I’ve begun planning our annual family mini sessions for the 2026 holiday season! If you’re new here, welcome! My name is Tara Whittaker and I’m a professional photographer in Calgary and neighbouring areas with over 15 years of experience, including photographing families for mini sessions throughout the seasons. Our mini sessions are great for folks looking for a short and sweet photoshoot at a great value. Each session is designed with a beautiful setup and are sure to leave you with photos that evoke the feeling of the day in a timeless, true-to-you way.

For us, these mini sessions are like a reunion because we’ve known some of these couples and kiddos for years. It really is the perfect way to document special milestones like a new baby on the way, a toddler about to take their first steps, a teen heading into high school… the possibilities really are endless.

A Festive Winter Set from Sweet Bloom

Just like last year, we are incredibly lucky to have Tavia from Sweet Bloom Floral Design designing a beautiful winter set that will be rich in colour and fragrance. You and your family and/or friends are sure to be left humming Christmas tunes and feel full of holiday spirit (and Christmas cookies) after the mini session.

Planning your Holiday Mini Sessions in 2026

Stay tuned to this blog post and to our Instagram as we will reveal more details about these sessions in the near future. For now, here’s what you need to know:

Date: Sunday, November 1st | Venue: Studios at Vic Park YYC – 1018 Macleod Trail SE Calgary

• Each 30-minute session includes 10 high-resolution images (including colour and black & white photos) provided in an online gallery with full printing permissions. Extra images available for purchase.
• Each session is $350 + GST.
• We can accommodate groups of up to 6 + pets.
• Tavia from Sweet Bloom Floral Design will send you home with a seasonal offering.
• We will provide you with a colour palette and wardrobe suggestions (TBD).

Available Time Slots for Family Mini Sessions 2026

Sessions are 30 minutes each. If a time is crossed out, it has been booked:

9:30 AM
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
12:30 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:00 PM
2:30 PM

It’s never too early to plan your holiday photoshoot. If you’re interested in booking your mini session with us, please contact me via inquiry or email!

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Do coordinate your outfits but don’t be matchy-matchy.
• Choose colours that complement each other. (I will provide some suggestions once our colour palette is chosen)
• Avoid clothing with busy patterns or logos.

As you can see, our families last year really understood the assignment!

A Few Kind Words From a Past Client

“I don’t know how she does it, but Tara can capture a person’s entire personality in a single photograph. I will forever treasure our yearly time capsules that perfectly show how our beautiful and chaotic family has grown”.

How to Book Your Family Mini Sessions This Year

To book your family mini session for the holidays, contact me via inquiry or email

If November is too long to wait, we’re also hosting Autumn Mini Sessions in September. For more details, click here.

Interested in some of the other mini sessions we’ve done? Take a look at our Spring Mini Sessions from earlier this year.