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Indiana Fall Mini Sessions: Real Smiles in 20 Minutes

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Discover how a 20-minute fall mini session turned into 60 candid, joy-filled photos. Learn why short sessions create real connection and timeless memories.

You know those sessions where you go in hoping for 25 solid shots and somehow end up with 60 you just can’t part with?
Yeah. That was this one.

Meet Rachel, her husband Drew, their sweet little Lola, and Rachel’s parents, Paul and Sharon, who, by the way, came fully prepared to steal the show.

From the moment we started, I knew this was going to be fun. Everyone was dressed in soft, muted tones (my love language for natural light photography). These tones let the fall colors do their thing and make the skin tones buttery smooth. It’s the secret sauce for those timeless, mantle-worthy images you’ll love for years.

And then there’s Lola. Sweet, spunky, full-of-life Lola who completely turned on the personality halfway through the session and had us all cracking up. Those are the moments you can’t pose or plan. You just have to keep the camera ready and ride the wave of pure joy.

But let’s talk about Paul for a second because every family session has that one moment. I jokingly asked him and Sharon who’s been the most stubborn in their marriage all these years. Without missing a beat, Paul threw her under the bus. 😆 Cue laughter, side-eye, and the best candid smiles of the day.

That’s what I love about minis , they’re short enough to keep everyone fresh and long enough to capture real emotion. We stay in one location, move through easy prompts, and spend just enough time together for everyone to “thaw out” in front of the camera. No stress, no overthinking, no “what do I do with my hands?” energy. Just connection.

Here’s the truth:
The classic, mantle-worthy shots are why you come to the session.
But the real gold? That’s in the emotion, the in-between moments, the laughter, the little girl who leans in for one more kiss before you can even tell her to.

That’s what makes a mini session feel big.

Photographer Takeaway

Minis don’t have to feel rushed. Keep your clients moving, your tone light, and your prompts playful.
Ask questions that spark emotion (and laughter), and don’t chase perfection,chase connection.

Client Takeaway

A mini session is the perfect sweet spot: short, fun, and relaxed. It’s proof that you don’t need an hour to capture memories you’ll treasure forever.

Ready to Book Your Own?

I’ll be hosting a snow day mini and spring mini in 2026, if you’ve been waiting for that “just right” session that feels easy, natural, and fun… this is it.

👉 Contact me through my facebook page for booking details

A Day in Logan, Ohio: Photographing Gospel Artist Jonathan White

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Some photo sessions just feel special from the moment you start and my recent shoot with gospel artist Jonathan White in Logan, Ohio was one of those. Midday light isn’t usually a photographer’s dream, but with the fall colors glowing and Jonathan’s easygoing spirit, it turned into pure gold.

Jonathan recently released his new album, Jesus, and if you haven’t listened yet, go do that first especially the song “I Know a Name.” It’s one of those tracks that reaches deep and reminds you exactly why gospel music matters. The entire album carries that message of hope, and I wanted the photos to feel the same warm, authentic, and full of light.

Capturing Personality, Not Just a Portrait

From the moment we started, Jonathan brought the energy. He laughed, cracked jokes, and made it easy to forget we were working in the bright midday sun. That’s one of the things I love about photographing musicians they know how to connect, not just with a crowd, but with the camera too.

We started around an old barn that instantly fit his vibe, weathered, grounded, full of story. Between the rustic textures and Jonathan’s casual, confident look, everything came together naturally. There’s something about those timeless, simple backdrops that just lets a person’s heart shine through.

He trusted the process completely. That trust is everything in a shoot. It’s what allows real expressions and those in-between moments where a person’s joy just shows up, no posing required. By the time we wrapped, we had a mix of classic portraits, genuine laughs, and those easy, soulful moments that perfectly fit the heart behind his music.

Behind the Lens: Making Midday Light Work

If you’re a photographer reading this, you know midday sun can be tricky. The key is to find open shade or natural reflectors like light gravel paths or wooden porches that bounce soft light upward. Shooting around the barn gave us those perfect pockets of filtered glow that made his features stand out without harsh shadows.

If you’re a client reading this, here’s the takeaway: trust your photographer. Great photos can happen any time of day if you stay relaxed, have fun, and let your personality lead. The best portraits aren’t about perfect light, they’re about real connection.

