Family session, Event photography Lynnae Day Family session, Event photography Lynnae Day

Celebrating a family milestone? Photograph it!

There are stories to be told everywhere: graduations, retirement, birthdays, family reunions - if there is a special life event happening and your people are gathering around to help you celebrate, let me help you remember it forever!

a group of family members stands together in front of Surf Seafood in Nashua, looking at the camera and smiling.

When we think of family photography, we usually think of posed (or semi-posed) portraits in a pretty outdoor location, candid storytelling photos of a day in the life at home, mini sessions, things like that. The emphasis is on portraits and connection and our full attention is given to creating photos.

a woman and her granddaughters stand facing the camera and smiling. They are embracing.
A husband and wife stand facing the camera and smiling; they are embracing.
The birthday girl gets a portrait of herself. She is smiling, wearing glasses and a blue flower dress.

This month, I had the honor of photographing a birthday party at Surf Seafood in Nashua, NH (sidebar: Surf has amazing food and top-notch service - I highly recommend it!). While we spent a bit of time before dinner snapping a few posed portraits of each of the family members and units, the emphasis of the night was on the party: the celebratory mood, the cake & candles, the family gathered around a long table, that kind of thing.

Black & white image of family members enjoying themselves at a birthday dinner.

One of the reasons this particular client reached out was because they wanted to make it possible for family members to sit back, relax, keep their phones off, and enjoy being together, while still having photos to look back on. I loved that! Any time we can find ways to keep technology in its place, especially during important family gatherings, I’m a big fan.

black & white image of two young girls in long dresses, twirling.

There are stories to be told everywhere: graduations, retirement, birthdays, family reunions - if there is a special life event happening and your people are gathering around to help you celebrate, let me help you remember it forever!

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Family session, Mini session Lynnae Day Family session, Mini session Lynnae Day

Minis v. family sessions: how to pick between the two

Mini sessions have been around long enough that most people know the difference between them and a full family session, but here are a few things to consider when you’re thinking about booking one or the other!

Black & white photo of a family of three sitting in a field with the sun shining behind them. Taken at a Hollis, NH, mini session in Fall 2021.

Mini sessions have been around long enough that most people know the difference between them and a full family session, but here are a few things to consider when you’re thinking about booking one or the other!

Minis are great when…

  • You’re short on time and need a quick snapshot of you and your loved ones. Minis are 15 minutes at a set date & location. You’re in and out quickly!

  • Your kids are outgoing with strangers and/or older (12+): Older kids tend to do better than younger ones with quick photos. They’re usually more willing to follow direction, they get my jokes (lol), and I can easily tell them where and how to pose. Little kids are adorable, and it’s typically harder to earn their cooperation in such a short period of time.

  • You love having seasonal photos of you and your loved ones.

  • You’re flexible: Minis are typically scheduled at a set location/time, with a rain date in case the always-fickle New England weather has other plans. It helps to have some scheduling flexibility.

  • You’re on a budget: You really want some special, updated photos of you and your family and you’re on a tight budget. Family photos are an investment, regardless of the session length. I offer minis to make them more accessible for more families, because nothing matters more than photos of you with your people!



Family sessions are great when:

  • You’re looking for more candid photos. More time means more natural, candid, and relaxed images of you and your family. I can sometimes snag one or two of these in a mini, but it’s rare. More time is necessary for candids!

  • You want to capture your unique story. Whether it’s the sweet, nuanced ways you love to show affection; a fun outing; or a meaningful family routine, more time means more opportunity for me to see and photograph your unique story.

  • You want photos with the grandparents (or aunts & uncles, cousins, best friends - any extra family members!). Maybe you’re planning a party, maybe you have family visiting, or maybe it’s just been awhile since the grandparents got photos with their grandkids: a family session is a great way to get those images.

  • Families with shy or little kids - more time might seem counter-intuitive, but for shy and/or little ones (under 12), the more time we have, the more time they get to warm up to me and let their true selves shine.

  • You want a say in where your photos are taken. Maybe that’s at home, your backyard, a favorite hiking spot or park, or someplace entirely different, but family sessions allow more time and freedom to build a session that’s unique to your family.

  • You have a special family tradition or activity that you want to remember with more than just your phone photos (and YOU want to be in those photos, Mom!).


Now that you have a better idea how to pick between a mini session and a family session, let’s get a date on the calendar! Check out my 2023 fall sessions here:

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Self-portrait of the photographer. Lynnae is a white woman with wavy, brown hair. She wears glasses and is smiling.

Hello there!

I’m a Hollis, NH, photographer capturing light & loveliness for families & small businesses simply, honestly, and naturally.

Here on the blog, you’ll find recent client features, favorite images, and other photography-related content. I’m glad you’re here!