What Are Mini Sessions?
If you have been wanting updated portraits but feel like a full session is more than you need right now, mini sessions are exactly what you are looking for. I created these seasonal photography events specifically for clients who want professional, beautifully edited images without the time commitment or investment of a full session.
A mini session is a 15-30 minute focused photography session held on a pre-selected date at a curated location. Because I schedule multiple clients on the same day at the same location, I can offer these sessions at a significantly lower price point — typically $199 to $350 — while still delivering the same fine art editing quality and artistic direction that Motiontography is known for.
Mini sessions are not rushed versions of a full session. They are intentionally designed to be efficient. I scout the location in advance, plan the best backdrops and lighting angles for the time of day, and come prepared with a clear vision so that every minute of your session produces gallery-worthy results. You show up, look incredible, and walk away with stunning portraits — it really is that simple.
Seasonal Mini Session Calendar
I host mini session events throughout the year, each one designed to take advantage of the best seasonal backdrops and themes Hampton Roads has to offer. Here is what a typical year looks like:
Valentine's Mini Sessions (February)
Romantic couples portraits, Galentine's sessions with your best friends, and tasteful boudoir-light sessions that make the perfect Valentine's Day gift. These are intimate, mood-driven sessions with soft lighting and warm tones — ideal for anyone who wants something personal and beautiful. Studio sessions available with curated Valentine's backdrops and styling.
Spring Mini Sessions (March - May)
Spring in Hampton Roads is breathtaking, and these sessions take full advantage of cherry blossoms, dogwoods, azaleas, and the lush green landscapes that emerge across the region. Easter-themed sessions for the kids, Mother's Day portraits, and fresh spring florals make these some of my most popular events each year. Favorite locations include Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia Beach oceanfront, Suffolk parks, and tree-lined paths throughout the Seven Cities.
Summer Mini Sessions (June - August)
Golden hour beach sessions at Virginia Beach and Sandbridge, patriotic Fourth of July themed portraits, and back-to-school sessions before the new year starts. Summer mini sessions are scheduled during the magic hour before sunset when the light is warm, directional, and absolutely stunning on the water. These sessions are perfect for families on vacation in the area or anyone who wants that quintessential coastal Virginia portrait.
Fall Mini Sessions (September - November)
Fall mini sessions are consistently my most requested events. The autumn foliage across Hampton Roads creates rich, warm backdrops of amber, crimson, and gold that photograph like a painting. Pumpkin patch sessions, Halloween-themed portraits, and Thanksgiving family photos are all on the calendar. Top fall locations include Great Bridge Battlefield in Chesapeake, Windsor Castle Park, Suffolk's downtown historic district, and wooded trails throughout the region. These sessions book within hours of being announced, so getting on the VIP list is essential.
Holiday Mini Sessions (November - December)
Christmas tree portraits, holiday card sessions, and New Year's celebrations — these studio-based mini sessions feature curated holiday backdrops, twinkling lights, and festive props in our Suffolk studio. Holiday mini sessions are the single fastest-selling events I host each year. If you want your holiday card photos done by Motiontography, I strongly recommend joining the VIP notification list so you get first access to time slots before they open to the public.
What's Included in a Mini Session
Every Motiontography mini session delivers a complete, polished experience — not a watered-down version of a full session. Here is what you can expect:
15-30 Minutes
A focused, efficient session with professional direction. I plan every angle and backdrop in advance so we maximize every minute together. No waiting around, no wasted time.
1 Backdrop / Location Setup
Each mini session uses one curated location or studio backdrop selected specifically for the season. I scout and test every setup before event day so the lighting and composition are dialed in perfectly.
10-15 Edited Images
Your gallery includes 10-15 professionally edited digital images with Motiontography's signature fine art editing style — full color grading, retouching, and artistic enhancements on every single image.
Online Gallery + Print Release
Images are delivered through a private online gallery where you can download, share, and order prints. A full print release is included so you can make prints and products from any lab you choose.
Who Are Mini Sessions For?
Mini sessions are designed to be flexible enough for just about anyone. Over the years, I have hosted mini sessions for an incredible range of clients across Hampton Roads:
Families with Young Kids
Short sessions are a lifesaver when you have toddlers with limited patience. Get in, capture the magic, and get out before anyone has a meltdown. Kids are unpredictable, but 20 minutes is the sweet spot for genuine smiles.
Couples
Anniversary updates, dating milestones, or just because — couples mini sessions are a relaxed, low-pressure way to get professional portraits together without the formality of an engagement session.
Seniors & Graduates
High school seniors, college graduates, and anyone celebrating an academic milestone. Mini sessions offer a quick, affordable option for cap-and-gown portraits or casual senior photos.
Professionals & Small Business Owners
Need an updated headshot for LinkedIn, your website, or social media? Headshot mini sessions are a fast, budget-friendly way to refresh your professional image without booking a full branding session.
Expecting Mothers
Maternity bump check-ins, baby shower portraits, and seasonal pregnancy photos. If you want a quick set of beautiful bump images between trimesters, a maternity mini session is a great complement to a full maternity session.
Holiday Card Photos
The number one reason clients book mini sessions — getting gorgeous holiday card photos done quickly and affordably. No more stressing over the annual family photo when you can have it handled by a professional in under 30 minutes.
Mini Sessions vs. Full Sessions
Not sure which type of session is right for you? Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide:
Choose a Mini Session When...
