Seattle Mini Sessions Photographer

Spring + Fall mini sessions at washington park arboretum


What Are Mini Sessions?

These shorter 15-20 minute portrait sessions are ideal for couples, families, and individuals to get photos documented within a short time frame at pre-determined locations on specific dates with Skyewater.

Offered only twice a year during peak cherry blossom time in the spring and peak foliage changes in the fall, you’re able to access a lower rate than full 1-2 hour portrait sessions. They make for great holiday gifts (such as Mother’s Day), anniversary celebrations, maternity photos, and so much more.

Soft + colorful

Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions in the Spring

Every spring, one of my favorite places in Seattle for portrait sessions comes back to life with cherry blossoms: Washington Park Arboretum.

It’s the perfect place for easy and simple outdoor portrait sessions, with several beautiful cherry blossom trees peaking across a few weeks.

2026 Cherry Blossom Mini Dates: March 21, March 29, April 4

Vibrant + Moody

Fall Color Mini Sessions in Autumn

The Arboretum’s foliage becomes a fiery display of color, from golden yellows to bright orange and deep reds, making it a stunning place to take mini session portraits in the fall.

Dates for 2026 are TBD, but likely will be around mid-late October.

Seattle Mini Sessions Include:

Up to 20 minutes of photo session time at Washington Park Arboretum, offered twice each year in spring and fall

20 images included with additional images available a la carte or with a full gallery buyout

A personalized online gallery of your high resolution images for digital downloads and a print shop available

Printing rights for images you’ve ordered, so you can print from any company of your choosing

Pre-session styling feedback to help you choose your attire + posing guidance during your mini session

14-day turnaround for all images in your gallery, giving you plenty of time for ordering prints + gifts

Upcoming Mini Session Schedule

Saturday, March 21 from 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Sunday, March 29 from 5 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 4 from 5 pm – 7:30 pm

Starting at $300 for mini sessions including up to 20 images
Add ons available: $20/photo or $100 for full gallery buyout

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Mini Session FAQs

Each mini session is best for a max group of about 4-5 (including furry family members). If you plan to have more than 5 total in your group, you’ll need to book two minis back-to-back in the scheduler to ensure we have enough time for all groupings without feeling super rushed.

If it’s just the two of you with pets, I do recommend bringing along at least one other person with you to get even just a handful of nice images without them as well.

Since spots are limited, you’ll book with a $100 non-refundable retainer and a signed portrait agreement. Final balance will be due 48 hours in advance of your session date. While there are no refunds for cancellations, you can certainly reschedule to another date if other mini session slots are still available.

If you live here in Washington, you already know how moody and unpredictable springtime weather can be in Seattle. While I do photograph sessions rain or shine, if we’re predicted to get a downpour, I will notify you 24 hours in advance to set up a time to reschedule. I will do my best to find a time within 2-3 weeks of the original session date to accommodate you. If it’s going to be a chance of a light drizzle, plan to attend and bring appropriate shoes and either cute coats or umbrellas! I also have clear umbrellas I will bring for you to borrow.

One of the nice things about the Arboretum is that there are several spots in the park that peak at different times for both fall and spring. While I can’t guarantee specific blossoms or fall color on the trees as nature is ever-changing and unpredictable, I’ll do my absolute best to find the spot with the best background for your session.

These mini sessions are much more limited in time than 1-2 hour portrait sessions, so they do give us enough time for outfit changes. Plan to arrive already in your favorite attire option, or reach out for a full session separately.

Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled session time to give you plenty of wiggle room to find parking and walk to meet me in the park (I’ll provide specific directions on where to meet me in advance).  This also gives you time to relax, soak in the scenery, and/or freshen up before we begin.

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Washington elopement photographer and videographer skyewater

Kaitlyn

Owner + Lead Photographer
BASED IN SEATTLE, WA

Seattle Portrait Photographer

Aside from the waterfront of Puget Sound, Washington Park Arboretum is quite possibly my favorite place in all of Seattle.

It is so close to the city life, but feels a world away: peaceful, vivid, and diverse. The kind of place that’s so accessible for late afternoon walks and calm moments sitting among the trees.

And since I also live in Seattle, it’s easy for me to host mini sessions for clients of all kinds (individuals, couples, and families alike!). I look forward to documenting portraits for you this year!

If you’d prefer a full 1-2 hour session with me, at any time you can contact me online here or send me an email at kaitlyn@skyewater.com to get on my calendar.