Ottawa Mini Sessions
WHAT’S A MINI SESSION?
Mini sessions are short and sweet photo opportunities that take place each season at a set location on a specific date.
Each session is 15 minutes long and designed for immediate families. If you'd like to include extended family, you can book back-to-back minis and share the time!
2025 pricing for mini sessions:
Package 1 (10 images) – $175+HST
Package 2 (all images) – $250+HST
Some pricing exceptions apply, such as studio minis or locations with a site fee.)
From Booking to Gallery: Your Mini Session Experience
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Step 1
Get Early Access & Book Your Mini Session
When a mini-session is released, you'll receive an email if you've already pre-purchased a session, giving you first access to book. If you haven't pre-purchased, you can sign up for my newsletter to get first dibs! Fill out the mini-session booking form to lock in your spot. You can book and pay at the time of booking or pre-purchase a mini session here.
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Step 2
Sign Your Contract & Complete the Questionnaire
On the mini session booking form, you’ll receive a photography contract along with a short questionnaire to help personalize your experience.
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Step 3
Receive Your Session Prep Guide & Plan
You’ll receive a detailed prep guide with styling tips, outfit suggestions, and everything else you need to feel confident and prepared before your session. I've curated Pinterest boards for all mini session types so you can find outfit inspiration and feel confident on the day of your session!
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Step 4
Enjoy Your Photo Session!
Relax, have fun, and enjoy the moment. I’ll guide you through every step to ensure a fun and relaxed experience!
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Step 5
Choose Your Favorite Images & Receive Your Gallery
After your session, you’ll either select your favorite images (depending on your package), or your full gallery will be delivered to you digitally within 2 weeks. Feel free to share your photos everywhere and be the talk of the town! Don’t forget to leave me a review after your session!
2025 Mini Session Schedule
Motherhood Minis
Celebrate motherhood, capture memories, or treat yourself to a beautiful portrait with a Motherhood Studio Mini Session. Perfect for new moms, seasoned pros, or special moments with little ones—or even your own mom!
NOTE: Location fees will apply.
DATES
April 27
LOCATION
Skye Studio
Spring Mini Sessions
Spring has arrived, and there's no better way to embrace this season of blossoming than by participating in a Spring Mini Session at the Dominion Arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Ideal for families, couples, or individuals looking to refresh their portraits with the lively essence of spring.
DATES
May 2, May 14
LOCATION
Dominion Arboretum/Ornamental Gardens at the Central Experimental Farm
Beach Mini Sessions
Summer is here, and what better way to soak up the season than by taking part in our Beach Mini Sessions at Andrew Haydon Park. Perfect for families, couples, or individuals looking to capture their moments against the serene backdrop of sandy shores and gentle waves. Let's dive into the beauty of summer and create memories that will last a lifetime together!
DATES
June 28, August 23
LOCATION
Petrie Island Beach
Summer Mini Sessions
Oh, summer! Picture it now: you, your loved ones, soaking up the stunning views at Ottawa's Central Experimental Farm, all under that perfect summer light. Be it a family day out, a cozy session with your significant other, or just updating your own photos with some summer sparkle, we've got it all covered for you!
DATES
July 3, July 18
LOCATION
Dominion Arboretum/Ornamental Gardens at the Central Experimental Farm
Downtown Mini Sessions
The city lights are calling, and there’s no more glamorous way to answer than with our Downtown Mini Sessions around the iconic Chateau Laurier. It’s the perfect excuse for families, couples, or individuals to get dressed up and experience a night out on the town, all while capturing the elegance and excitement of the city’s heart.
DATES
August 22
LOCATION
Downtown Ottawa
Sunflower Mini Sessions
As summer reaches its peak, there's no better way to celebrate its vibrancy than with our Sunflower Field Mini Sessions. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to surround their portraits with the stunning beauty of towering sunflowers under the summer sky.
NOTE: Location fees will apply.
DATES
August 2025 (TBA)
LOCATION
Green Corners (Edwards, Ontario)
Fall Mini Sessions
Autumn has arrived, and there's no finer way to welcome this season of vibrant colors than by joining in on our Fall Mini Sessions at various stunning locations around the city, including the Dominion Arboretum, Waton's Mill, and Old Quarry Trail. Ideal for families, couples, or anyone wishing to infuse their portraits with the rich hues and crisp essence of fall.
