Meet The Mini Session Team: Elizabeth and Carlos
Hi, I’m Elizabeth, owner of Elizabeth Hite Photography. I’m also a mom to two energetic little girls and wife to my husband, Kyle. I’m completely obsessed with photographing your family and capturing those fleeting, blink-and-you-miss-it moments so you can hold onto them forever.
Carlos is my lead associate photographer and has been serving our photo families for nearly five years. He’s a dad to three, a husband, a CrossFit coach, and homesteader.
Mini sessions are photographed by either me or Carlos. When you book with Carlos, you’re still getting the full Elizabeth Hite Photography experience. I’ll be the one behind the scenes, communicating with you, then perfecting every image and guiding you every step of the way! You can learn more about Carlos and view his work here.
Book Your Family Mini Session Online
Upcoming family mini session events
Your family means everything to you! As your family photographers, our job is to document the joy, connection, and laughter you share with the people you love the most. your growing family. These short, sweet sessions are relaxed, gently guided, and focused on connection over perfection. No pressure. No stiff posing. Lots of movement and playtime.
In Studio Family Mini Session with Elizabeth
$450 | 15 Images
20 Minute Studio Mini Session at our natural light Downtown, Portland Studio.
February: Sunday, February 15h
March: Sunday, March 15th
April: Saturday, April 11th
Cooper Mountain Mini Session with Elizabeth
$450 | 15 Images
20 Minute Adventure Mini in Beaverton, Oregon. Be prepared for light hiking but the trail is stroller friendly. (This park is not dog friendly).
March: Saturday, March 8th
April: Saturday, April 18th
May: Saturday, May 2nd and Saturday May 9th
June: Saturday, June 6th
Vancouver Washington Waterfront with Carlos
$350 | 15 Images
20 Minute Mini in Vancouver, Washington. Explore the forest and beach along the Columbia River with associate photographer Carlos. View his portfolio here.
February: Saturday February 28th
March: Saturday March 7nd
April: Sunday, April 12th
Family Photography Mini Sessions: Here’s How It Works
1. Book Your Session Online
Browse the location options above and select your preferred date and location. The calendar will guide you step-by-step through the booking process.
A $200 retainer is due at the time of booking to reserve your date. This amount is applied toward your final payment, which is due on your session date.
2. Prep Made Easy
Once you’re booked, you’ll receive a session prep guide and styling info to help you feel confident and relaxed going in. No stress, just support.
3. Your easy, playful session
Come experience an easy session where playtime and snuggles are encouraged and no one is expected to “behave.” This is laid-back family fun. You’ll move, laugh, cuddle, explore, and We’ll gently guide you the whole way. Whether your toddler is wild or your baby just wants to be held, it’s all welcome here.
4.Receive Your Gallery
2 weeks after your session, I’ll email you a link to your personal online gallery where you’ll choose and download your 15 favorite images included in your mini session collection.
If you fall in love with more images you’ll have the option to purchase additional images à la carte for $25 each, or upgrade to the full gallery, which includes a complimentary keepsake family album.
Maternity + Newborn Session Bundle: After a maternity mini session with Elizabeth Hite Photography, you’ll receive $100 off a newborn session, making it easy to carry this story from pregnancy to those first precious days at home. Click here to learn more about Portland, Oregon newborn photography.
What are other Portland, Oregon families saying about working with Elizabeth and Carlos?
“We did a mini session with Carlos and he was amazing. He was professional, fun, and easy to work with. The mini sessions are perfect for families with little kids. We purchased a full gallery (40+ images) that we absolutely loved from a 15 minute mini session, they were incredible! You can tell Carlos is very experienced in how easily he can capture little kids and a whole family so quickly”. Elizabeth G
“If I could give Elizabeth 10 stars I would! She photographed our maternity and newborn sessions and we already have another mini session set up with her. She is so patient and kind and overall makes you feel comfortable. You don’t even feel like you’re being photographed which allows her to catch all the special moments.” Brook S
“Elizabeth has photographed my family several times - we trust her with the most special moments - among them, having her in our home days after bringing home our first baby (newborn in-home session), and having her in our hospital room to capture a siblings’ first encounters, and our child’s first moments in the world (fresh48 session). She is professional and easy to work with and has such a special eye for photography and talent for working with young families. We also had the opportunity to work with her business partner Carlos who is also truly wonderful”. Oriana N
Best Locations for Portland Family Photography
Family Picture Ideas for Every Season
We host mini sessions at some of Portland’s most beautiful seasonal locations, making it easy to capture your family in stunning, natural settings. We also offer year-round options, including Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton and our Downtown Portland studio, so your family can enjoy timeless photos no matter the season.
Spring (March–April): Wander beneath the blooming Portland Cherry Blossoms.
Late Spring to Summer (May–August): Enjoy the fragrant beauty of the Portland Rose Garden.
Summer (June–July): Capture your family among the vibrant blooms of a Lavender Farm or along the Oregon Coast.
Fall (October): Celebrate the season at a charming West Linn Farm Estate.
Holiday Season (November): Snuggle up at a Christmas Tree Farm or in our cozy Downtown Studio.
Mini Session Frequently Asked Questions
Who will photograph my mini session?
Mini sessions are photographed by Elizabeth or lead associate photographer Carlos. On my mini session booking calendar, you will be able to choose a date with either Carlos or myself (Elizabeth). When you book a mini with Carlos, you will get the same family photography experience and I'll be in contact with you each step of the way, editing your gallery, and delivering each hand-picked image with my same style! You can learn more about Carlos and view his work right here.
Is a family mini session right for my family?
Mini sessions are right for families who want updated photos without committing to a full session, especially if you have little ones with short attention spans. If you love the idea of seasonal portraits, like fall leaves, spring blooms, or holiday trees, and you’re a busy parent looking for a quick, painless, and genuinely fun photo experience, this option was made for you.
Can I really get enough family photos during a 20 minute mini session?
You’d be surprised! Within a small time frame we can get a lot of great shots! Once our time begins, I’m basically shooting the entire time! I may be moving you around a lot in order to get a variety of different angles, backgrounds and compositions for your gallery.
What if it rains on my mini session date?
As a family photographer I am always on top of the weather! Unfortunately I do not control the weather, and of course we want the ideal weather for your photos, so there are times that sessions have to be rescheduled. I will be watching the weather before your session. If it looks like your session date will rain, I'll check in with you about backup options. Overcast skies are perfect, what we want to avoid is rain.
What if my child gets sick or an emergency comes up the day of my photoshoot?
Kids get sick, it happens. Your mini session fee is transferable if you need to reschedule. Please contact me if your kiddos gets sick before a session and I will help you pick a reschedule date.
When will I receive my final gallery?
Within two weeks after your session, you’ll receive an email letting you know your gallery is ready. You can then choose and download your 15 favorite images. If you love more than 15, you will have the option to purchase additional images a la carte for $25 each or purchase your full gallery for $150. The full gallery upgrade includes a complimentary keepsake family album.
Do you offer albums and/or album design services?
I really love designing albums for my clients and sending you tangible memories you can enjoy for years to come. Family life is busy, and I know how much effort it takes to choose photos and get them printed, so this gives you a quick and easy way to have those memories in your hands right away. These adorable 6x6 family keepsake albums are designed with love and care by me. My hope is that these albums become your family’s little “yearbooks” like a collection you can add to each year.
When does your fall and Christmas tree mini session calendar open for booking?
Booking for fall and Christmas minis opens on July 25th every year to those on my email list. Prime dates sell out fast!
Have more questions? Talk to Elizabeth before you book…
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