Corrie’s Notes: Posing Tips for Guys

Guys, if you’ve got an upcoming shoot, here are a few quick tips inspired by Jonathan’s session:

  • Relax your shoulders. Tension shows fast in photos. Take a breath, loosen up, and let your stance feel natural.
  • Hands matter. Keep them casual — in pockets, one hand hooked on a belt loop, or resting lightly against something nearby.
  • Movement helps. Walk, lean, shift your weight — small movements make portraits feel alive.
  • Don’t overthink your smile. The best expressions happen mid-laugh or when you’re talking, not when you’re forcing it.

Jonathan’s new album Jesus is available now, and you can learn more about his ministry and music at jonathanwhitemusic.com.

This shoot was a reminder that light, laughter, and faith can come together in the simplest ways — even on a bright fall afternoon in Logan, Ohio.

Ben & Anna’s Countryside Wedding | Spencer, Indiana Wedding Photographer

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Some wedding days just feel like home and Ben and Anna’s early fall wedding in Owen County, Indiana was exactly that. Set on a family friend’s farm just outside Spencer, their day had all the makings of a classic small-town celebration: a close-knit crowd, heartfelt worship, and a whole lot of love.

Anna wanted a simple, faith-filled ceremony surrounded by family and friends — the kind where everyone pitches in, hugs last a little longer, and joy fills the air. Brittney Hogan coordinated the day beautifully, turning the family farm into a warm, welcoming space filled with laughter and twinkle lights.

Anna looked stunning in her gown from Sophia Bridal, and her bridesmaids brought the fun right from the start getting ready in colorful satin pajamas, laughing on the porch, and sipping coffee while “Glam by Alyssa” worked her magic on hair and makeup.

Getting Ready | The sweetest start to the day surrounded by her girls — laughter, electrolytes, and a whole lot of love.

Tip for Brides:

Plan a “slow morning.” Anna gave herself extra time in the morning , no rushing, no chaos , and it made all the difference. Schedule hair and makeup a little earlier than you think you need to, so you can actually enjoy those moments with your girls. A calm start sets the tone for your whole day.

Tip for Brides:

If you’re including kids in your wedding, give them space to be themselves. Don’t stress if they’re not perfectly posed or looking at the camera ,the giggles, the shy faces, the twirls in their pajamas… that’s their version of magic. Those in-between moments are the ones that end up being everyone’s favorite.

Ceremony | Their ceremony reflected their faith beautifully — communion, worship, and genuine joy.

Tip for Brides:

Make your ceremony personal. I loved how Anna and Ben included worship and communion in their vows. It was simple, meaningful, and reflected their faith perfectly. Whether it’s a song, a reading, or a prayer, find one thing that makes your ceremony feel like you.

Portraits on the Farm | These countryside portraits were pure magic quiet fields, soft fall colors, and two hearts completely in sync.

Tip for Brides:

Pick locations with meaning. Ben’s a lineman, so when we saw the electric poles across the field, we knew we had to include them. It wasn’t just a pretty backdrop ,it was their story. Choose portrait spots that remind you of who you are as a couple. It makes the photos timeless.

Bonus Tip:

Trust your photographer. We shot these portraits just before the light dipped and the air got cool those few extra minutes of golden light? Absolute magic. Your photographer’s timeline suggestions matter. That trust gives you moments you’ll frame forever.

The Celebration | A sparkler exit and one last dip-kiss to end the perfect night.

Tip for Brides:

Don’t skip dinner for photos. (We made sure Anna and Ben had time to eat before joining the reception.) Build it into your timeline you’ll have more energy for the dance floor and the sparkler exit.

Tip for Brides:

Bring your personality to the party. Whether it’s sneakers under your dress (Anna’s were a hit!) or a fun cake moment those unscripted parts of the day end up being everyone’s favorite memories.

Tip for Brides:

Pick vendors who align with your vibe. From Brittany’s planning to Alyssa’s glam, every person on Anna’s team genuinely cared — and it showed. Choose people you’d want in your home on your wedding morning. That comfort shines through every photo.

Vendor Team

  • Dress: Sophia Bridal
  • Florist: The Party Maker & The Little Baker
  • Coordinator: Brittney Hogan, Spencer, Indiana
  • Hair & Makeup: Glam by Alyssa (@glam_byaly) Instagram
  • DJ: Z&B Alive Sound (Instagram)
  • Cake & Catering: Honey Suckle Hill Bee-Stro
  • Invitations: Shutterfly
  • Colors: Classic Black & White

A Note to Future Couples

If you’re planning your wedding ( big or small) remember this: it’s not about how extravagant the event is or how perfect the details are. It’s about the memories you can freeze in time.

Find a photographer who can capture the emotion and heart of your day , someone who tells the story behind the smile. Because when the cake is gone and the flowers fade, these photos become the heirlooms that carry your love forward.

