The Difference Between a "Mini Session" and a Memory

As the holidays approach, the world seems to fill with opportunities for festive photos. You've probably seen the term "holiday mini session" popping up everywhere, and it can be tempting—a quick, simple way to get that perfect photo for your holiday card.

But if you're like me, and your pet is truly a member of your family, your goal is a little different.

You're not just looking for a snapshot. You're hoping to capture a feeling.

You want that quiet moment of connection, the soulful look in their eyes, the personality you know so well. You're looking for something that will, years from now, evoke laughter, tears, and cherished memories. 

The title of this post is the most important distinction. A "mini session" is often a transaction. It's a quick, fast-paced event designed to get a functional photo. But a memory is something you create. My goal is for the photography session itself to be a happy, joyful memory—not just the photos you get afterward. When you look at your portrait, I want you to remember the crisp air, the scent of pine and the relaxed, happy moment you shared with your pet. This is why I'm so passionate about the experience of your session. Here are the nuances that make all the difference:

The Atmosphere: A Joyful Moment vs. a Rushed Appointment

This is the heart of it. A high-volume session where you feel "on the clock" is a stressful experience. Our pets are incredibly intuitive; if we feel stressed, they will too.  

My entire process is built to be relaxed and enjoyable. I create a comfortable and inviting environment where your pet can be themselves. We don't rush. We take a moment for them to sniff and settle. When you're both calm and happy, you're not forcing a "pose"—you're just being together. You're laughing, you're snuggling, you're creating a real moment. That's the memory we capture.  

The Focus: Is it About Props or Personality?

Many holiday sessions are centered around festive themes and props. This can be fun and adorable! But sometimes, the most timeless photographs are the ones that let your connection take center stage.  

A different approach is to use the beautiful holiday setting—like a magical Christmas tree farm —as a simple, natural backdrop for your pet photography. This allows the focus to remain where it belongs: on your pet's unique personality and the connection between pets and their people.  

The Final Art: Is it Quantity or Curation?

This is a really important one. It's tempting to see offers that promise a huge number of images—like 30, 40, or even 50+ photos—for a surprisingly low price. On the surface, that sounds like an amazing deal.

This model is often designed to deliver quantity—you receive a large folder of lightly-edited or unedited snapshots from the session. The philosophy is to give you everything.

The other philosophy, and the one I practice, is one of curation and artistry. My service to you isn't just in clicking the camera; it's in being the artist. I spend time going through every single image to find the most beautiful, impactful moments. Then, I hand-edit each of those final images, removing leashes, enhancing the light, and making their eyes sparkle, transforming them into stunning works of art.

It's the difference between receiving a folder of dozens of "bleh" snapshots you may never look at again, and a small, curated gallery of breathtaking heirloom-quality portraits that you will cherish forever and be proud to display in your home.  

The Assurance: What if My Dog is... a Dog?

This is the number one anxiety for pet parents. What if my pet is too excited? What if they're shy and won't look?

This is exactly why that relaxed, memory-making atmosphere is so important. A high-volume, "on the clock" session doesn't leave room for a pet to be a pet. My entire process, on the other hand, is built around preventing that stress.  

My goal is to help your pet feel calm. We go at your pet's speed. As a professional pet photographer, my job is to be an expert at creating a comfortable and inviting environment where your pet's personality can shine. My promise to you is my patience, my expertise, and my commitment to the artistry and quality of your final portraits.  

My Holiday Offering: The Christmas Tree Farm Experience near Ann Arbor

At West Oak, I've chosen to not offer "mini sessions" in the traditional sense. I've designed an experience.

Instead, I offer a very limited number of spots for my West Oak Christmas Tree Farm Experience in Manchester, MI. It's a short, beautiful drive from the Ann Arbor area, and it's an experience designed from the ground up to be a special memory.

This isn't a scaled-down service; it's a complete, high-touch West Oak experience, just thoughtfully focused. It's built on the relaxed and enjoyable philosophy that guides everything I do.  

It’s an experience designed for those of us who believe our pets are family and who want to invest in stunning, heirloom-quality art that captures our bond.  

If that sounds like what you've been looking for, I would be truly honored to help you capture that connection this holiday season.