White Studio Mini Sessions

The TLDR: White Studio Mini Sessions are BACK for 2026 on March 21! Mini Sessions are $350 (tax included) unless you have our Family Photo Membership! You can book using the scheduler at the bottom of this post or this link: March 21: White Studio Minis

If you’ve ever looked at your walls and thought, “Wait… when were my kids that little?!” … this is your sign.

As a marriage and motherhood photographer here in the Pacific Northwest, I have a front-row seat to the way time moves. It’s sneaky. It’s relentless. It turns babies into gap-toothed kindergarteners and somehow transforms your “little” boy into someone who now has opinions about his hair. And while I adore photographing big wedding days and teary-eyed vows, there is something incredibly powerful about simple, honest family portraits. The kind where it’s just you, your people, and the connection that makes your house feel like home.

That’s exactly why I’m so excited about our White Studio Mini Sessions on March 21, 2026 at Studio 253 in Tacoma. Let me tell you why these might be the most effortless portraits you’ll take all year.

Hi, I’m Markie, your PNW Family Photographer.

I’m a mom of four who deeply understands how quickly the days slip by, the loud ones, the tender ones, and the in-between moments you don’t realize you’ll miss until they’re gone. My approach to family photography is rooted in connection, not perfection. I document families as they are, in the season they’re in, creating images that feel honest, lived-in, and full of meaning.

Family sessions aren’t about matching outfits or perfect smiles; they’re about legacy. About preserving the way your child fits in your arms right now, the laughter that fills your home, and the love you’re building day by day. Here, we believe family photography should create tangible heirlooms with images that are meant to be printed, held, and passed down, because these moments deserve to be remembered long after this season has changed.

Because one day, these will be the photographs you reach for first.

Why White Studio Mini Sessions Are Timeless (And honestly? Stress-Free)

There’s something about a white wall that feels like a deep breath. No distractions. No busy backgrounds. No competing colors. Just you and your people. White Studio Mini Sessions are done against a clean white wall for a timeless, minimal portrait look. Think classic. Think heirloom. Think “this could hang in your great-grandkids’ house someday and still feel relevant.”

When we strip everything back, what’s left is what matters most: your connection. The way your toddler clings to your leg. The way your teenager rolls their eyes but still leans into you. The way your partner instinctively reaches for your hand. And because we’re inside at Studio 253 in Tacoma, we don’t have to worry about Pacific Northwest weather doing its moody thing. No wind battles. No rain delays. No freezing toddlers. It’s simple. It’s clean. It’s focused entirely on your family.

Each White Studio Mini session is 20 minutes: short, sweet, and designed with real-life families in mind. You’ll receive 10 digital images and a $50 product credit (because I will forever be the photographer gently reminding you to print your photos). Mini Sessions are $350, and families larger than six can book two back-to-back sessions (the second one is half price). That gives us breathing room for bigger group combinations without feeling rushed.

And yes: you can bring your pets, props, or even a friend. I’ve photographed everything from golden retrievers to best-friend duos who wanted updated portraits together. If they’re part of your story, they’re welcome in front of my camera.

How to Prepare So Your Session Feels Easy (Not Chaotic)

Let’s talk logistics for a second, bestie. Because White Studio Mini session times are limited, I always recommend coming ready to go with one outfit. Minis move quickly (that’s part of the magic) so we want to spend our time laughing and connecting, not changing clothes in a hallway.

Here’s my pro tip: lean into neutrals with texture. Creams, soft denim, oatmeal, muted pastels. The white backdrop makes colors pop beautifully, but the real star is your connection, so we don’t need anything too loud competing for attention.

For moms especially: pick your outfit first. Yes, I said it. You are not the afterthought. Choose something you feel confident in and build everyone else around that.

If you have little ones, make sure they’ve eaten beforehand. A snack in the car is a lifesaver. Avoid chocolate (trust me), but something protein-based will keep moods steady. And don’t stress about “perfect behavior.” I’ve been doing this for over 16 years; I’ve photographed toddlers mid-meltdown and still delivered gallery favorites.

My approach is documentary at heart. Even in a studio setting, I’m not just barking stiff poses at you. I’ll guide you into natural connection. I’ll give prompts. I’ll create little moments that allow you to interact instead of freeze. And because the setup is minimal, your kids don’t feel overstimulated. It’s just us, the white wall, and a whole lot of personality.

Why Mini Sessions Matter More Than You Think

I’ve noticed something over the years. Families often wait for “big milestones” to schedule photos. A new baby. A graduation. An anniversary. But the in-between years? Those are the ones that blur the fastest.

Mini Sessions are perfect for those in-between seasons. The missing front teeth. The height difference shrinking between siblings. The way your preschooler still insists on holding your hand. These portraits become the visual timeline of your family.

And because they’re streamlined and affordable, they make consistency possible. Instead of waiting five years between sessions, you can build a tradition. Which brings me to something I’m deeply passionate about: our NEW Family Photo Membership.

Members get access to two mini sessions per year with us at one low monthly cost. It’s designed for families who value printed memories and want to stay ahead of the “we really need updated photos” panic. When you build photography into your rhythm instead of treating it like a once-every-few-years event, something shifts. Your walls tell a story. Your kids grow up seeing themselves documented and cherished. And as someone who is both behind the camera and a mom myself, I can promise you this: your children will treasure these images someday in ways you can’t fully imagine yet.

What It’s Like Working With Us (Because That Matters Too)

If you’ve never worked with Jake or I before, here’s what you should know. We’re marriage and motherhood photographers based right here in the Pacific Northwest. Our heart is connection: not stiff poses, not forced smiles, not Pinterest perfection. We’re the team that will fix your toddler’s hair, crack a dad joke to get genuine laughter, and remind you to step into the frame instead of hovering behind your kids.

You can find more about us at www.markiejonesweddings.com, and if you want to see behind-the-scenes peeks and recent work, we’re over on Instagram at @markiejonesphotographyllc and Facebook at www.facebook.com/mjpllc.

We believe your images shouldn’t live on a hard drive forever. That’s why every mini session includes a $50 product credit. Albums. Prints. Wall art. Tangible heirlooms. Digital files are wonderful, but there is something sacred about holding your memories in your hands.

And because these White Studio Mini Sessions are limited to one day (March 21, 2026) spots will go quickly. Twenty minutes might sound short, but when it’s guided well and full of intention, it’s more than enough to capture magic.

This is for the mom who hasn’t been in photos lately.
This is for the dad who swears he hates pictures but secretly loves the finished gallery.
This is for the family who wants something classic and clean that will never go out of style.
This is for you if you’ve been meaning to update your portraits but keep putting it off.

You don’t need a perfectly behaved toddler.
You don’t need matching outfits down to the socks.
You don’t need to lose ten pounds first.
You just need to show up.
I’ll take care of the rest.

So mark your calendar for March 21, 2026 at Studio 253 in Tacoma. Grab your spot. Pick your neutral outfit. Bring your people (and maybe your dog). And let’s create something timeless together. Because one day, these “ordinary” days won’t feel ordinary at all. They’ll feel priceless.