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Mini Sessions: Quick, Beautiful, Affordable

Short, focused portrait sessions perfect for seasonal updates, holiday cards, and milestone moments. Professional mini session photography across Hampton Roads at a fraction of the full session price. Serving Hampton Roads since 2010.

Book a Mini Session View Seasonal Calendar

What Are Mini Sessions?

Professional portraits, less commitment.

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-style session is a shorter, focused portrait experience held on a pre-selected date, setup, or location. Current published options begin with Little Moments Mini at $325, with Playtime Portrait available for families who want more time, more images, or an on-location feel.

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.

Seasonal Calendar

Mini session events throughout the year.

Each one designed to take advantage of the best seasonal backdrops and themes Hampton Roads has to offer.

FEB

Valentine's Mini Sessions

Romantic couples portraits, Galentine's sessions, and tasteful boudoir-light sessions that make the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Intimate, mood-driven sessions with soft lighting and warm tones. Studio sessions available with curated Valentine's backdrops and styling.

SPR

Spring Mini Sessions (Mar–May)

Spring in Hampton Roads is breathtaking — cherry blossoms, dogwoods, azaleas, and lush green landscapes. Easter-themed sessions, Mother's Day portraits, and fresh spring florals. Favorite locations include Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia Beach oceanfront, Suffolk parks, and tree-lined paths throughout Hampton Roads.

SUM

Summer Mini Sessions (Jun–Aug)

Golden hour beach sessions at Virginia Beach and Sandbridge, patriotic Fourth of July themed portraits, and back-to-school sessions. Scheduled during the magic hour before sunset when the light is warm, directional, and stunning on the water.

FALL

Fall Mini Sessions (Sep–Nov)

Consistently my most requested events. Autumn foliage creates rich backdrops of amber, crimson, and gold. Pumpkin patch sessions, Halloween portraits, and Thanksgiving family photos. Top locations: Great Bridge Battlefield in Chesapeake, Windsor Castle Park, Suffolk's downtown historic district. These book within hours of being announced.

HOL

Holiday Mini Sessions (Nov–Dec)

Christmas tree portraits, holiday card sessions, and New Year's celebrations — studio-based mini sessions with curated holiday backdrops, twinkling lights, and festive props in our Suffolk studio. The single fastest-selling events I host each year. Join the VIP list for first access.

What's Included

A complete, polished experience.

Not a watered-down version of a full session. Here is what you can expect:

30–75 min

Focused Session

A focused, efficient session with professional direction. Current mini-style options range from a 30–35 minute Little Moments studio session to a 60–75 minute Playtime Portrait.

1 Setup

Backdrop / Location

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.

4–9

Edited Images

Current published mini-style packages include 4 to 9 retouched images, depending on the session selected. Seasonal event deliverables are announced before booking.

Gallery

Online + 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 They're For

Flexible enough for just about anyone.

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. Twenty 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. 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. A maternity mini session is a great complement to a full maternity session.

Holiday Card Photos

The most common reason clients book mini sessions — gorgeous holiday card photos done quickly and affordably. No more stressing over the annual family photo when a professional handles it in under 30 minutes.

Which Is Right for You?

Mini sessions vs. full sessions.

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 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.

Where We Shoot

Hampton Roads mini session locations.

I rotate locations throughout the year to keep things fresh and take advantage of seasonal conditions.

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.

Don't Miss Out

How to get notified.

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.

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.

Follow on Instagram Join VIP List
Golden gown beach portrait at golden hour

Prefer a Full Experience?

Related sessions.

Little Moments Mini (Kids)

$325 studio
35 min · 4 images · 5-7 days turnaround
  • 30–35 min studio
  • 1 child · 1 outfit
  • Parent may join 1–2 poses
  • 4 retouched images
Book This Session

Playtime Portrait (Kids)

$450 studio / $600 in-home
1h 15m · 9 images · 5-7 days turnaround
  • 60–75 min session
  • Up to 2 outfits
  • Play-based at park or beach
  • 9 retouched images (incl 1 composite)
Book This Session

Good to Know

Mini session FAQs.

What is a mini session?
A mini session is a shorter, focused portrait experience on a pre-selected date, setup, or location. Current mini-style options include Little Moments Mini and Playtime Portrait, with session times, image counts, and pricing clearly listed before you book.
How much do mini sessions cost?
Current published mini-style sessions start at $325 for Little Moments Mini. Playtime Portrait is $450 studio / $600 on-location. Seasonal mini event pricing is announced with each event. Visit our booking page or call 757-759-8454 for current availability.
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 members get first access.
How many photos do I get from a mini session?
Little Moments Mini includes 4 retouched images. Playtime Portrait includes 9 retouched images. Seasonal event image counts are announced before booking, and selected images are delivered through a private online gallery.
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. 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 with complete flexibility.
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. For the full fine art maternity experience with multiple outfits and styling, I recommend a full maternity session. Call 757-759-8454 and I will help you decide.
See All FAQs

Mini Sessions

Big moments, short sessions.

Starting at $325

Quick, playful sessions for kids and milestones. Reserve with a $100 retainer.

Little Moments Mini — $32530–35 minute studio session · 4 retouched images · 1 child.
Playtime Portrait — $450 studio / $600 on-location · Ideal60–75 minute session · 9 images · play-based at studio, park or beach.
Book a Mini Session See All Packages & Pricing

Spots Fill Fast

Book your mini session.

One of the easiest ways to get professional, fine art portraits without a major time or financial commitment. Whether you need family photos, holiday cards, a fresh headshot, or a seasonal keepsake — do not wait until it is too late.

Book a Mini Session Call 757-759-8454