Everything You Need To Know About 2026 Spring, Summer and Lavender Mini Sessions
Booking for my 2026 spring, summer and lavender mini sessions opens on 11th December, and if you’re thinking about booking one you might have some questions.
In this article I’ll run through everything you need to know about the 2026 spring, summer and lavender mini sessions, so that you’re ready to book as soon as the slots are released!
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens
What Is A Family Mini Session?
A mini session is a short and sweet outdoor family photo shoot for up to 6 people.
On a mini session day I’ll photograph 4 or 5 families at pre-booked times. Each family’s session lasts between 20 and 25 minutes, giving us plenty of time to capture lots of gorgeous memories in the great outdoors.
Mini session days take place on selected weekend dates throughout the year – typically in the spring, summer and autumn.
These sessions are a perfect way to try family photography for the first time without a huge investment, and are also popular with families who like to have regular photo shoots to document their children growing up. Lots of families come back for a mini session with me every year.
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens
When and Where Will The 2026 Spring, Summer & Lavender Mini Sessions Be?
In 2026 the spring and lavender mini sessions are planned for the following dates and locations:
- Saturday 9th May 2026 in the Esher area
- Saturday 13th June 2026 in the Wimbledon area
- Saturday 25th July 2026 at Mayfield Lavender* in Banstead
In case of bad weather on your mini session day, we’ll reschedule to exactly the same time on the following day.
Before each mini session day I spend time finding the most beautiful backgrounds for your photographs, and will send you details of the exact meeting point around a week before your shoot.
*Everyone in your group will have to pay an entry fee on arrival to Mayfield Lavender – you can find more information about Mayfield Lavender’s entry fees here.
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens
What Kind Of Photographs Do You Take At A Mini Session?
During the session I’ll aim to capture a variety of different photographs including some of the whole family together, some of the children individually, and group photographs of the children if you have more than one child.
All of the photographs will be in the style of the photographs in my portfolio . I’ll give you lots of direction about where to sit or stand and what to do, but the end result will be natural and relaxed. I don’t use any props in my photographs.
If there’s something in particular that you would like me to capture please get in touch to discuss this before you book so that I can let you know whether it will be possible.
When you view the gallery from your session you can expect to see a gallery of around 15 unique images, each edited in colour and in black and white (around 30 images in total.)
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens
How Do I See The Photographs Afterwards?
Two weeks after your session I’ll send you a link to a private online gallery where you can see the fully edited photographs from your session. The photographs will be edited in colour and black and white.
The gallery will be live for 7 days whilst you choose the photographs you’d like to have as prints, and any other items that you’d like to order. The prints make lovely gifts so this is a great time to plan birthday gifts for grandparents, or even some very early Christmas shopping!
During this time I’ll be as hands on or hands-off as you would like me to be. If you would like some help deciding which photographs will work well as prints I would be happy to assist you. Alternatively you may prefer to finalise your decision yourself.
Once you’ve chosen your images I’ll send you an invoice for the balance of your package and any other items you’ve ordered. When payment is received, digital images will be delivered within 24 hours and your prints will be delivered to your home around 4-6 weeks later.
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens
How Much Does A Family Mini Session Cost?
Each mini session package costs £355 and is paid in two instalments – £135 when you book, and £220 after your shoot. You can pay online with a debit or credit card.
The mini session package includes:
- Preparation emails to help you feel relaxed and prepared for your photo shoot, including tips on what to wear
- Your 20 minute mini family photo shoot for up to 6 people
- A viewing gallery of 15 fully edited images to order from.
- All images from your gallery as high resolution digital files, delivered by digital download.
- Five museum quality prints measuring up to 12″ x 8″, ready to frame or give as gifts.
This package is designed to make everything easy for you – I’ll plan the date and location, guide you through the shoot and have your beautiful new prints delivered to your door.
The mini session package offers a significant saving on my bespoke family session prices because I’m photographing a number of families at the same location on the same day – this package would usually cost over £700.
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens
Is A Mini Session Right For My Family?
Mini Sessions are designed to make your whole photo shoot simple, relaxed and easy, so they’re perfect if you love the idea of getting some gorgeous new family photographs without a huge investment of time and money.
They’re also a great way to create a record of your children’s childhood. Lots of my clients book a mini session with me every year to capture an annual record of their children growing up.
However, because mini sessions are limited to 20-25 minutes, there are certain times when they may not be a good fit:
- Mini sessions aren’t suitable for babies under 6 months old. It’s very difficult to keep young babies comfortable and position them nicely for photographs outdoors, particularly with the short amount of time we have for the mini session.
- If your child(ren) are very shy, need time to warm up to strangers or are unlikely to sit or stand when asked for photographs, a mini session isn’t suitable.
In these cases, one of my bespoke family sessions would be a better fit, because they allow plenty of time for us to work at your child’s pace.
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens
Can I give a mini session as a gift?
Yes, mini sessions make a lovely gift as the recipient will not only receive the session but also some digital and print images too.
If you would like to book a session as a gift, please book and pay the deposit when booking opens on 11th December, and then send me an email explaining that it is a gift. I’ll then invoice you for the balance of the package and once this is paid can send you a lovely gift voucher to give to the recipient on the big day.
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens
Ready To Book Your 2026 Mini Session?
Ready to book your 2026 mini session? That’s great news!
Click on the link below to join the mini session waitlist and you’ll get priority access to book on 11th December.
Click here to join the waiting list and be the first to hear when booking opens