The Beauty of your Family, captured In Just Minutes
Northern Virginia Mini Sessions - Fall 2025
with Melissa Sheridan Photography
Mini sessions are quick, easy, and designed to feel effortless from start to finish. No need to stress about perfect smiles or poses—just show up, enjoy a few lighthearted minutes together, and let me handle the rest. I’ll guide you through the session so it feels natural and unforced, while still making sure we capture those moments you’ll want to remember. You’ll leave with beautiful, genuine images and a reminder that great photos don’t have to be complicated.
A Few Minutes, a Lot of Memories
I'm Melissa, your
northern virginia family photographer
- Maeve, mom of two
"Melissa’s portfolio and photo quality speaks for itself, what sets her apart is her impeccable organization, clear communication, and calm welcoming presence! She took family photos for us and handled a chaotic toddler with ease while capturing absolutely beautiful photos that we will cherish for a lifetime. We are so happy we got the chance to work with Melissa and will definitely use her again, you won’t regret working with Melissa!"
client love
short, sweet, & lots of fun
Yay – it’s mini session time!
Fall is my favorite season to photograph families—the colors, the light, and all the gorgeous Northern Virginia locations make it truly magical. This year, I’m offering four unique mini session days from September through November, so there’s something for everyone.
Mini sessions are perfect for capturing your family in the season you’re in, whether you have little ones, your kids are grown, or fur babies. I give my minis a bit more time than most - 20 minutes of shooting plus a short buffer - so they feel relaxed, not rushed. This gives us space to create natural, candid moments you’ll treasure for years.
Every family you see here is made up of real people, not models, and I’ve photographed hundreds just like yours. Your photos will be just as real, fun, and beautiful. And the best part? You get it all! You’ll receive all your best images - the ones I hand-select and edit - so you get the full story of your session, all included in one price. See below for details and to book!
mini session details
Old town minis
- 20 minute session
- Great for couples, families, & maternity
- All your best images (15+)
- Private online gallery for downloads
- Print products available for purchase in gallery
$425
Saturday, SEptember 20th
sold out
Fall minis
- 20 minute session
- Great for couples, families, & maternity
- All your best images (15+)
- Private online gallery for downloads
- Print products available for purchase in gallery
$425
Alexandria - Friday, Oct. 24th
Tree farm minis
- 20 minute session
- Great for couples, families, & maternity
- Simple props available, like Merry Christmas sign
- All your best images (15+)
- Private online gallery for downloads
- Print products available for purchase in gallery
Backup rain date is Sunday, November 9th
$425
Saturday, November 8th
sold out
Fall minis
- 20 minute session
- Great for couples, families, & maternity
- All your best images (15+)
- Private online gallery for downloads
- Print products available for purchase in gallery
$425
Springfield - Saturday, Oct 25th
Sold out
sold out
northern virginia mini sessions
Timeless family photos that feel like you
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
- Kristen, mom of two
"Our experience with Melissa was absolutely incredible! The photos we received exceeded all expectations—each one beautifully framed and overflowing with genuine emotion. She didn’t just take pictures; she captured precious memories that we’ll treasure forever. Her keen attention to detail, masterful use of light, and the way she so effortlessly captured the love and joy within our family left me in awe.
If you’re searching for a photographer who blends talent, creativity, and a personal touch, Melissa is the one. She’s truly exceptional!"
"If you’re searching for a photographer who blends talent, creativity, and a personal touch, Melissa is the one. She’s truly exceptional!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Are minis enough time?
Mini Session Details
Refunds/cancellations
Still have a question? Please contact me!
Yes! Minis are designed to be quick but still deliver a full gallery of unique images.
If your immediate family includes more than six people or you’re bringing extended family, please book a full session so we have enough time to accommodate everyone. If your child is especially shy or needs more time to warm up to new people, a full session may be a better fit.
Mini sessions are 20–25 minutes long—just the right amount of time to capture a beautiful collection of images without feeling rushed. They’re perfect for updating your family photos or creating images for holiday cards. Minis are only offered seasonally on the pre-selected dates listed above and can’t be booked outside of those dates. Turnaround time is up to two weeks (often sooner), so please plan accordingly if you need images for gifts or cards.
A $125 non-refundable retainer is required to book. The remaining balance is due on the day of your session.
If you need to cancel with advance notice, your retainer can be applied to a future session within 12 months. No-shows or last-minute cancellations (within 24 hours) forfeit their payment and no refunds will be given.
Contact Me
I'm not available on these dates. Can I have my own mini session?
I'm only offering mini and shorter sessions on the dates listed above and no longer offer shorter sessions anytime.
If the mini session dates don’t work for you, I’d be happy to schedule a full session at the location of your choice. See full session details here.
Each mini date has a backup rain date—please make sure you’re available for both. If weather forces us to reschedule again, I’ll work with you to find a new date within two weeks if possible. If we can’t make that work, you’ll have the option of a refund or applying your retainer toward another session within 12 months.
