London Ontario Photographer | Choosing the Perfect Mini Session

So you’ve decided to book a mini—a twenty-minute session with a gallery of beautifully edited photos from which to choose your 10-15 photos (depending on the package). There are many reasons to opt for a mini session. Perhaps you have young children (or a partner) who can only handle a shorter session, or you only require a handful of fresh photos. Or maybe you want to have more than one session per year, and prefer shorter sessions in different locations.

Now the question is: Which mini session is perfect for you? Raw Footage Photographer offers a variety of seasonal mini sessions, each with their own charm and appeal. You might pick a mini session based on the setting (Maybe you’re more of a beach person than a woods person? Or maybe you need a location that doesn’t require much travel, or perhaps there are accessibility concerns to consider?), or you might pick a mini session based on the timing (Do you have a special milestone coming up in a specific month? A favourite season? A kiddo who doesn’t love the cold?), or maybe your children have an early bedtime, and a fall session—with its earlier time slots—works best for you.

If you’re ready to book, check the booking page to see what’s currently open. To be the first to know about future mini session booking dates (and to have priority to snag your preferred time slot), make sure you’re on the advance notice list, either by emailing me at sophie@rawfootagephotos.com or by filling out the contact form, with the subject line: “Advance Notice List".

Scroll through the images below for a brief description of each mini session offered.

Minis Offered in London, Ontario and surrounding area: Pine Forest Minis, Spring Studio Minis, Spring Bloom Minis, Beach Minis, Flower Farm Minis, Fall Woods Minis, Tree Farm Minis

London Ontario Family Photographer | Lifestyle Grandparent Session

This grandparent lifestyle session was such a joy to document. From decorating cupcakes (and eating copious amounts of sprinkles!) to reading books together, gardening in the back yard, a forest walk and—my favourite—playing the piano together. Grandma and Grandpa were so delighted to be spending time with their granddaughters, and the photos capture their candid joy. Here are a few favourites!

London Ontario Spring Minis | Blossoms & Studio

It’s the time of year where melting snow leads to dreams of luscious, vibrant blossoms. I’m so looking forward to this year’s spring sessions, particularly the mini sessions I have planned for the month of May: STUDIO SPRING MINIS and BLOOM SPRING MINIS.

The studio sessions will be held at the beautifully styled LR Studios on May 4th, 2025, for those preferring an indoor option still bursting with floral goodness. The bright, neutral parts of the studio will still be available for those wanting a mix of clean and simple as well as the floral set.

The outdoor bloom minis will take place on May 10th, 2025, with whatever happens to be in bloom around that date. The timing for various blossoms varies each year, but I’ve done these with magnolias, lilacs, redbuds, cherry blossoms and crabapple blossoms, and they are always spectacular!

Cinematic Lifestyle Session - Downtown London Ontario Cafe + Arcade Family Photos

Introducing: RFP Cinematic Lifestyle Sessions

Cinematic, because the photos feel like paused frames from a cherished family home video. These longer sessions focus on activities and interactions and are documented with more of a fly-on-the-wall approach than a typical family portrait session. They also last longer, because you’re actually doing whatever activities you’ve chosen–I’m just along for the ride. Have a fun idea? Indoor, outdoor, any season—I’d love to hear it!

We’ll also dedicate a window of time to capturing a handful of lightly posed family photos, so you’ve got those as well (scroll to the last few photos to see what I mean).

For this session, I documented this adorable family as they strolled around the market, enjoyed hot chocolate and treats, and had a blast at the arcade. We also snuck in a few classic family photos in that creamy downtown golden hour light.

If you’re thinking, “my kiddo can barely handle a mini session”—don’t worry. These are not “stand here, look-and-smile” sessions that a child needs to “behave” for. With cinematic lifestyle sessions, you’re in the moment, in movement. These sessions allow for feelings, for getting bored, getting hungry, for changing the plan as needed. There’s no earning a special treat after the photos, because getting the treat is part of it.

Telling stories through images is more than just an overused photographer tagline for me. It’s always been the thing that drives me creatively, the meaning behind my business name. I want you to look at these images and think: “There we are. That’s totally us.”

London Ontario Newborn Lifestyle Photographer | Baby M

What a joy to meet Baby M, and see big sister T in her new role. I’ve been working with this beautiful bunch for a few years now, from family, maternity, newborn and extended family sessions, and it is such a privilege to document their growing family. Newborn lifestyle sessions with older siblings are always extra special, especially when the older sibling’s newborn shoot feels like yesterday! Here are a few favourites from their in-home session.

Port Stanley Ontario Family Beach Session

Every year, I have the absolute privilege and pleasure of taking family photos at the beach for my dear friend and fellow photographer extraordinaire, Cynthia. Port Stanley is a meaningful spot for their family, and one of my favourite places to shoot—especially as the sun starts going down. These photos are from last year’s session, and I can’t wait to do it all again later this year!

London Ontario Family Photographer | Spring Family & Newborn Session

I loved photographing this beautiful family under the Magnolia tree with their newest addition. The session was equal parts running and playing with baby’s big sisters and cozy newborn snuggles among the blossoms. Here are some favourites!

London Ontario Family Photographer | Spring Blossom Extended Family Session

I met up with Julia and JP’s family, as well as Julia’s parents and sister, for a beautiful Spring blossom extended family session. It was a chilly May morning, but the magnolia blossoms were in full bloom. Here are a few favourites from their Springbank Park session.

London Ontario Family Photographer | 2020 Beach Minis

I’m reminiscing about last year’s Port Stanley Beach Minis on this rainy Monday! Beach minis are perfect for capturing fun, playful, candid photos either as a family or a couple. There’s just something about the beach that invites you to splash in the waves, dig your toes in as you walk along the shoreline and cuddle up on washed up beach logs. This year’s beach minis will tentatively be held on June 12th, August 11th and September 11th. To get first dibs on booking, email sophie@rawfootagephotos.com, subject line “Advance Notice Minis”, to get on the advance notice email list! The booking email for the first round of beach minis in June goes out TONIGHT. Here are some favourites from last year!