spring in the PNW - mini sessions

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?

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

mehr family {portland lifestyle maternity + newborn photography}

always a dream to photograph my dear friends, the gorgeous Mehr family!

sharing my work has been on the back burner for the last few years for many reasons, and i’m so glad to finally share some more of my favorites from their most recent maternity + newborn sessions. (also super thankful i finally got Narrative, it has made blogging so much easier, which means i actually have time to do it! yay!)

reach out if you’d like to take advantage of discounted packages when you schedule both maternity + newborn sessions with me. xo

second star {personal}

Introducing our beautiful son, Felix August Alderaan! He was born in our home at 7:23pm on March 3, 2016 - weighing 9 lbs 10 oz, 21 inches long. Djuna is a wonderful big sister and we are all doing really well - although quiiiiite tired, as you can imagine.

i've always heard that you take less photos of the second baby and i have definitely found that to be true. so much less time to lay around and stare at Felix the way i did with Djuna... he spends a lot of time wrap-napping while i chase after his sister and the dogs and attempt to keep us fed and clothed. took me 3 weeks to get to posting this and i haven't even written out his birth story yet but look forward to sharing that soon on my tumblr. 

i am catching up on sharing all of my work from last season, and looking ahead to an amazing 2016 season with my wonderful clients. this summer booked up fast and it's going to be a good one. cheers!!

reichmuth family // at home {portland family photography}

this little family is special to me - i had the honor of photographing Lucy's birth last February! i have yet to share those beautiful photos (though you can see a little sneak peek of one of them below - look out for the sweet rainbow-stamped foot!) but hope to get around to putting together my birth photography portfolio soon. i was thrilled to be asked to shoot a lifestyle session for their lovely family 9 months after Lucy's birth, it is always a joy to see the Reichmuths! especially on such a glorious sunshiney fall day.

PS - Brittany is an amazing photographer herself - check her out here!