Why I’m Skipping Fall and Christmas Mini Sessions This Year: Prioritizing Work-Life Balance as a Photographer

As many of you know, while I am primarily a branding photographer, every year I’ve made an exception to offer fall and/or Christmas mini sessions. It’s always been a way for me to connect with families and provide beautiful seasonal portraits, even though my main focus is branding. However, this year I’ve decided to take a step back and not host mini sessions.

This decision didn’t come easy. Every year, planning these sessions takes a lot of energy and coordination—from finding the perfect location to setting up the ideal backdrop, to scheduling and delivering galleries during a time when my photography business is already in full swing. The truth is, the weight of it all started to feel like too much.

Fall has always been one of my busiest seasons for photography. Between photo shoots, editing, and client consultations, I realized that adding mini sessions to the mix would only stretch me thinner than I’m comfortable with. For me, it’s become increasingly important to maintain work-life balance, and this year, that meant saying no to something I’ve traditionally enjoyed offering.

I’m not saying I’ll never offer family mini sessions again—this decision likely won’t be forever. But this year, I needed to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being. And sometimes, as business owners, we have to listen to our gut. It’s crucial to make decisions that not only serve our clients but also support our own well-being, even if it means letting people down.

I know that many of you look forward to these seasonal sessions, and trust me, I’ll miss the fun and festive energy they bring. But I truly believe that by creating a balanced work life, I’ll be able to serve my branding clients better and keep my passion for photography alive.

Thank you for your understanding and support! If you’re here for branding photography, I’m fully available and excited to work with you this season. And who knows—maybe next year I’ll be back with a fresh take on mini sessions!

Warmly,
Denise