DATES
October 2025 (TBA)
LOCATION
Dominion Arboretum, Old Quarry Trail, Watson's Mill
Holiday Studio Mini Sessions
The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better way to capture the magic than with our Holiday Studio Mini Sessions. Designed for families, couples, or individuals looking to add that festive sparkle to their portraits, these sessions are set against a backdrop of holiday cheer and warm, cozy settings.
NOTE: Location fees will apply.
DATES
November & December (TBA)
LOCATION
MDRN Studio & Skye Studio
Tree Farm Mini Sessions
The crisp air of the holiday season brings with it the perfect opportunity to capture its essence with our Tree Farm Mini Sessions. Ideal for families, couples, or anyone wishing to envelope their portraits in the natural beauty and festive atmosphere of a tree farm. Amidst rows of evergreens and the scent of fresh pine, let's create magical moments that embody the joy and warmth of the holidays.
DATES
November (TBA)
LOCATION
TBD
“14/10 would recommend! This is the first time I had family photos with Farrah and I will definitely be going back! She made our 10-month-old very comfortable and did an outstanding job capturing our family. Farrah's style seems to be bold and colorful which I absolutely LOVE. We did a mini session with her and got a ridiculous amount of photos back, way more than expected which was a pleasant surprise. You'd have no regrets with Farrah. Will be returning in the future.”
— Huartson Family
What’s Included?
Access to my mini-session planning & styling guide
All high-resolution non-watermarked images
Full printing rights
All images delivered via a personal online gallery
Access to print shop
All mini sessions include:
Got a Mini Session Idea? Let’s Hear It!
I’m always looking for new and exciting locations to offer mini-sessions, and I’d love your input! Whether it’s a hidden gem in Ottawa, a dreamy seasonal spot, or a perfect date that fits your schedule, share your ideas below.
Fill out the form, and I’ll take your ideas into consideration when planning upcoming mini-sessions.
FAQs
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Mini sessions are shorter, typically lasting about 15-20 minutes, and are often more affordable than full sessions. They're usually themed or held at specific locations and times, offering a limited number of edited photos. Full sessions, on the other hand, are longer, customizable, and provide a wider variety of shots and locations, resulting in a larger selection of edited images. Full sessions offer more flexibility in scheduling and personalized attention.
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Yes! If you originally chose Package 1 (10 images) but want more, you can upgrade to Package 2 (all images) after seeing your gallery. The upgrade cost is simply the difference between packages.
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Please ensure that you arrive 5-10 minutes before your time slot; there are clients scheduled before and after you! All mini-sessions are 15-20 minutes so they are pretty short. If you are late to your session, your session will be shortened and will still end at the same time.
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The trick to awesome photos is never to match, but instead to coordinate. Choose one or two coordinating colors and stick with that. You can accessorize with hats, scarves, and gloves. When in doubt, hit up Pinterest or send me a message and I'll provide some guidance!
If your session is outside, dress appropriately for the weather. These sessions are short, so you'll be able to take off your coat while staying warm in your outfit.
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For outdoor sessions, if you would like to bring your own blanket to sit down on, please feel free to do so! If you're bringing any little ones or furry friends, bring a bribe to help keep them focused and their attention on the camera.
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If it is sprinkling, we will still go ahead with the session. If it is pouring or storming, I will be notifying each client via email the night before to reschedule.
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Each session will have a variety of sitting and standing poses and combinations of participants. If there is a specific grouping you'd like to have, please let me know when you arrive so I ensure that I do not miss it!
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You will receive a minimum of 10+ images, all high resolution, edited, and accessible via a digital download within 2-3 weeks of your session date. If your session is near a special event such as Mother's Day, or Christmas for example, I'll aim to deliver it within a few days so that you have it back before then!
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I don't provide unedited/raw images; each session will be edited in my specific style. You can browse my portfolio on here, or over at Instagram and Facebook (@farrahsanjariphotography)
KIND WORDS
“She is wonderful and someone you can trust to capture all the special moments in your life you want to remember.”
“If I could give ten stars I would, highly recommend her services to everyone who asks about photographers in Ottawa.”
-Leah & Tyler