Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in New Jersey, and Fall mini sessions are the perfect way for Bergen County families to capture cozy, colorful portraits during the most beautiful season of the year. The crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy sweaters make it the perfect season to update your family photos. If you’ve been curious about fall mini sessions, this guide will walk you through what they are, what’s included, and how to make the most of your experience.
What Is a Fall Mini Session?
A fall mini session is a shorter, more affordable version of a full family photo session, which is perfect for busy families who still want beautiful, updated portraits without committing to a full hour. Each session lasts about 15–20 minutes and is designed to capture a handful of genuine, joy-filled moments in a quick and stress-free way.
Mini sessions take place on a specific date, at a set location and time frame chosen by the photographer, which means all you need to do is show up, relax, and enjoy.
Even if your husband isn’t totally on board or your toddler has other plans that day (we’ve all been there!), I promise we can still create a full gallery of gorgeous, frame-worthy images in just a short amount of time.
As a Bergen County family photographer, my fall mini sessions are especially popular for:
• Updated family portraits
• Holiday cards
• Gifts for grandparents
• Capturing the fleeting beauty of New Jersey’s fall foliage
What’s Included in a Fall Mini Session in Northern NJ?
When you Google fall mini sessions near you and book a session with me, you can expect:
- 15–20 minutes of photography at a beautiful local location in North Jersey (think James McFaul Environmental Center, Zabriskie Pond Park, NJ Botanical Gardens, Branch Brook Park, Ramapo Valley County Reservation, or Cedar Grove Reservoir)
- 5 high-resolution digital images (with the option to purchase more)
- A streamlined, stress-free experience designed for busy families
- An online gallery delivered within 2-3 weeks
- Exclusive access to heirloom artwork and holiday cards — so you can turn your favorite images into keepsakes, wall art, or custom cards for friends and family
✨ Spots are limited and always go fast — don’t wait! Click here to secure your session today.
2025 Fall Mini Sessions Date & Time: October 25th 3-5 pm (Bergen County, NJ)
This year Fall Mini Sessions will be held on October 25th from 3-5 pm. Because these sessions are shorter, they’re perfect for families with young children (no time for meltdowns!).
20-Minute Fall Mini Session Flow
00:00 – 00:02 → Greeting & Quick Chat
Warm hello and short intro
Explanation of what to expect (“We’ll start with the whole family, then mix it up a bit!”).
00:02 – 00:06 → Whole Family Portraits
We’ll start with everyone together while energy is fresh.
I’ll capture both classic smiling and natural candid moments (walking, snuggling, laughing).
00:06 – 00:10 → Parent & Kids Combinations
Mom + kids, Dad + kids (or partner swaps).
I’ll capture natural moments — hugs, whispers, playfulness.
00:10 – 00:14 → Sibling + Individual Child Shots
Have fun with the kids!
00:14 – 00:17 → Parents Together
Just mom and dad/partners for a quick moment — kids can play close by.
00:17 – 00:20 → Candid Wrap-Up & Goodbye
Final family shot — maybe tossing leaves, walking away, or a big group hug.
Quick check to see if there’s any must-haves you wanted.
How Much Do Mini Sessions Cost in NJ?
Sessions are $350 and include a 20-minute session and 5 high-resolution digital images, with the option to purchase additional favorites from your gallery.
✨ Spots are limited and always go fast — don’t wait! Click here to secure your session today.
How to Prepare for Your Mini Session
Choose Outfits That Coordinate, Not Match
Neutral or jewel tones with pops of seasonal color (burnt orange, deep green, burgundy, mustard, cream) photograph beautifully. Think cozy sweaters, boots, and layers.
Once a family books a Fall Mini Session with me, one of the first questions that I get asked is ‘what should we wear?’ It’s the number one question I get asked! To help my clients prepare for their fall portraits this year, I went ahead and created a fabulous Fall Family Style Guide for family photo shoots! It is chalk full of information: from color palettes that compliment each other well, and even clothing suggestions with clickable links so you know exactly where to buy each item! My clients absolutely love it! I’ve included a sneak peek below, for more fall family photo outfit inspiration <<<<check out this blog post.
Arrive a Few Minutes Early
Since mini sessions are booked back-to-back, arriving 5-10 minutes early ensures you get the full experience without feeling rushed.
Relax and Have Fun
Your kids don’t need to be perfect — promise. Some of the most memorable photos come from genuine laughs, warm hugs, and even a little bit of silliness. The goal is to capture your family exactly as you are, not picture-perfect poses.
It’s also helpful to bring along your child’s favorite snack, small toy, or comfort item; sometimes a quick snack break or a familiar object is all it takes to bring out those natural smiles.
Throughout your session, I’ll gently guide you through a mix of posed and candid moments, showing you what to do with your hands, how to stand, and helping you relax so you feel comfortable and look amazing in front of the camera. Even in just 15–20 minutes, we’ll create a gallery full of authentic, heartwarming images you’ll love.
Why Book a Fall Mini Session in Bergen County, NJ?
Bergen County offers incredible backdrops for photography — from the trails at Wyckoff’s James McFaul Environmental Center to the colorful parks in Ridgewood and Franklin Lakes. Pair that with the convenience of a quick session, and you’ve got a win-win.
For busy families, a fall mini session in Bergen County means you don’t have to sacrifice time or budget to get photos you’ll treasure forever.
Final Thoughts
Fall only lasts a short while, and mini sessions sell out quickly! Booking a Fall Mini Session in Bergen County, NJ guarantees you’ll have classic, joy-filled images to enjoy now and share with loved ones during the holidays.
✨ Spots are limited and always go fast — don’t wait! Click here to secure your session today.
Want to see more of my work? Explore my family photography portfolio to get inspired for your own session!
FAQs About Fall Mini Sessions
Q1: How many photos do we get in a mini session?
My mini sessions include 5 edited digital images, with the option to purchase additional images or the full gallery.
Q2: What if my kids don’t cooperate during the session?
Don’t worry! With experience photographing families of all ages, I use fun prompts and games to get natural smiles and keep kids engaged.
Q3: Do you help with outfit ideas?
Yes! After booking, you’ll receive a style guide with tips and color palette inspiration for coordinating family outfits.
Q4: When will we receive our photos?
Your gallery will be ready within 2-3 weeks — plenty of time to order holiday cards or gifts.
Q5: What if we’re late?
Because mini sessions are booked back-to-back, I’m not able to extend your session time if you arrive late. Please plan to arrive at least 5–10 minutes early so you have time to park, settle in, and make the most of your full session. I want you to enjoy a relaxed experience, and being a few minutes early helps make that possible!
Q6: Do you offer prints, wall art, albums, or gift cards?
Absolutely! After your gallery is delivered, you’ll have the option to order professional-quality prints, wall art, and heirloom albums directly through your online gallery. Every product is made with archival materials designed to last for generations — a beautiful way to display your favorite images beyond the screen.
Q7: What if it rains or the weather doesn’t cooperate?
I always keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session. If the weather looks questionable: heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme cold then I’ll reach out to confirm whether we’ll move forward or reschedule.
For light drizzle or overcast skies, we typically still shoot! Cloudy days actually create beautiful, even lighting that photographs wonderfully.
If rescheduling is needed, I’ll offer a backup date so you don’t miss out on your session. My goal is always to make sure you have a smooth, stress-free experience and gorgeous photos, no matter what Mother Nature decides.
