2025 Fall Mini Sessions Recap: Charlottesville Family Photos

It’s hard to deny the beauty of Charlottesville in the fall. It’s classic and a favorite time of year for good reason. I’ve been hosting mini sessions in my business since the very beginning, back in 2012 and photographing them here Charlottesville since 2016. Every year just gets better.

My goal for minis is simple: timeless family photos at lovely, unfussy locations around Charlottesville. Last year was my fullest year of minis yet. If you’ve been thinking about booking one this year, take a peek at last year’s favorites below, then scroll down for how to get on the list for this year’s sessions.

Here’s a bit of what fall looked like last year:

Thoughtful Locations
I start planning these at the beginning of summer, thinking through the many logistics that families are working around. My goal is ease so that you can simply savor your family and enjoy your sweet and simple mini session. I’m considering foliage, parking, variety of backdrops, and a short walk from the car so there’s no confusion getting there. I want the day to feel effortless, so many of my returning families know the drill like the back of their hand.

Last year’s locations were a mix of manicured spaces and quiet parks, with rolling hills, tucked away corners, lovely light, and beautiful foliage.

Why I Love Mini Sessions
Every year, I get to work with families through all the different seasons of parenthood, from maternity, to welcoming a first baby or a fourth, to photographing a family with a senior about to move on to their next chapter. For most families, my full Signature Sessions are where the real magic happens, you get to customize the time, location, and season, and we have so much more room to slow down and create something truly tailored to your family.

But mini sessions have their own kind of magic. They’re quick and unfussy, perfect for documenting a particular season of family life exactly as it is right now. Maybe your kids are older and you want a classic, timeless portrait. Maybe you had a newborn session earlier this year and want to capture how much they’ve grown. For many of my clients, minis are simply part of their fall rhythm, I have families I’ve photographed for 10 years and counting. They’re short, all-inclusive, timeless in their own right, and I just love them.

Ready for This Year?

Mini session dates and details are shared exclusively with my email list, they’re never posted publicly. Last year, both sessions sold out completely within the first two days of early access, so if you’d like a spot, the best thing you can do is get on the list now.

Join my list here and you’ll be the first to know when booking opens.