Why a Mini Session is the Perfect Way to Preserve Your Family's "Inbetweens"

Have you ever looked back at a professional photo and realized the ones you love most aren't the posed, smiling-at-the-camera ones? They're the little, candid moments: the look of pure adoration from your child, the comforting squeeze of a hand, the way your family genuinely laughs together.

That's the heart of what I do—and why a mini session with me is exactly what your family needs right now.

The Magic of the "Minute Moments"

In our busy lives, the "inbetweens" are the first things we forget, but they are also the most sentimental.

I believe your family's true story is found in the unspoken moments and the rarely noticed details:

• The way your child's hand perfectly fits into yours.

• The fleeting, silly expressions that are uniquely them.

• The loving gaze you share with your partner when you think no one is watching.

My focus isn't on perfection; it's on preservation. I specialize in tangibly grasping and holding onto those minute moments that, in the end, turn out to be the most special.

Three Reasons to Book Your Mini Session Now

A mini session is a concentrated, high-impact way to capture this magic without the commitment of a full session.

Value Point-What it Means for Your Family

Time-Efficient & Stress-Free Mini sessions are typically 15–30 minutes long. This is the perfect duration for capturing genuine moments before little ones (or busy partners!) lose interest. You get beautiful photos without the pressure of a lengthy shoot.

A Focused Burst of Love We get straight to the genuine interactions. Because the time is limited, the focus is intense and joyful. It's just enough time to create stunning, intimate photos that truly reflect your current stage of life.

Tangible Sentiments You walk away with a curated collection of images that are more than just pictures—they are sentimental artifacts. These moments—the giggles, the embraces, the quiet connections—are captured forever, ready to be displayed, gifted, and cherished.

Is a Mini Session Right for You?

Absolutely! If you feel like your family is growing up too fast, if you crave beautiful, high-quality images that feel authentic to your connection, or if you simply need an updated portrait for your wall, a mini session is the ideal solution.

It's a small investment of time for an invaluable return: the feeling of holding a memory that might have otherwise faded.

Ready to capture your "inbetweens" before they slip away?

My upcoming mini session dates are limited and they fill up fast!

Book here!

I can't wait to preserve your family's magic!

What to Wear for Your Holiday Photo Session (Without the Stress!)

Holiday Tree Farm Minis

Capture the spirit of the season; Merry Christmas Trees Windham, ME

Simple tips for cozy, coordinated, and camera-ready style.

You’ve booked your holiday photo session, the excitement is building… and then it hits you — what on earth should everyone wear?!
Don’t worry — I’ve got you. Choosing outfits for your holiday family photos doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning (and maybe a cozy sweater or two), you can look and feel amazing while keeping things true to you.

Start with a Color Palette

The easiest way to pull everyone’s look together is by choosing a color palette instead of matching outfits. Think soft neutrals, warm earth tones, or rich seasonal hues like deep green, burgundy, or cream. These tones photograph beautifully in winter light and feel timeless for holiday photos.

Avoid bright reds or busy patterns — they can draw attention away from your faces. Instead, go for subtle textures or smaller prints that add interest without overwhelming the image.

Layer for Texture and Warmth

Layering adds both style and dimension to your photos. Think cozy knits, scarves, cardigans, vests, or even a wool coat draped over your shoulders. Not only does layering help you stay warm during outdoor sessions, but it also brings a natural, lived-in look to your photos.

Try mixing different materials — like pairing a chunky sweater with corduroy pants or a soft flannel with denim — for depth and visual balance.

Keep Comfort First

If you’re not comfortable, it will show in your photos. Choose clothes you can move, laugh, and snuggle in! The best holiday portraits are full of life — kids running, parents twirling them, lots of hugs — so pick outfits that let you be yourself.

When everyone feels relaxed and cozy, your photos naturally radiate warmth and connection.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

You don’t need to have everyone in the same color (and definitely not identical sweaters!). Instead, coordinate tones and textures that complement one another.
For example:

• Cream, olive, and warm brown

• Navy, tan, and soft gray

• Forest green, cranberry, and beige

You can even start with one outfit — maybe mom’s dress or a child’s sweater — and build the rest of the family’s looks around it.

Add a Personal Touch

Accessories like hats, blankets, or mugs of cocoa can make your photos feel more you. A chunky knit blanket or your favorite holiday mug adds instant coziness and helps tell your family’s story.

(If you’d like inspiration, check out my Pinterest board with outfit ideas for winter family photos! → [link to your Pinterest board])

Bonus Tips from Your Photographer

• Avoid logos or characters — they can distract from your faces.

• Dress in layers for unpredictable Maine weather.

• Bring a backup outfit for little ones (just in case).

• Don’t overthink it — your connection matters far more than perfect outfits.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to what to wear for your holiday photo session, choose outfits that reflect your family’s personality and feel good to wear. Keep things cozy, simple, and authentic — and you’ll love how that shines through in your photos.