Whether you’re planning a countryside ceremony or an intimate backyard elopement, I’d love to help tell your story.Book CLB

Ben + Anna’s Downtown Spencer Engagement Photos | Spencer, Indiana Engagement Photographer

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Okay, friends, grab a coffee and get cozy, because I have to tell you about Ben and Anna’s engagement session. These two are seriously the sweetest couple, and their downtown Spencer, Indiana engagement photos turned out better than I could have imagined…..even with a torrential rainstorm trying to ruin our plans!

Ben and Anna’s love story started in the most unexpected way. They met at a Bible study that neither of them really planned on going to (classic, right?). Anna beat Ben in one of the games that night, and after that, Ben just couldn’t get her out of his mind. Fast forward, and this past spring, Ben popped the question and now they’re planning their September wedding surrounded by family and friends at a private venue in Owen County, Indiana.

When they asked me to be their wedding photographer, I was so honored. I always include a complimentary 30-minute engagement session with my wedding packages because it’s such a fun way to connect and get comfortable in front of the camera. And Ben and Anna’s session? Pure magic.

Here’s the thing: three hours before our shoot, Spencer was getting hammered with rain. Like, torrential downpour levels. But with Ben working out of state as a lineman apprentice, we had no choice but to go for it, rain or shine. Lucky for us, golden hour showed up right on cue, giving us dreamy light and an epic sky.

Since Anna’s wedding theme is contemporary black and white, we chose downtown Spencer’s square for their engagement photos. It’s the perfect spot for an engagement session in Spencer, Indiana with cool urban textures, historic buildings, and tons of variety, all in one walkable area.

Normally, I guarantee at least 25 poses in a 30-minute shoot. But Ben and Anna were such naturals (and up for anything!) that we ended up with over 100 amazing shots before the sun went down. Seriously, these two have the best chemistry. I’m still dying to know what Ben whispered in Anna’s ear to get those giggles, and I learned quickly that if you want Ben to laugh, just tell him to keep a serious face. Works every time.

One of the absolute highlights of the night was when we were about to shoot under the historic Tivoli Theatre sign. My original plan was to add their wedding date in post-editing, but the theatre manager, Andrea White, noticed what we were doing and offered to change the marquee right then and there. HOW SWEET AND EPIC IS THAT?! It’s one of those moments that makes me love being a Spencer Indiana engagement photographer so much.

I couldn’t be happier with how Ben and Anna’s downtown Spencer engagement session turned out. They were so fun, so down-to-earth, and totally open to trying new ideas which, honestly, is my favorite kind of couple. I absolutely can’t wait for their wedding in September!

Planning your own engagement session in Spencer, Indiana (or anywhere in southern Indiana)? Let’s connect! Whether it’s rain or shine, I’m all about capturing your story in a way that’s uniquely you.

Kaitlin + Andrew

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What a beautiful June wedding at Whippoorwill Hill in Bloomington Indiana. Months prior I was asked by a wedding company to help be a second shooter at Kaitlin and Andrew’s wedding. I could tell on our planning call, that Kaitlin was thinking of every detail for the big day and that this was going to be a special couple. I was not wrong.

The venue was gorgeous. Rolling hills for great landscape, a small cabin off to the side for getting ready, along with an amphitheatre and reception barn to help pull off a gorgeous event for up to 500 guests.

One thing that really impressed me about Kaitlin and Andrew was how they honored their families and their faith during the ceremony. It was hard to hold back tears as their story was told, and the sincerity in which they spoke their vowels was expressed.

It was such a blessing to be a small part of their big day.

Here are a few of my favorite images from “the second shooter” angle. 😉

Rob + Angee a small town southern wedding

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Angee and I met during the pandemic. We each had the great idea of checking out the Tri State Hiking Events Group as something fun to do and feel connection again. I met her on my first hike and when I found out she had already scoped out the bathrooms on the trail, I knew would be friends. LOL. Since that day she has become one of my dearest friends, the kind you know you’ll have for the rest of your life; so when she asked if I could shoot the wedding, it was an immediate yes.

Angee is a photographer’s dream bride because she herself has an eye for photography. She picked out a gorgeous location, found the perfect tree at Jimmy Nash City Park in Martinsville for their first look, and had some of the most creative ideas I’ve seen at weddings.

