The “Just Right” Way to Capture This Season with Family Portrait Mini Sessions
If you’ve been meaning to update your family photos but the idea of a full session feels like a lot of time, energy, planning, then Family Portrait Mini Sessions are built for you.
At Jeff Jansen Photography, mini sessions are designed to deliver real connection (not stiff posing), in a shorter window, with a simple plan that still produces images you’ll be proud to hang on your walls.
Based in New Port Richey, serving families in Pasco County and nearby communities in North Pinellas and North Hillsborough.
What is a family mini session?
A family mini session is a shorter, streamlined portrait session that’s ideal for families who want:
- Updated photos without a long time commitment
- A quick, guided experience that still feels natural
- A small set of high-quality images for holiday cards, gifts, and frames
- A low-stress option for young kids with short attention spans
Mini sessions are not “lesser” sessions. They’re simply more focused: one location, one planned time slot, one clear goal. Capture genuine connection efficiently.
The Jeff Jansen approach: guided candid, no awkward posing
My style is built around a simple philosophy:
Connection over perfection—every time.
That means during your mini session, you won’t be stuck holding a frozen smile no silly say cheese instructions. Instead, I’ll guide you through easy movement and interactions with each other with small prompts that create real moments like :
- walking together
- snuggling in close
- whispering, laughing, playing
- letting kids be kids (without it turning into chaos)
You get images that feel like your family; warm, natural, and emotionally honest.
Who mini sessions are best for (and who they aren’t)
Mini sessions are ideal if you:
- want updated family photos 1–2 times a year
- need images for holiday cards or milestones
- have little ones who do best in short bursts
- prefer simple planning and quick delivery
A mini session may not be the best fit if you:
- want multiple outfits or a big variety of looks
- need extended time for shy kids to warm up
- want a storytelling style gallery with lots of variety
- are including extended family groups (multiple households)
If you want the “full story” experience with more time, more variety, more flexibility then my full family sessions are the better tool for that job.
What to expect on mini session day
Mini sessions are intentionally straightforward.
- You show up a few minutes early
- I take the lead with simple prompts and positioning
- We move quickly, keep it light, and capture a strong set of moments
- You leave with your day still intact and photos that actually look like you
The key is momentum. Kids feed off movement, and mini sessions work best when we keep things flowing.
How to prepare (without overthinking it)
1) Keep outfits simple and coordinated not identical
Neutral and earthy tones photograph beautifully in the warm natural lifestyle style. Avoid big logos and neon colors. If you want an easy rule: pick 2 or 3 core colors and build around them.
2) Plan for kids’ energy, not perfection
A snack and a quick reset before you arrive is usually more useful than giving a long lecture about “behaving.”
3) Bring only what you need
Wipes, a small snack, and maybe one comfort item for younger kids. The less you’re juggling, the better everyone feels.
4) Trust the process
Your job is to be present with your family. My job is to guide you into moments that look and feel real.
What you’ll receive
Mini sessions typically include:
- a short, guided family portrait session
- a curated set of fully edited digital images
- an online gallery for viewing and downloading
Depending on the specific mini-session event, there may be options to upgrade your image set or add prints and wall art. I’ll always make that clear before you book so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
“My kids won’t sit still. Is this even worth it?”
Yes. Mini sessions are designed for movement. We work with kids’ natural energy rather than fighting it.
“What if my child melts down?”
It happens. I’ll guide you through it. Often, the best images come right after a reset with snuggles, comfort, and connection.
“Can we do extended family?”
Mini sessions are usually best for a single immediate family. If you want grandparents/cousins/multiple households, a full session gives the time needed to do it well.
“Are mini sessions only for holidays?”
Not at all. They’re perfect for birthdays, yearly updates, back-to-school season, or “we just need something current.”
Ready to book a family mini session?
Mini sessions are limited by design once the time slots are gone, they’re gone. If you want a simple way to capture this season without making it a major production, a mini session is the right move.
If you’d like, tell me:
- the ages of your kids
- whether you want outdoors or a more urban feel
- what you need the photos for (cards, gifts, wall art, “just because”)
And I’ll point you toward the next mini-session dates or the best alternative if a full session makes more sense.