What Can We Do During a Mini Session? Spoiler: A Lot.


I know what you’re thinking:

“Wait... Sabrina, your mini sessions are 45 minutes long? Isn’t that the length of other photographer's full sessions?”

Yes. Yes, they are. And no, that’s not a typo.


My documentary-style mini sessions aren’t your typical quick-in-and-out, pose-and-smile kind of experience. I believe in slowing down enough to capture real moments. The giggles. The chaos. The snuggles. The you.


These 45-minute mini sessions are most popular in the fall (because let’s be honest, people tend to think of holiday card photos having to be done in the fall), and they’re a favorite among my returning families who want to skip a full session one year, but still want meaningful, story-driven photos to mark another year together.


Let’s break the mold of what a “mini session” is supposed to be.

Four people relaxing together on a gray sectional sofa in a bright living room with area rug during Charlotte mini session.
Young girl in white dress holds apple by window in sunny living room with hardwood floors and colorful rug.
A couple sharing a moment in their bright modern kitchen with a vase of pink flowers on the white counter.
A child in a yellow t-shirt with a green design stands in a bright hallway with dark walls.

So, what can we do in 45 minutes?

Let’s take a peek at one of my favorite minis from last summer.


This sweet family welcomed me into their cozy kitchen on a Saturday morning. We started with breakfast—showing me how tall they've grown, arranging fresh cut flowers, and mischievous smiles. Breakfast tacos were made, little hands helped sprinkle cheese, and laughter echoed off the cabinets.


After eating, we played a game of Jenga (which tumbled more than once), and a heated round of Uno (don’t underestimate the youngest!). We popped outside for a few quick, smile-at-the-camera shots, but the rest? It was just their life. And it was beautiful.

That’s what these minis are about: freezing the magic in your everyday rhythm.

A bright white kitchen with tiled floors features a modern minimalist design and white counters in a residential space.
Two people prepare food together in a bright modern kitchen with white walls and wood accents.
People gather around a bright white kitchen counter with plates and food during a casual mealtime at home.
Smiling youngster in yellow shirt sits at kitchen table with breakfast plate and turquoise bowl nearby.
Family playing Jenga together at wooden table while enjoying quality time at home.
Hands exchanging a small white gift box on a dark wooden table surface with scattered blue decorative elements.
A family gathers in their bright living room around a coffee table to play a board game in a cozy setting.
A couple relaxes together on a gray couch in a bright living room with wooden shelves and decor in the background.
People gathered around a circular metal table with a vase of pink flowers having a relaxed social moment together playing UNO in Charlotte.
People gathered around a circular metal table with a vase of pink flowers having a relaxed social moment together playing UNO in Charlotte
People gathered around a circular metal table with a vase of pink flowers having a relaxed social moment together playing UNO
A cozy front porch scene of a family with brick steps, white columns, and a dark door under a hanging lantern in Charlotte, NC
A cozy front porch scene of a family with brick steps, white columns, and a dark door under a hanging lantern in Charlotte, NC
A family sits together smiling on the front steps of house with a wreath on the door in Charlotte, NC

Why do I do it this way?

Because I love what I do.

Because I believe in the magic and power of storytelling.

Because photos shouldn’t be forced smiles in itchy clothes at a random park you’ve never been to before.

Because your life—the way it is right now—is already beautiful and worth remembering.

So the next time you hear “mini session,” I hope you think of something a little different. Something slower. Something a little more you.

Are you ready to tell your story?

A family relaxes together on a grey couch in a cozy living room with wooden bookshelves and natural light for Charlotte mini session