San Francisco Family Mini Sessions | MDC Families
Family of four holding hands on the beach at Crissy Field with the San Francisco skyline behind them, family photography by Matt Dea

MDC Families

San Francisco Family Mini Sessions

A mini session is a short, guided family session: twenty minutes at one beautiful San Francisco location, on a morning I set aside just for minis. Same direction, same editing, same honest frames as a full session, in a format that fits a toddler’s attention span and a holiday card deadline.

They run a few times a year, and the location rotates with the season, so each round looks a little different from the last.

From $375 / 20 minutes

See the Next Season

Twenty Minutes. Zero Stiff Poses.

You do not need to wrangle everyone into matching smiles. I direct the whole thing, keep it moving, and photograph your family the way it actually is. All you have to do is show up.

Little boy holding a small pumpkin at the Webb Ranch pumpkin patch near Palo Alto

The Session

What’s Included

One guided 20-minute session, from the first frame to the last. No sitting fees, no surprises. Just your family, good light, and a photographer who keeps everyone moving so nobody has time to freeze up.

Included

  • A guided 20-minute session at that season’s location
  • At least 15 edited images, delivered digitally
  • Your gallery within 7 to 14 days
  • Cinematic, natural-light editing

Starting at $375, paid in full to reserve

How It Works

Rotating Locations

Each round is one location and one or two mornings, chosen for how the light falls that time of year. Booking opens online with a fixed set of 20-minute slots, and once a slot is taken, it is gone.

Bring the whole crew. Grandparents, the dog, the toddler who will inevitably melt down at minute eighteen. I have photographed enough families to know the good stuff lives in the chaos, not around it.

Toddler laughing on the beach at Crissy Field with her parents and the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

Next Season

The next round has not been announced yet. Leave your email and I will let you know the dates and location as soon as booking opens.

Five-Star Rated on Google

“The photos didn’t just show where we went. They captured who we were in those moments. Joyful, connected, present. Matt’s work brought our memories to life in a way we didn’t expect.”

Sarah A.

“Matt was incredibly thoughtful from start to finish. He guided us in a way that felt completely natural, made us feel at ease, and captured a season of our lives we’ll always want to remember.”

Lisa P.

“Professional, easy going, and genuinely enjoyable to work with. Matt works efficiently without ever feeling rushed. The whole experience was exactly what we hoped for.”

Doug K.

“Matt made the whole process comfortable from the start. Great eye, thoughtful direction, and the final photos came out natural and exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend.”

Eric C.

Good to Know

Mini Session Questions, Answered

What is a mini session?

A short, guided family session: twenty minutes at one location, booked into back-to-back slots on a single morning. You get the same direction and editing as a full session, in less time and at a lower price.

How often do mini sessions run, and where?

A few times a year, each season at a different San Francisco location chosen for its light. Each round has its own page with the exact dates, location, and meeting spot, and it is linked here while booking is open.

What should we wear?

Coordinated, not matching. Soft, warm tones photograph beautifully in morning light. I send a short outfit guide once you book, and you are welcome to run looks by me beforehand.

What if my kids will not cooperate?

That is expected, and it is genuinely not a problem. Twenty minutes is enough, I keep things playful and moving, and some of the best frames come from the meltdowns and the recoveries right after. You do not need picture-perfect behavior. You just need to show up.

When do we get our photos?

Your edited gallery arrives within 7 to 14 days. You receive at least 15 final images, delivered digitally.

What happens if it rains?

If the weather truly does not cooperate, I will reach out to move you to the other date or a makeup morning. Your payment carries over, so you are never left out.

Can I book a longer session instead?

Absolutely. If you want a full family session with more time, more locations, and a larger gallery, reach out and we will build something around you.

Little boy walking along a fallen log at Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line in the Presidio, black and white Parents hugging their baby at Sutro Park Little boy in a knit sweater grinning among the eucalyptus at Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line in the Presidio, black and white Mother holding her baby on the beach at Crissy Field near the Golden Gate Bridge

Want More Time?

Full family and maternity sessions run year round. See all family sessions.

Get in Touch