Ready to Book Your Holiday Session?

Let’s capture the warmth and joy of your family this season — effortlessly and beautifully.
Book Your Session →https://www.caitlinfrank.photography/2025-caitlin-frank-photography-mini-sessions

Holiday Minis are at a Local Tree Farm

🎄Our Holiday Mini Sessions are Here! Making Christmas Magic at Merry Christmas Trees Farm in Windham, Maine.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I'm thrilled to officially announce that my annual Holiday Mini Sessions are returning, and this season, we're making holiday card magic at the most charming local spot: Merry Christmas Trees Farm in Windham, Maine!

The scent of fresh pine, the cozy backdrop of endless evergreens, and that golden winter light—it’s the perfect setting for your next family Holiday photos. If you’ve been dreaming of that classic, cozy holiday portrait, these short-and-sweet sessions are for you.

What is a Holiday Mini Session?

A mini session is a fantastic, low-stress way to get high-quality Holiday family photos without the commitment of a full session.

• Duration: Typically 15-20 minutes.

• What you get: A selection of your best images, perfectly edited for use on your annual Holiday card and for printing.

• The Vibe: Fun, fast-paced, and focused on genuine connection and laughter. They are ideal for busy families and kiddos with short attention spans!

All the Details: Dates, Times, and Booking

We know these spots go incredibly fast, so here is everything you need to know about reserving your time for Greater Portland Holiday Mini Sessions:

• Location: Merry Christmas Trees Farm, Windham, Maine

• Dates Available: Saturday, November 22nd & Sunday, November 23rd

• Time Slots: https://www.caitlinfrank.photography/2025-caitlin-frank-photography-mini-sessions

Preparing for Your Tree Farm Photo Shoot

To get the most out of your 15 minutes, preparation is key!

Embrace Cozy Layers

Forget being perfectly polished! For a tree farm photo shoot, think warm textures and rich colors. Plaid scarves, thick wool sweaters, knit hats, and cozy jackets all look incredible against the green pines. Be sure to check out my separate post, What to Wear for Your Holiday Photo Session, for a full guide on coordinating colors!

Let the Kids Run

The best photos happen when kids are simply being kids. The tree farm provides a naturally playful environment—we'll let them look for the "perfect" Christmas tree or play a quick round of ring-around-the-rosie to capture those joyful, genuine smiles.

Our picture-perfect holiday card starts here! These Holiday Mini Sessions are the ideal way to capture the spirit of the season in a fun, relaxed environment.

Spots are extremely limited and book on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't miss your chance to secure your time slot!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AVAILABLE SLOTS AND BOOK YOUR SESSION NOW!

Capturing the Magic: Holiday Family Photos You’ll Treasure Forever

🎄 Capturing the Magic: Holiday Family Photos You’ll Treasure Forever 🎄

Because the best part of the season is being together.

The holidays are such a special time — full of twinkling lights, cozy layers, and the kind of laughter that feels a little warmer this time of year. It’s also one of my favorite seasons to capture families. Between the sparkling tree farms, the crisp winter air, and all that love and excitement in the air, holiday family photos hold a magic all their own.

Whether it’s your first time booking Christmas mini sessions or it’s become a yearly tradition, my goal is to make the experience joyful, relaxed, and true to your family.

What Makes Holiday Sessions So Special

The holidays are filled with togetherness — from decorating the tree and baking cookies to snuggling under blankets on chilly evenings. These sessions are all about capturing that genuine connection. No stiff posing or forced smiles here — just authentic moments that feel like you.

Each image tells a story: the way your kids’ eyes light up, the in-between giggles, the hugs that come out of nowhere. Those are the photos you’ll look back on years from now and feel all over again.

How to Make Your Session Fun and Stress-Free

• Dress for comfort and connection. Choose cozy layers, neutral tones, and textures that complement the season. Think sweaters, scarves, and boots that let you move freely and feel at ease.

• Let go of perfection. The most meaningful images often come from the unplanned moments — a spontaneous laugh, a tickle fight, a warm hug.

• Bring something personal. A favorite blanket, holiday mugs, or a family heirloom ornament adds a sentimental touch that makes your session uniquely yours.

• Trust the process. My approach is relaxed and natural. I’ll guide you gently, but mostly, I want you to focus on being present and enjoying time with your loved ones.

My Holiday Minis: Cozy, Joyful, and Full of Heart

This season, I’m offering a limited number of holiday mini sessions at some of my favorite winter locations in Maine — from twinkling tree farms to rustic, snow-dusted fields. Each session is designed to capture your family’s warmth and connection in a relaxed, cozy setting.

It’s not about perfection — it’s about presence. The love, the laughter, and the in-between moments that make your story one-of-a-kind.

Ready to Capture the Magic?

