Ojai Mini Session | Ventura County Family Photographer
- LoLo Spencer
- Jan 19, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Mini Sessions are one of the most popular sessions I offer throughout Ojai, Ventura County and the greater Los Angeles area, particularly during the fall and holiday months.
If you love the idea of updating your family photos but don't necessarily need a full portrait session, a Mini Session may be exactly what you're looking for.
Mini Sessions are one of the most popular sessions I offer throughout Ojai, Ventura County and the greater Los Angeles area, particularly during the fall and holiday months. They're short, fun and designed to create a beautiful collection of portraits without committing to a full-length photo session.
They're also a wonderful option for families visiting Ojai for a weekend getaway, vacation or special celebration who would love to capture their time together with professional photographs.
But because a Mini Session is quite different from a traditional portrait session, it's helpful to know what to expect before deciding which is right for you.
So, What Exactly Is a Mini Session?
A Mini Session is a shortened portrait session offered on select dates throughout the year at a predetermined location.
Unlike my full portrait sessions, where we have more time to explore a location, change outfits, photograph multiple groupings and allow the session to unfold at a relaxed pace, Mini Sessions are intentionally quick and focused.
Think of them as a little concentrated burst of photography.
We move quickly, keep things simple and make the most of our time together. You may be surprised by just how much we can capture in a short session!
Mini Sessions are especially popular for:
Updated family portraits
Holiday cards and gifts
Children's portraits
Couples
Maternity portraits
Families who simply want a few beautiful new photographs
And yes, well-behaved four-legged family members are often welcome too!
Is a Mini Session Right for My Family?
Mini Sessions work beautifully when your goal is a smaller collection of updated portraits and you're comfortable keeping things simple.
Because appointments are scheduled consecutively, there isn't the same flexibility that comes with a full portrait session. We won't have time for multiple wardrobe changes, lots of different group combinations or an extended period for children to warm up to the camera.
If you're hoping for a larger and more varied gallery, have an extended family group, would like several different combinations of people photographed, or simply prefer a more leisurely experience, one of my full Family Sessions will probably be a better fit.
Neither is better than the other. They're simply designed for different purposes.
What Does an Ojai Mini Session Actually Look Like?
Let me show you.
Meet Christina, Will and Sparky.
Originally from Minnesota, Christina and Will relocated to Southern California for work and settled into their new Ventura County lifestyle. Along the way, they added Sparky, an adorable rescue, to their little family.
I photographed the three of them during one of my Holiday Mini Sessions in beautiful Ojai, California, one of my favorite locations for family photography.
One of my favorite parts of photographing people is watching the little interactions that happen naturally between them. Christina and Will were warm, affectionate and completely at ease together, which made their connection wonderfully easy to photograph.
And Sparky?
It was quite apparent that while Christina and Will may technically have adopted him, Sparky had very clearly decided that these were his people.
The three of them were an absolute joy to photograph.
Here are a few favorites from their Ojai Mini Session. ...
Visiting Ojai? Make Your Family Photos Part of the Trip
You don't have to live in Ojai to book a photo session here.
Ojai is a favorite getaway for families coming from Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, whether they're escaping for a long weekend, enjoying a family vacation, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or simply spending a few days together.
Scheduling an Ojai family photo session while you're here can be a wonderful way to preserve some of those memories.
A Mini Session can be particularly convenient for visitors because it doesn't take a large chunk out of your day. You can enjoy your time in Ojai and still come home with professional photographs of your family together.
Of course, if you'd like a more leisurely session with additional time, locations or variety, a full Family Session may be a better choice. I'm always happy to help you decide which option makes the most sense for your family and your plans.
Want to Know About Upcoming Mini Sessions?
If a Mini Session sounds like the perfect fit for you, I'd love to photograph you!
Upcoming Ojai Mini Sessions, Ventura County Mini Sessions and other seasonal session dates and locations are announced throughout the year. Holiday Mini Sessions are limited and availability can fill quickly once booking opens.
If you're planning a vacation or weekend in Ojai and your travel dates don't coincide with one of my scheduled Mini Session events, please feel free to contact me about a private Family Session as well.
Join the Mini Session waitlist or contact me to be among the first to know when new dates are released.
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COMING UP in the next post: Santa Barbara Engagement Session | Butterfly Beach and Funk Zone | L.A. & Ventura Photographer
About the Author
Laurie “LoLo” Spencer is a lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Southern California, specializing in emotive, natural-light photography for families, couples, maternity, and newborns. With over ten years of experience, Laurie brings a warm, relaxed approach to every session, capturing heartfelt moments that reflect connection, love, and the beauty of everyday life.
Learn more here about LoLo Spencer Photography or my approach to family photography.
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