As I pulled down the driveway at Sunny Mary Meadow I knew it was going to be a beautiful evening. The sky was clear, weather warm, and sweet Merle the farm dog was wagging his tail ready to greet me. I had been dreaming of working with Liz since I first found her on instagram years ago. From flower subscriptions, u-pick events, running a podcast, raising babies, and so much more, Liz is an inspiration and a force in the small business world. Sunny Mary Meadow feels like a place that families belong, and that is why I chose this location for my Flower Farm Mini Session event in July 2023.

Outside of wedding photography, family mini sessions fill my cup to the brim. I love working through the logistics of planning, connecting with families, and designing beautiful backdrops. When session day arrives I love meeting each family and walking them through each silly prompt that pulls laughs from even the toughest of dads. And when the day is done I love heading home and reliving the whole evening while I backup the images. Each family photoshoot is different and has unique needs. I find full family sessions can be helpful for big families, and have lots of tactics to keep little ones happy well into an hour session. Little ones that need additional time to warm up can benefit from a full family session as well. But I think the secret sauce for some kids under 5 really is a mini photoshoot. I really find those 15 minutes is all they need to be silly, sit still and smile just long enough and then head on their way with a little rice krispie treat from Ms. Shania.

Here is a gallery with a taste of all the love and joy I was able to capture for these beautiful families during their mini sessions.

Interested in a mini session with Shania Hirdler Photography? Let me know here and we'll get you booked for my next mini event in Central Minnesota or Phoenix Arizona.

A group hugs together in a field captured in black and white.
A heartwarming family moment relaxing together near a vintage pickup truck with rustic charm.
A romantic country dance scene with a couple in casual attire sharing a tender moment outside a rustic barn.
Maternity moment with woman in white dress and child in orange dress in summer field.
Family poses together in field at sunset wearing coordinated white and red outfits.
Small child in denim overalls standing in the bed of a vintage blue pickup truck.
Three people sharing joyful laughter against a vintage truck backdrop at golden hour.
Romantic couple pose together by vintage rustic truck during golden hour photography session.
Family walking together in a scenic field during golden hour.
A loving moment shared beside a rustic truck decorated with flowers at sunset.
Family shares tender moment together in greenhouse with hanging flower baskets.
Two children in matching denim outfits share a sweet moment together.
Family group photo in field wearing coordinating outfits during golden hour.
People laughing and enjoying a candid moment together outdoors in white dresses.
Young child in overalls exploring an old vintage truck bed on a sunny day.
A casual family gathering around an old pickup truck on a sunny summer day.
Two children sit together on the back of a vintage pickup truck in summer attire.
Family shares joyful group hug in blooming field at sunset.
Playful dip pose against white barn wall during sunset photo session.
A happy family embraces while posing together in a sunset field.