Holiday minis book quickly each year, and I would love to photograph your family this season.
[Reserve Your Holiday Session →] (link to booking or contact page)

More Than Just Your Photographer: Why I Love Being Part of Your Wedding Day

When I think about wedding days, I don’t just think about photographs—I think about stories, emotions, and the little in-between moments that make the day what it truly is. Yes, I absolutely love capturing those once-in-a-lifetime memories through my lens. It’s an honor every single time I’m invited to document a couple’s love story. But for me, it doesn’t stop at the photos.

I also find so much purpose in helping couples experience their day in a way that feels calm, intentional, and true to them.

From the moment we connect, I’m not just there to click a camera—I’m there to be a grounding presence, a steady hand, and a quiet voice of reassurance. Weddings can feel overwhelming with all the moving parts, timelines, and emotions, but I love stepping in to help construct how the day will flow. Sometimes that looks like making sure the timeline is realistic so you don’t feel rushed. Other times it’s fluffing a dress, pinning on a boutonniere, or reminding you to breathe deeply before you walk down the aisle.

I see my role as more than a photographer—I’m also a guide, a calm in the middle of the whirlwind, and someone who truly has your back. I want you to feel free to be fully present, knowing that not only are your memories being preserved beautifully, but that someone is there helping you stay organized and cared for.

Because at the end of the day, your wedding isn’t just about photos—it’s about the experience of living those moments. And if I can help make that experience more peaceful, more joyful, and more “you,” then I know I’ve done my job in the fullest way possible.

Why I Don’t Limit the Photos You Receive From Your Session

When you book a photography session, you’re not just hiring someone to click a button—you’re investing in memories, connection, and artwork that tells your story. One of the most common questions I get is: “How many photos will I get?”

Here’s my answer: I don’t limit the number of photos I deliver.

Your Story Deserves the Full Gallery

Every session is unique—your laughter, the way your kids interact, the quiet little in-between moments. These aren’t things I can (or want to) cut down to a number. Instead of asking you to pick and choose, I give you access to your full gallery of edited images.

Why? Because those images belong to you. Each one is a piece of your story, and I believe you should have them all—not just the ones that fit within a number cap.

Value Beyond the Session

My pricing isn’t about counting photos. It reflects the care, time, and artistry I put into:

• Planning and preparing for your session so you feel comfortable and confident.

• Capturing authentic moments that reflect your connection.

• Hand-editing your images so every one is polished, timeless, and ready to be cherished.

• Creating an experience that feels easy, fun, and memorable—not stressful.

When you invest in a session with me, you’re investing in all of this.

No Hidden Limits, Just Memories to Keep

I never want a client to feel like they’re “missing out” on moments because of restrictions. By providing your full gallery, I’m giving you the freedom to relive every smile, every hug, and every detail of the day.

After all, when you look back years from now, it’s not about the number of photos—it’s about the feelings they bring back.

That’s what my work is all about: timeless, heartfelt images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Ready to book a session that gives you the full story? Book Now

Cozy, Colorful, and Full of Memories: Fall Mini Sessions in Maine

Fall in Maine is pure magic—crisp air, golden light, crunchy leaves, and apple orchards that seem to come alive with color. This year, I’m thrilled to be hosting my Fall Mini Sessions at two of my favorite historic orchards: Wallingford’s and Ricker Hill.

These sessions are the perfect way to capture your family, your love story, or even just a moment in time against a backdrop that feels like pure New England charm.

What’s a Mini Session?

A mini session is a short, sweet photoshoot designed to give you beautiful, professional images in less time (and for less investment) than a full portrait session. They’re perfect for:

• Families who want updated portraits (without trying to keep little ones smiling for an hour).

• Couples who love the romance of fall.

• Parents who want images for holiday cards.

• Anyone who just loves autumn and wants to capture this fleeting season.

When & Where

September 27th at Wallingford’s Orchard

September 28th at Ricker Hill Orchard

Both locations are steeped in Maine history and charm, with gorgeous rows of trees, sweeping views, and plenty of autumn atmosphere.

What’s Included

Each Fall Mini Session includes:

• 20 minutes of photography

• 10+ professionally edited images delivered in an online gallery

• A stress-free, relaxed atmosphere where you can simply be yourselves while I capture the magic

What to Wear

Fall colors are rich and beautiful, and I always recommend earth tones, neutrals, or cozy layers that complement the season. Think sweaters, boots, corduroy, flannels, or flowy dresses. Avoid overly bright/neon colors so you’ll blend beautifully with the natural setting.

Why Book Now?

The orchards are only at peak beauty for a short time—and spots for mini sessions always book quickly. Whether you’re looking for this year’s Christmas card photo or a chance to document your family as you are right now, these sessions are a timeless way to hold onto your memories.

Ready to book your Fall Mini? Book here: