Story-Telling Family Sessions versus Mini Sessions

I'm asked a lot, especially as we approach the fall season, if I do fall minis in Edmonton. The answer is no. Yes, I will do Holiday minis in my studio during November because sometimes minis have their place, like updating a quick seasonal photo, but not outside during the fall. It's something that I have stood by for nearly my 16 years in business and in fact something I feel pretty passionate about.

Now, I'm sure I've already stirred up some big feelings in some of you, but hear me out. When it comes to the kind of memories you actually want to hold onto, the magic almost never happens in five to ten minutes or even fifteen. It happens after your kids have warmed up. After you’ve let go of trying to “get the perfect photo.” After we’ve had time to play, laugh, explore, and let things unfold naturally.

That’s where the good stuff lives.

And that’s what Story-Telling sessions are all about.

From my perspective as a mom of teens and young adults myself, I can tell you: it’s not the perfectly posed portraits I reach for when I’m feeling nostalgic. It’s the moments of my kids racing through the playground. The ones where everyone’s laughing too hard to stand still. The little glimpses into real life and how things actually are.

What You Get in a Story-Telling Session (That You Won’t in a Mini)

• Time to relax - No racing the clock. No pressure to “perform” in 10 minutes.

• Natural connection - Your kids can just be themselves. We get to play, explore, and connect — and that comfort shows in every image.

• More variety - We get to move around, so we often are able to have 'multiple locations' based on where we meet. Plus we’ll still get the photo for Grandma’s mantle, but we’ll also get the ones that make your heart swell: snuggles, giggles, quiet moments, and chaos in all the best ways.

• Less stress for moms - You’re not rushing to get everything perfect in a 15-minute window. There’s time to breathe, to fix a flyaway hair, to have a snack break if needed.

• A story, not just a snapshot - These aren’t just photos; they’re a visual time capsule of your family at this exact stage.

• Your photographer's complete attention - I'm not worried about racing off to another client, pressuring you to cooperate or hurry. I am fully present with you.

Now let me say the next part loudly for the parents in the back: You don't have to be perfect! You just have to show up as you! My clients are real families who care about authenticity and preserving their family’s story.

Let's take the time together and tell your story. Fall sessions are now booking for September and October 2025. Edmonton’s golden light is like no other, and when it hits just right? Magic.

So let’s plan a session that feels like you. Whether that’s in your favourite park, your backyard, or eating donuts downtown — I’ll guide the session so all you need to do is be present. These photos aren’t just for today.They’re for 20 years from now, when your house is quieter and your heart misses these messy, beautiful days.

Christy xoxo