They are called SHORT portrait sessions because the time commitment is small but the results can be big!
Just 15 minutes to get a refresh on family photos, quick headshots, or a photo with a squirmy toddler or slightly reluctant honey.
Why choose a SHORT portrait session? I pick locations and times so that you just have to show up for lovely locations. You can choose a time that works for your busy life! They are simple to schedule or reschedule. Show up, have portraits, move on with your summer!
SCHEDULING TIME TOGETHER – WHY I OFFER SHORT PORTRAITS
I totally get that scheduling a portrait session into the summer mix can be tricky and easily move to the back of your list (especially with kids or less-than-enthusiastic partners.)
But I’m guessing that it can be hard to document this busy, hectic, fleeting time in your life, too!
That’s why I do SHORT portrait sessions – a quick update to portraits, a brief time for kids to focus, an expeditious seasonal headshot, a rapid refresh for photos with your pup.
Short means focused and really fun – too quick to get “in your head” and definitely too brief for boredom.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
STEP 1: Pick a date and time that work for you (scheduler below). Pay now, and it is easy to change to a new date if your schedule changes! Session is $220
STEP 2: Get an email about where to meet, ideas for how to prep, etc.
STEP 3: Show up for 15 minutes of easy portraits
STEP 4: You can view and download your photos within 2 weeks!
2026 SHORT portrait session dates:
If you can’t find a time that suits you, please contact me as I have a few slots open at other times.
July 18
Nicollet Island, downtown MPLS
August 8 & 22
Lake of the Isles, MPLS
September 19 & 20
Boom Island, downtown MPLS
October 3 and 4
Boom Island, downtown MPLS
October 25
TBD depending on Fall Color along the Mississippi
Frequently Asked Questions about SHORT portrait sessions:
Q. Where will the sessions be?
A. I offer Thursday night sessions at Minnehaha Falls and weekend sessions at various park in Minneapolis at St Paul. Locations are dependent on weather conditions, park events, and construction, so I email these out in the week before your session! Email me anytime with questions!
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. I love pups! They are welcome at Minnehaha Falls. Dogs are not allowed in some parks, but we can generally figure out a good solution so give me a heads up when you book!
Q. What is included in the price?
A. The portrait session includes 15 minutes of photography and at least 20 full resolution files as digital downloads (these are the digital negatives and have no watermark, etc). You have the rights to use those for all your personal uses – sending to family, making some cards, etc.
Q. What if it rains?
A. If the weather looks too rainy for photos, I will generally cancel the SHORT portrait sessions and offer a rain date or a refund – you can always move to another session date, even at a different location.
Q. We need a specific time, but I don’t see it – can we schedule for a different time?
A. I book sessions based on the needs of clients – just email me directly and I’ll see what we can do (dilley@beccadilley.com)
Q. What is the difference between SHORT portrait sessions and full portrait sessions?
A. SHORT portrait sessions are made to be easy to schedule and quick to complete. This is perfect for updating a family photo or getting new photos of your toddler, etc. If you want something more specific, or more in depth (and especially if you have a location or mix of locations in mind), then a full portrait session might be perfect for you. Those are 60-90 minutes, and offered around your schedule at whatever locations you want. You can see more information about full portrait sessions on my Portraits Page.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SHORT FAMILY PHOTOS?
You might want to know what can you expect from a SHORT portrait session in only 15 minutes! A little walking, a bit of laughter, at least 20 high resolution images, laughter, and a photogenic background.
Here are some favorites from SHORT portrait sessions – hope to see you soon!