- You want quick, updated portraits for the season
- You need holiday card or greeting card photos
- You want one look, one outfit, one backdrop
- Your kids do best with shorter sessions
- You want professional photos at a lower price point
- You need a fast headshot or social media update
- You have done a full session recently and just need a refresh
Choose a Full Session When...
- You are celebrating a major milestone (maternity, newborn, engagement)
- You want multiple outfits and location changes
- You have a large or extended family group
- You want a fully customized creative concept
- You need more than 15 edited images
- You want wardrobe styling, fabric, or prop consultation
- You want the full Motiontography fine art experience with no time limits
Still not sure? Call me at 757-759-8454 and I will help you figure out which option is the best fit. There is no wrong answer — both types of sessions deliver beautiful images you will be proud of.
Hampton Roads Mini Session Locations
One of the best things about serving Hampton Roads is the sheer variety of stunning locations within a short drive. I rotate mini session locations throughout the year to keep things fresh and take advantage of seasonal conditions. Here are some of the spots you will see on the mini session calendar:
Suffolk
Our home base. Downtown Suffolk's historic streetscapes, local parks, and our private studio at 109 Abbey Rd offer versatile backdrops year-round. Studio sessions are especially popular for holiday and Valentine's mini sessions.
Virginia Beach
The oceanfront boardwalk, Sandbridge beach, and First Landing State Park provide iconic coastal backdrops for summer and golden-hour sessions. Nothing beats a sunset beach portrait on the Virginia Beach shoreline.
Norfolk
Norfolk Botanical Garden is a perennial favorite for spring sessions with blooming gardens and tree-lined pathways. The Ghent neighborhood and Waterside District also offer urban charm for portrait variety.
Chesapeake
Great Bridge Battlefield Park provides stunning fall foliage with open meadows and wooded trails. Chesapeake City Park and the rural farmland surrounding the area offer a quiet, pastoral backdrop.
Newport News & Hampton
The Mariners' Museum Park in Newport News offers beautiful lakeside settings with Spanish moss-draped trees. Fort Monroe in Hampton provides a unique combination of waterfront views and historic architecture.
Williamsburg & Portsmouth
Colonial Williamsburg's timeless architecture and brick-lined streets offer a stately backdrop unlike anywhere else in the region. Olde Towne Portsmouth provides charming waterfront and historic district scenery for intimate sessions.
How to Get Notified About Upcoming Mini Sessions
Here is the truth about mini sessions: they sell out fast. I typically have between 8 and 15 time slots per event, and once they are gone, they are gone until the next seasonal event. The clients who book first are almost always the ones on my VIP notification list.
When a new mini session event is scheduled, my VIP list gets first access to time slots — usually 24-48 hours before the event is announced publicly on social media. This head start makes a real difference, especially for fall and holiday sessions which are my most popular events.
Getting on the list is easy. Follow me on Instagram at @motiontography for real-time announcements, or call 757-759-8454 to get added to the VIP notification list directly. You will receive a text or email as soon as the next mini session dates are confirmed.
Mini Session FAQs
What is a mini session?
A mini session is a shorter, focused photography session that typically lasts 15-30 minutes at a pre-selected date, time, and location. They are designed to give you beautiful, professionally edited portraits at a lower cost than a full session. Perfect for seasonal portraits, holiday card photos, quick family updates, and milestone check-ins. Each mini session includes 10-15 edited digital images with the same fine art editing quality you get from our full sessions.
How much do mini sessions cost?
Motiontography mini sessions typically range from $199 to $350 depending on the season, location, and package details. Each mini session event has its own specific pricing, which is announced when the event is scheduled. Mini sessions are significantly more affordable than full sessions because the shorter time frame and shared location allow me to serve multiple clients in a single day. Visit our booking page or call 757-759-8454 for current pricing.
How do I book a mini session?
Mini sessions are announced on our Instagram (@motiontography) and through our VIP notification list. Because time slots are limited and mini sessions sell out quickly, I recommend following us on social media or calling 757-759-8454 to join our notification list. VIP list members get first access to time slots before they open to the public.
How many photos do I get from a mini session?
Each mini session includes 10-15 professionally edited digital images delivered through a private online gallery. Every image receives the same fine art editing treatment as our full sessions, including color grading, retouching, and artistic enhancements. You also receive a full print release so you can make prints and products from any lab you choose.
Can I request a specific date or location for a mini session?
Mini sessions are held on pre-scheduled dates at curated locations chosen for the best seasonal backdrops and lighting conditions. While you cannot request a custom date or location for a mini session, I offer full sessions year-round at any location of your choice. If none of the upcoming mini session dates work for your schedule, a full session gives you complete flexibility on timing, location, and session length.
Do you offer mini sessions for maternity photography?
Yes! Maternity mini sessions are available during select seasonal events and are a wonderful option for expecting mothers who want a quick but beautiful set of bump portraits. However, if you want the full fine art maternity experience with multiple outfits, fabric styling, and extended creative direction, I recommend booking a full maternity session instead. Call 757-759-8454 and I will help you decide which option is the best fit for your vision.
Book Your Mini Session
Mini sessions are one of the easiest ways to get professional, fine art portraits without a major time or financial commitment. Whether you need updated family photos, holiday cards, a fresh headshot, or a seasonal keepsake, I would love to photograph you. Spots are limited and events sell out fast — do not wait until it is too late.
Last updated: February 2026
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