First Things First, what is and what can you expect from a 5 minute session?
These sessions are designed to be simple, efficient, and stress-free. The lower price is possible because:
• Dates, times, and locations are pre-selected, so there’s no back-and-forth scheduling.
• Booking and payment are completed online at checkout to reserve your spot.
• You’ll receive a group email 1–2 days before your session with meeting details and any weather updates.
It’s normal not to hear from me until then, but you’re always welcome to reach out with questions.
• I personally select and edit your best images.
You’ll receive at least 8–10 final digital photos (often more), delivered within about 2–3 weeks depending on the season.
Q: What’s the cost and what’s included?
A: Each 5 minute slot is only $100 + tax and includes an average of 10-15 images. No upselling or unexpected costs! If a session has a location fee based on permit requirements, it will be stated next to the booking on the schedule.
Q: Seriously, 5 minutes? What can you possibly do in 5 minutes?
A: Quite a lot, actually. Since we’re not changing locations, outfits, or props, we use the time efficiently and keep things moving. For families, we’ll capture everyone together, the kids, and parents alone. Maternity sessions include couple and individual portraits, and headshots or kids’ sessions are quick and easy. You might be surprised how much we can accomplish in just 5 minutes.
Q: What type of photos can can we do in these sessions?
A: Almost anything! Mini sessions work great for families, kids, maternity, seniors, grandparents, headshots, birthdays, graduation, pregnancy announcements, retirements, and more.
Extended families have separate guidelines (see next question). Newborn-focused sessions aren’t a good fit for minis, but parents are welcome to hold their newborn for a quick family photo. If you’re looking for a full newborn session, I’m happy to refer you to some wonderful photographers who specialize in that.
Q: What about large extended families?
A: Extended family sessions are offered in the Spring and Summer only and are not available during Fall mini session season.
These sessions must include one main family (typically grandparents and their adult children), with a maximum of four individual families with kids. A minimum of 20 minutes (four back-to-back mini sessions) is required.
Please email me before booking so I can schedule and price it appropriately. These sessions must be scheduled at the end of the day and are still fast-paced mini sessions. Family cooperation and readiness are essential, as there are no reshoots due to timing limitations. Alternatively we can also schedule them on a mutually available day at Winwood Park in Gardner.
Q: What is your cancellation/refund policy?
A: All mini sessions are non-refundable, as booking reserves a specific time on my calendar. You may reschedule to another available date on my published calendar within one year of your original booking date (not the scheduled session date).
Rescheduling is the client’s responsibility. If you do not reschedule within one year, or if you miss your session, the session fee is forfeited and a new booking is required.
Q: What if my kids misbehave or won’t smile?
A: Kids are unpredictable, but 5 minutes is usually the perfect amount of time to capture great photos before they lose interest. With 18+ years of experience, I keep things quick, relaxed, and fun—and that makes a big difference. And honestly, sometimes the serious or pouty moments end up being the sweetest photos.
Q: What if the weather doesn’t cooperate? What are your rescheduling options?
A: If weather conditions are unsafe or unsuitable (rain, extreme temperatures, or severe weather), I will reschedule and notify everyone by email and/or text. I keep clients well informed as decisions are made.
Clients may also reschedule themselves online at any time, at no additional charge, based on availability within that 1 year of original date of purchase.
Q: Will the backdrop of our photo shoot be the exact location in the photos you advertise for the location?
A: I do my best to photograph in the exact advertised location, but factors like crowds, weather, lighting, or rescheduling can sometimes make that spot unavailable last minute. If a session must be rescheduled due to weather, I cannot guarantee the same location will be available. When needed, I’ll choose a nearby or similar setting to ensure beautiful results. Specific backdrops cannot be 100% guaranteed just due to those variables.
Q: What if I don’t like the photos you send?
A: I retouch and pick the very best ones to send you. Keep in mind it’s a 5 minute session so there won’t be a lot of variety (that’s the point), if there are reasons you don’t like the images that are cosmetic and require additional retouching I can offer a retouch fee of $15/image or $40 for the whole session. Refunds or reshoots are not offered based on personal preference, so please be sure to review my portfolio to be sure my editing style is the right fit for you.
Q: What am I allowed to do with the digital images you send?
A: Print them and share them! I still own the copyright to the images, so I may use them on my websites and on social media to advertise my work. If you absolutely do not want your images online, please just let me know.
Q: What locations do you shoot at? How do I book an appointment?
A: CHECK THE SCHEDULE to choose your location and click on the Book Your Appointment blue button, can’t miss it! If you’re on a desktop, you can schedule right on that page, if on mobile, click the blue button but remember the date you’re scheduling so you get the location you want.