Lavender Mini Sessions in Maryland | Montgomery County Family Photographer

If you’re searching for lavender mini sessions in Maryland, especially in Montgomery County, this guide answers the most common questions families and couples ask. What is a mini session? How long does it take? What should we wear? Is it worth it for babies or shy kids? This post features eight real examples of 15-minute mini sessions at Karis Lavender Farm—showcasing how short sessions can still deliver heirloom-quality portraits, relaxed pacing, and thoughtful styling for every client.

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What is a mini session in photography?

A mini session is a shorter, structured photo session—typically 15 to 20 minutes—held at a specific location on select dates. It’s designed to give families and couples beautiful, professional portraits in a more streamlined, budget-friendly format. Unlike a full session that lasts an hour and allows for location changes, mini sessions focus on efficiency and simplicity, with just as much heart.

At Karis Lavender Farm in Gaithersburg, Maryland, I offered a set of 15-minute sessions during peak bloom. Eight different clients booked that afternoon, each with their own story, their own look, and their own reasons for wanting to step in front of the camera.

What kinds of photos can you get during a 15-minute mini session?

A lot more than you might think. My approach to mini sessions is intentionally structured so that every client gets a diverse gallery of portraits. Here’s what we capture in that 15-minute window:

• One seated portrait (great for younger kids or relaxed family groupings)
• One standing portrait (a classic, polished grouping)
• One walking shot (adds natural movement and soft connection)
• Individual portraits (kids, parents, couples—depending on the flow)

We stay within a small area of the lavender field (about a 20-foot radius), but with golden hour light and smart posing variation, every gallery feels unique.

Are mini sessions good for families with shy kids?

Yes—absolutely. In fact, the short format often works better for shy or hesitant children. I always start with the full family grouping, so kids feel secure with their parents right beside them. We warm up slowly, using gentle prompts and lots of patience. If they’re feeling ready, we’ll end with their individual portrait. If not, we skip it. No pressure.

The goal is to make the session a positive memory. That way, when next year’s mini sessions open, your child is excited to come back.

Can babies join mini sessions if they can’t sit up yet?

Yes, and we make thoughtful adjustments depending on age. In this round of lavender sessions, one baby was four months old and not yet sitting. For her, I brought a bassinet that allowed her to safely lay down on a clean, elevated surface. Another baby had just started sitting, so I wrapped a blanket around him like a soft support cushion. It gave the look of a classic seated portrait with none of the strain.

Because mini sessions are short, they’re actually ideal for babies under six months. The time is manageable for their attention span, and I always bring gear like a fan to make sure they’re comfortable. When you book, I ask about your child’s age and mobility so I can prepare accordingly.

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What happens if it rains on mini session day?

I always schedule a dedicated rain date when I plan mini sessions. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll have a backup day already on your calendar. My job is to handle the logistics so you don’t have to worry.

Are mini sessions only for families, or can couples book too?

Mini sessions are for everyone. Two of the clients featured in this lavender series were couples without children—one newly dating, one newly married in a later season of life. Whether you’re celebrating your first anniversary, announcing your engagement, or simply want updated portraits, mini sessions offer a beautiful, low-pressure way to document your relationship.

Do you provide props or should we bring our own?

For most sessions, I bring a curated selection of props to enhance the setting while keeping the focus on you. In the lavender sessions, I provided:

• A vintage-style bassinet
• A soft neutral blanket
• A woven basket
• Bundled lavender

If you’re planning a pregnancy announcement, you’re welcome to bring a sonogram image or baby shoes, but everything else is covered. My props are intentionally minimal and timeless to match the styling tone.

What should we wear for a summer mini session?

For these lavender minis, I created a full Pinterest board with shoppable links organized by category—women, men, children, toddlers, and babies. The inspiration? South of France in the summer.

We focused on:

• Light, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, eyelet)
• Neutral tones (ivory, tan, cream, soft blue)
• Minimal accessories
• Coordinated but not matching outfits

When everyone follows the same style direction, the result is cohesive without feeling overly posed. Each person looked different, but together, the entire gallery had a beautifully grounded look that let the lavender shine.

Is 15 minutes really enough time for good portraits?

Yes. With the right structure and direction, 15 minutes can feel surprisingly full. My mini session flow is designed to move gently but efficiently, capturing core groupings while leaving room for candid in-between moments. I guide families through each setup and adapt based on energy and cooperation.

Many clients leave saying, “That went so much better than I expected.” That’s the goal. Quick doesn’t mean rushed—just intentional.

Can grandparents or extended family join a mini session?

Yes, with a few boundaries in place to keep the flow smooth. In this session, one family brought Grandma and we made space for:

• One full family portrait with Grandma
• One individual portrait of Grandma with the baby

For more complex groupings like multiple grandparents, cousins, or toddler-aged groups, I recommend booking two back-to-back mini sessions. That way, one session can focus on the nuclear family and the second can be tailored to the extended family combinations. This approach ensures everyone gets quality time in front of the camera without feeling squeezed or chaotic.

Real client stories from this lavender session

Here’s a snapshot of the clients featured in this year’s lavender minis:

• A Connecticut family with two older kids (13 and 7) who made the trip down just for portraits
• A young couple, recently dating, looking for soft, seasonal images together
• A newlywed couple, more mature in age, celebrating their first summer married
• A returning wedding client with one-year-old twin girls
• A mom and dad with a toddler and a 7-month-old
• A four-month-old baby and her parents
• A local family (including a former real estate client) with two young kids
• And my own son, for his milestone portrait

Different ages. Different stories. Same field, same soft light, same 15-minute format—adapted for each family’s needs.

Why these mini sessions work for real families, real timelines, and real lives

Mini sessions exist for the moments that matter, but don’t always require an hour. For the family who just wants updated portraits before the school year. For the parents who aren’t ready for a full session with a new baby. For the couple who wants something light and beautiful without the weight of a full production.

With thoughtful styling, a comfortable pace, and enough structure to keep things smooth, lavender minis deliver portraits that feel timeless, not rushed.

Thinking of booking a mini session?

Here’s what to know:

• Follow the style guide. It sets the tone for every image
• Arrive early. A few minutes makes a big difference
• Trust the process. Even if your toddler refuses to smile
• Leave perfection at the door. The most meaningful images often come from the in-between moments

If you’re considering a mini session, or you’ve already booked and want ideas, I hope this post gave you a glimpse into how beautifully 15 minutes can unfold.

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