There’s a moment every fall when it hits you: the holiday card deadline is coming, the kids have grown again, and you still don’t have a single good photo of everyone together.
A full photo session can feel like a big production. You have to plan outfits, pick a location, block off an afternoon and get everyone in a good mood for an hour or more. Some seasons you don’t have room for all that, and you just want a few beautiful photos of your family without the fuss.
That’s what mini sessions are for.
What Is a Mini Session?
A mini session is a short, relaxed photo session, usually about 20 minutes, held at one beautiful location on a set day. Families book back-to-back time slots, so you show up, step into a setting that’s already picked out, and get photographed while the light is good.
It’s a great fit if you want:
Updated family photos for holiday cards and gifts
A quick, low-stress session that works with little attention spans
Professional photos without planning a full shoot
A first try with a photographer before booking a longer session down the road
Twenty minutes may not sound like much, but kids often do their best in a short session. They’re fresh, curious and done before the wiggles take over.
Kingsport Mini Session Dates
This season’s minis are at a private mini farm off Mill Creek Road in Kingsport, TN. There’s an open field and a rustic barn, so you get two different looks in one short session: wide open fall color and warm, cozy barn tones.
Available dates:
Saturday, November 7
Sunday, November 8 (afternoon only)
Friday, November 27 (the day after Thanksgiving)
That last date is a favorite of mine. If your family is already together for the holiday, it’s the perfect chance to get grandparents, cousins and everyone else in one photo while they’re in town.
Session Options and Pricing
Mini sessions start at $175. A few ways to book:
Mini ($175): up to 20 minutes in the field and barn, with 10 hand-edited images
Mini + Full Gallery ($275): up to 20 minutes, plus every image I edit from your session (at least 20)
Extended Mini ($325): two back-to-back slots, up to 45 minutes, with the full gallery included (at least 35 images)
Galleries arrive within two to three weeks, so you’ll have them in time for holiday cards. Rush Delivery (within 7 days) is available for $50 when added at booking.
Time slots are limited, so it’s best to book early if you have a particular date in mind.
What to Expect
I keep things simple and relaxed. You arrive a few minutes early, we say hello, and we get started. I’ll guide you through some easy, natural moments, like walking together, cuddling up in the barn, or tickles and laughs in the field. No stiff posing is required.
Before picking up the camera myself, I spent nearly two decades art directing photo shoots in advertising, so I know how to keep a short session moving while it still feels easy. And if your little ones are curious, I’m happy to hand them my camera for a few frames. It’s a fun way to help them feel at home, and it usually brings out some great smiles.
What to Wear
My best advice: wear what you’re comfortable in, then play it up a little. Comfortable people photograph best, and adding a cozy sweater, a fun texture or a favorite accessory makes the photos feel more special than everyday clothes.
For a field and barn setting, warm fall tones work beautifully. Think creams, rust, olive, denim, mustard and soft neutrals. Coordinate without matching exactly, and skip big logos or busy patterns. Bring shoes you can walk in on grass, plus a jacket in case the November air turns chilly.
Want something really special? Go all in! Flowy dresses, a vintage quilt, matching flannel pajamas, a picnic basket, a favorite family tradition, the dog in a bow tie... the sky’s the limit. Make your session fun and memorable, and make it yours. If you’d love some ideas, I’m here for that. Just reach out and we’ll dream something up together.
Who Mini Sessions Are For
Mini sessions work for all kinds of families and groups:
- Young families with little ones
- Families with teens who’ll only give you 20 minutes anyway
- Couples
- Grandparents and grandkids
- Siblings or best friends
- Families with a four-legged member (just let me know ahead of time)
- Serving Kingsport and the Tri-Cities
The farm is in Kingsport, and it’s an easy drive from Johnson City, Bristol, Church Hill, Gray, Blountville and the rest of the Tri-Cities area. If you’ve been searching for fall mini sessions near Kingsport, this is a simple way to get beautiful family photos close to home.
Mini Session FAQs
How much does a mini session cost?
Mini sessions start at $175 for up to 20 minutes in the field and barn, with 10 hand-edited images. If you’d love more, the Mini + Full Gallery is $275 and includes every image I edit from your session (at least 20). For larger groups or anyone who wants a little more time, the Extended Mini is $325 for up to 45 minutes, with the full gallery included (at least 35 images). Gift certificates are available too.
What happens if it rains?
If weather cancels the day, rescheduling is always on me. I’ll reach out ahead of time and we’ll find a new time that works for your family. The barn also gives us a cozy covered option if we only get a light sprinkle.
What if my kids won’t cooperate?
That’s completely normal, and part of real life! Twenty minutes is short enough to keep little ones happy, and I keep things playful with games, movement and a turn behind the camera if they’re curious. Some of my favorite photos happen in the in-between moments.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes! Pets are family too. Just let me know when you book so I can plan for it, and bring a leash and a few treats to help hold their attention.
Can extended family join us?
Absolutely. When the grandparents, cousins or a whole Thanksgiving crew are joining in, the Extended Mini is the best fit. It’s two back-to-back slots, up to 45 minutes, so we have time for the big group shot plus smaller family groupings.
When will we get our photos?
Galleries arrive within two to three weeks, so you’ll have time to order holiday cards and prints. Need them sooner? Add Rush Delivery for $50 when you book and you’ll have your gallery within 7 days. If holiday cards are your top priority, the November 7 date gives you the most breathing room.
Give the Gift of Photos
Mini sessions also make a thoughtful gift for new parents, grandparents, or anyone who has been “meaning to get family pictures” for years. Gift certificates are available.
Book Your Mini Session
If you’ve been wanting updated family photos but haven’t found the time, this is your sign. Book your Kingsport mini session here while time slots are still open. Have a question first? Reach out through my contact form and I’ll be happy to help. You can also browse my galleries to get a feel for my work.
Here’s to cozy sweaters, golden fields and photos you’ll love for years.. see you on the farm!
Brookney, Hux & Mae Photo
About Brookney Chamberlain | Hux & Mae Photo
Hi, I'm Brookney, the photographer behind Hux & Mae Photo. I specialize in lifestyle family photography that feels real.. genuine moments, natural light, and the little details that make your family yours. Based in Maryville, TN, I serve families across Knoxville, East Tennessee, and the Tri-Cities.
Interested in a session? Get in touch here or explore more of my work.