2026 Fall Mini Sessions Dates Are Open! Here’s What to Know
Fall mini sessions are officially here, and if you’ve been eyeing one of my limited dates, this post has everything you need to book with confidence. I get the same handful of questions every year, so I’ve pulled them all together in one place: booking details, location info, what your session actually includes, and what to expect on the day. Bookmark this one!
BOOKING AND SCHEDULING
Which locations are available, and on which dates? This year I’m shooting Fall Mini Sessions at three beautiful Somerset County locations, each tied to specific dates:
- 10/17 (Sat. AM) & 10/18 (Sun. PM): Colonial Park, Somerset, NJ
- 10/24 (Sat.) & 10/29 (Thurs.): Washington Valley Park, Martinsville/Bridgewater, NJ
- 11/4 (Sat.) — Duke Island Park, Bradley Gardens/Bridgewater, NJ
How do I book one of these Fall Mini Sessions? You can complete your booking by clicking HERE!
Can I choose my location? Each date is tied to one specific location — they go hand in hand. When you’re booking, double-check that the location listed matches where you actually want your photos taken, since you can’t mix and match a date from one park with a different location.
How long is each session? These Fall Mini Sessions run 20 minutes. That’s plenty of time for most families, but if you have little ones who need a few extra minutes to warm up to a camera pointed at them, or a larger family with a lot of combinations to capture, I’d recommend booking two consecutive sessions so no one feels rushed. Alternatively, you can reach out and book a full session on a day and time that works best for your family! Email me at: info@aprilludwig.com
WHAT DOES THE FALL COLOR MINI-SESSION COST?
How much is the Mini-Session? These Fall Mini Sessions are $375 and include ten (10) digital files for download, plus a $25 complimentary print credit. Additional upgrades are available upon booking. All of my returning clients receive 20% off their session in addition to complimentary upgrades.
What do I get with my Fall Mini Session? Every session includes ten (10) digital images, professionally edited and delivered through your own online gallery — with a print release included, so you’re free to print them wherever you’d like. Your gallery will feature at least 20 final images to choose your final favorite 10 images for download. You’ll also receive a complimentary $25 print credit toward your gallery’s store, which is stocked with timeless, archival-quality printed products you’ll absolutely love!
What kind of images can I expect from my Fall Mini Session, and what can I use my print credit for? You can view a sampling of Fall images in a gallery, along with what is offered in the gallery store HERE
What’s the retainer fee, and when is the balance due? A $50 retainer reserves your spot. It’s non-refundable but fully transferrable if your plans change and you need a different day or time. The remaining balance is due on the day of your session.
What to Expect During Your Session
How many people are photographed per time slot? Each slot is reserved for one family, and sessions are best suited to immediate family. You’re welcome to bring extended family along, but with only 20 minutes, there may not be time to capture every combination of people. If you’re hoping to include grandparents, cousins, or a bigger group, booking back-to-back sessions will give everyone the time they deserve.
Can I bring my pet? Yes! Every location this year is pet-friendly. My only tip: bring along a helper to hold your pet during the portions of the session where you’d rather they not be in the shot — it keeps things moving smoothly for everyone.
What if my kids don’t cooperate? Totally normal, and I’ve got you. If your child is a little slower to warm up, or you’re in the thick of a “stranger danger” phase, I’d suggest booking a full session or two consecutive minis — since mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back, there isn’t built-in buffer time for warming up. If you’re at all unsure, feel free to reach out and schedule a quick consultation so we can talk through what will work best for your family.
What do we wear to our Fall Mini Session!? A few weeks before our session, I will send out a preparation and style guide with everything you’ll need to dress & prepare you family for the session!
Ready to Book?
With only a handful of Fall Mini Session dates/times left across location near Bridgewater, NJ – Colonial Park, Washington Valley Park, and Duke Island Park – now’s the time to lock in your fall mini session. Click HERE to view the booking page, to see available days/times, and complete your booking process!. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions before you book. Please consider scheduling a no obligation consultation I’m always happy to help you figure out if I am the right fit for your family.
See you in the leaves at your Fall Mini Session!
April Ludwig Photography is a Full-Service Portrait Photographer based in Bound Brook, NJ (Near Bridgewater, NJ). You can contact her at: info@aprilludwig.com | (732) 908-7229 | Sessions are booked by appointment only