan. No studio? No problem. Rent one and price it in so you’re not eating the cost. Ask a local photog or check out Peerspace for some really good options.
Amy Mitchell loves Garden Minis. A local nursery, greenhouse, or garden is such an easy, beautiful backdrop for mini sessions.
20-minute minis by Julie Ryan are always a hit. And we can already hear the excuses—lakes, ponds, creeks… they all work. Go find some water and make something good.
Studio Personality Portraits by Jocelyn Collins. And guess what? She doesn’t have a studio—she rents one when she needs it. There are no such thing as problems, only solutions.
Bloom Mother’s Day Minis by Julie Ryan. No blooming tree? Go find one—park, neighbor, wherever—and trade a few photos for access. Easy.
Seasonal wildflower minis by Lauren Lewis-classic and never goes out of style.
Morgan McNea is running “Blue Jean Babe” Mother’s Day minis this year. How fucking cool is that? Get creative. Be inspired. We can already hear Tiny Dancer playing.
Hannah Tucker’s first ever mini sessions. Just a classic white sheet. Simple, connected, and yeah… we’re pretty sure this client is coming back.
Sunflower minis are always a hit-Lauren Lewis
Shelby Vercelli lives in the desert… and still pulled off olive grove minis. Sometimes it’s just about finding a patch of green. Lean into what’s rare where you live and people will show up.
Annie Dunigan gets it—create something whimsical, and moms will absolutely want in on it with their littles.
See what we mean? Audra Lynn knows what’s up.
Minimalist, white backdrop, personality portraits by Sarah Driscoll. Period. Shot in a dingy, dirty, damp garage. Period. Still think you need the “perfect” space? You don’t. You need creativity—and a little gumption.