spring in the PNW - mini sessions

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there’s really nothing like the arrival of spring in the Pacific Northwest. we endure months of dreary rain and cold, and finally, finally the sun is with us longer and flowers begin to bloom!

we welcomed our fourth child, Indigo, earlier in January, and so the winter weather has been a bit easier to bear. these early weeks call for staying home in the warmth, slowing down, resting deeply, and that is perfectly in line with this season. i’m really feeling into the symbolism of nesting at home in our cozy cocoon with our baby, where ideas and plans have been forming in the restful dark, savoring the slow days and allowing the time my body and spirit need for renewal. some days i feel impatient but i know that soon enough, we will be ready to emerge out into the sun, spread our wings, and celebrate the bursting energy of spring.

i have offered spring mini sessions in the greater Portland metro area for many years now and i always look forward to them! these will be my first sessions back behind the camera after Indigo’s birth and i can’t wait to create with you. in my last blog, i shared some reasons why i love mini sessions (check that out here) - and i wanted to share some favorite spring mini session images here as well.

mini sessions are always very popular with families, but don’t forget - these are great for everyone! whether you need a few headshots, portraits with your beloved pet, want to celebrate a milestone like an anniversary or birthday, or have another idea you’d like to bring to fruition - let’s connect!

i’m taking on a lighter schedule this year so dates are limited! head up to the “mini sessions” tab at the top of my site or click this link to grab your spot:

www.daronjackson.com/mini-sessions

why mini sessions?

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there is so much i love about a longer photography session - the opportunity to warm up a bit, to photograph more slowly and intentionally, to allow for breaks and flexibility with children or pets, allow for outfit changes or location/lighting/vibe changes, to include an adventure, hike or picnic that is enjoyable for you.

that being said, i also love offering mini sessions! as i’m getting ready for this year’s fall mini sessions, i wanted to share a few reasons why a mini session might be right for you!

short and sweet

not everyone loves being photographed, let’s be real. though a longer session can be more relaxed, not everyone is interested in spending a couple hours being photographed. the shorter time commitment of a mini session can be easier to conceptualize for the more reluctant subject/partner/child.

and some clients are really just looking for simple, updated portraits in beautiful scenery. my style is definitely more documentary/storytelling - so i will always focus on natural, connected moments even in a shorter timeframe, as well as working in a few more traditional poses if that is desired.

mini sessions are 20 minutes - and that can feel like quite a whirlwind, especially if you’ve got wiggly and excited, fussy or shy children. my advice is always to lean into whatever comes up during the session! let the kids play. cuddle with them, get down on their level, let them find a point of interest in the environment, connect with them. feel free to bring a favorite treat, prop, or activity to share with your children as well. keep smiling. have fun with it! trust that we are going to make beautiful photos.

i’m often pleasantly surprised at how many lovely images we can create in 20 minutes together (a sentiment frequently echoed by my returning mini session clients)!

affordability

mini sessions are a great way to get beautiful photography for a more affordable price! enough said, really :)

faster turnaround

for mini sessions, i collect the best images from our time together in a proofing gallery and send them to you to view so that you are able to pick your 15 favorite images to be edited. though many clients choose extra images or upgrade to receive their entire gallery, many are also content with the 15 that are included with your mini! with less images to edit, i am able to provide a faster turnaround time for the final images - which is especially nice this time of year if you’re hoping to order holiday cards!

mini sessions are not just for families!

mini sessions are also great for anniversary photos, pet portraits, updated headshots, milestones of any sort! get in the frame and capture this season in your life, you deserve it!

interested?

now booking at several locations in the greater Portland metro area - the featured images below are all from locations that are offered this season! there’s something for everyone. head up to the “mini sessions” tab at the top of my site or click this link to grab your spot:

www.daronjackson.com/mini-sessions

alana + oleg // intimate forest wedding in oregon

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Alana and Oleg were married in an intimate celebration at their home in the heart of the forest, on the autumnal equinox. Their loved ones blessed the wedding rings, shared words of encouragement and love, and encircled Alana, Oleg, and their daughter as they spoke their vows. Their sweet little dog Metro followed along every step of the way. The lush forest was like a fairyland, an exquisite place for this reflective, intentional wedding.

katie + khan // portland wedding photography

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the reality of my life as a photographer-mama of three is that blogging takes a back seat. i’m in the era of refusing to feel bad about that any more and just getting on with sharing work when i’m able to or when it makes sense. i still love to share a more complete expression of the story this way, more than can be seen in an instagram post or on my portfolio. a single image just doesn’t do a wedding justice, honestly. if you’re looking for a wedding photographer, it’s so important to look at blogs that show the whole day unfolding - or ask to see full galleries!

and so here we have the absolutely gorgeous, unique, heartfelt wedding day of Katie & Khan. they planned their wedding with such intention and deep meaning; honoring family traditions and showcasing some of Portland’s iconic spaces and cuisine to family and friends from near and far. i was so grateful to have had the amazing Lauren Miles as my second shooter for this one - some of her beautiful work is mixed in below.

Venues: Sentinel Hotel, Cathedral Park, Castaway Portland

Catering: Ash Woodfired Pizza, Koi Fusion, Pips Donuts, Salt & Straw, Merit Badge

nate + tawny // portland wedding photography

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the sweetest backyard wedding, full of sunshine, family and friends. truly what a wedding is all about - and why i am all the more grateful after more than a decade of this work to be invited to witness these moments and show you all the beauty i see.