This summer, I had the pleasure of photographing the Fish family during one of my summer mini sessions at the beautiful Lowry Nature Center in Carver, Minnesota. Nestled within the Carver Park Reserve, Lowry is the perfect location for family photos—complete with wildflower fields, forest trails, and stunning views over the lake.
The Fish family chose a mini session because it was the ideal length of time for their three young kids ages 7, 4, and 2. At this stage of parenting, flexibility is everything. That’s why I design these sessions to be short, sweet, and most importantly fun.
Keeping Kids Engaged During a Photo Session
If you’ve ever tried to get a toddler to sit still and smile for a camera, you know it’s no easy task. Over the years, I’ve found that the best way to capture genuine smiles is to let kids be kids! For this session, we embraced the energy of early childhood by incorporating games like:
• Ring Around the Rosie (always a hit!)
• Tag (with lots of giggles)
• Races across the meadow
These simple activities not only keep the little ones engaged, but also allow me to capture authentic moments of laughter, connection, and movement. Parents often come into a session a little nervous about how their kids will behave but when we turn the session into a playful adventure, the results speak for themselves.
A Worthwhile Adventure
By the end of the session, we had captured a beautiful mix of posed portraits and candid moments that reflect this sweet season of life for the Fish family. Mom and Dad may have felt a little tired (chasing toddlers through wildflowers will do that!), but they left knowing we had preserved real memories they’ll cherish for years.
Want to Book Your Own Mini Session?
If you’re a busy parent wondering whether a photo session is “worth it” this year—this is your sign to say yes. Mini sessions are a perfect way to update your family photos without the stress of a full-length session. And with a little planning (and a few fun games), your kids can actually enjoy the process.
I still have a handful of spots available for late summer and fall mini sessions. We’ll choose a beautiful location like Lowry Nature Center, Elm Creek Park Reserve , or another scenic spot here in the west metro area of Minnesota.
Click here to see current availability and book your mini session
I’d love to help you capture this season before it slips away.