I was recently listening to one of my favorite podcasts and one of the hosts recounted a story of her family’s cringe-worthy vacation photo session. Basically, the story involved a futile attempt to “force” everyone into appear as though they were overflowing in laughter and love, while the reality was that tensions were high, nobody was enjoying themselves, and one of her kiddos was actually so sick that she vomited all over the beach in the middle of their session. Yikes.


I can’t even begin to explain the extent to which I wanted to jump into the conversation and say “it doesn’t need to be that way!!” Because for real, mama – it doesn’t. You don’t need to get dressed up, you don’t need to expect your kids to “behave”, and you don’t need to fake levity in the face of mounting tension. All the struggles outlined above are exactly why I originally didn’t want to photograph families when I first started my documentary-based photography journey – and, ironically, are why I love working with families now, because I live for the satisfaction of having my clients walk away saying “that was actually fun.”

If you’re not ready to dive into a full family photo session but you want to dip in a toe or two to test the waters, I would love to see you at my motherhood photography mini sessions in Chaska on May 18, 2024! My photography mini sessions are short and sweet and are all about giving yourself (or a special mom in your life) the gift that keeps on giving. Here’s why.


5 Reasons why Photography Mini Sessions Make the Greatest Gift:


1. Mom’s Time to Shine

How many family photo albums have you flipped through where mom is noticeably absent? Moms are all too often the unsung hero behind the lens, documenting all those precious moments but rarely stepping into the frame. Motherhood photography mini sessions put Mom front and center, where she deserves to be.


2. For the Kids (and for Future Generations)

Ever notice how kids light up when they see old photos of them with their parents? It’s like discovering a secret world from a time that’s just out of their memory’s reach. Photography mini sessions aren’t only about preserving memories for yourself, they’re about capturing a legacy for your children to enjoy for years to come.


3. Rediscovering You

Entering into motherhood is arguably one of the most beautiful journeys around, but let’s be real – it also usually involves a bit of losing yourself somewhere along the way. Motherhood photography mini sessions allow you to pause and reconnect with soaking up some precious moments with your humans while someone else takes the wheel.


4. Springtime at the Arb

I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful this place is in the spring! Your photography mini session comes with admission to the MN Landscape Arboretum in Chaska – so bring a picnic blanket for a post-session snack and block of some extra time to get out and explore the grounds. You won’t be disappointed.


5. Better than Bath Bombs

Let’s be honest – how many scented candles and bath bombs does one mom really need? Instead of opting for the usual go-to gifts, give the gift of captured memories. A photography mini session is the perfect way to honor all the energy you pour into your family.

If you’re still on the fence about whether a photography mini session is the perfect intro to envisioning what your family photos could be, here are the goods you need to know: 


Motherhood photography mini sessions

MN Landscape Arboretum | chaska, mn


• My mini sessions are short and sweet (just 10 minutes) with an emphasis on connection and play

• Your kids will be encouraged to be their awesome, wild/shy, unique, weird little selves

• Partners optional


And, while I can't guarantee apple blossoms will be in bloom, that's definitely the goal. Space is limited, so grab your photography mini session spot before they’re gone! Click here to book. Can’t wait to see you there!

A photo of Miranda appears "taped" next to her contact information