Some of my favorite ideas from the day:

  • This family loves to travel so it’s only natural that they would work that into the evening in some way. They didn’t do table numbers. A sign that said “Where in the world are you sitting” was placed above luggage tags for each guest. On the luggage tag, the guests were told their “destination” table. The tables had a photo of them at that specific destination with a scrapbook recap of their trip. SOOOO Fun!!!!
  • Her daughter Layne drew the cake topper (she will probably start an etsy shop to do custom orders after this one turned out soooo stinking cute)
  • Rob (the Groom) has a very sentimental side. He bought the girls bracelets that said “today I tell your mom I do and promise you forever too” (Side note: Rob, you’re seriously the best)
  • As a way to get pictures with everyone at the wedding they did a “table dash” song. While a song was playing, the had the length of the song to go to each table to get a group photo with ALLLLL the guests. They did have to play the song a few times for us to get through, but now they have great memories with EVERYONE.
  • Everyone involved was a friend. Her friend Kimberly Fetcko made their cakes and she should literally own bakery cause it’s the best! The djs are clients of Angee’s (she is a hair stylist) Erricka Jones and her Husband did a wonderful job.
  • Location Location Location: Brickhouse on Main is the best location for a wedding if you’re in the Martinsville area. Angee said that Michelle Brandenburg Keller and her team took such great care of them, the communication was outstanding and she was invested in getting everything down to a T just the way Angee had envisioned it. Angee also had booked out the Brickhouse Loft a Boutique Hotel for her out of town friends and family and said it was an amazing stay. The front porch was a fun place to gather as family, the rooms were gorgeous and spacious, the lighting amazing, just perfect!

We all enjoyed celebrating Rob, Angee and the girls on this very happy day. Together they are a force of love and laughter. Here are a few of my favorites from the BEST DAY EVER!

Lindsey Ford: Cincinnati Headshot Mini Session

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When your bestie is a speaker and worship leader who never updates her profile images, you find a reason to turn a girls weekend into a mini headshot session. Last weekend I had the long overdue pleasure of spending some much needed girl time with a life long friend of mine.

Lindsey has served in her home church that was started by her father for the past 25 years. She plays the piano, sings, writes and speaks with such passion and anointing. Doing anything else with her talent has never even crossed her mind. Additionally she is a devoted wife and mother with a desire to spread the message of God’s love to others and serve the Lord with her family.

During our weekend of laughs, shopping and deep thinking, I looked around at the hotel we were staying at and thought with all of the natural light and modern decor it would make the perfect backdrop for some great headshots. It always amazes me what just 10-20 min of shooting can capture. Our biggest dilemma…. glasses on or off…. definitely BOTH.

If you’re looking to update a professional portfolio image for work or your business, reach out. I would love to create some professional images for you.

Manuel Family Mini Session

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I absolutely love finding the spots that we can get so much accomplished with as few steps as possible. This fall, Cataract Falls has been that unexpected place for me. Yesterday I was joined by the Manuel Family during the magical golden hour and in just 15minutes we were able to capture some pretty precious images. The light, the family, the lens…. it was all magic working together to capture these gorgeous images. Bonus this was my first weekend with my new 85mm lens and it’s completely transformed what I can capture in an image. I’m in love.

Laura is a dear work colleague of mine and this is our second photo shoot together for their growing family. The first was when Ruby first arrived and in just 6 short months, she has changed so much. I always get such a blessing from taking this families photos. Hazel, Jonah, and Graham have the sweetest personalities and their posing is always on point. Skylar and Laura do a wonderful job raising their precious tribe.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the shoot. Enjoy!

XOXO – Corrie

Herrmann + Pierce Families | Mini session at Cataract Falls

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A gorgeous fall afternoon in Owen County made for the perfect time for this farmhouse style Christmas Card photoshoot. Bethany reached out about the Christmas card mini session that I posted a couple of weeks ago and I was thrilled to receive her message. This family has such a special place in my heart for so many reason. Pastor Allan and Susan Pierce have served at Northern Park Baptist church for over 20 years and have been a huge influence in my family’s life. Now their daughter, Bethany and her husband, Matthew are serving as music and youth ministers in the church. To say it was an honor to capture a legacy moment of this growing family is an understatement.

During a mini session my goal is to get 10-30 high quality images that give my clients a variety of poses that will assist in the creation of collages for social media, gifts or wall art. I’m always amazed at how much variety we can get from just a few minutes. I was able to capture over 60 images for these families in such a short amount of time.

Bethany had her crew coordinated to a tee and they were ready to go as soon as they stepped out of the car. 🙂

Beckham (the star of the show) even let us interrupt his nap time for the occasion.

The joy captured in these photos comes from a very authentic place for this family. Light hearted, stories of ministry adventures and lots of laughs. Thank you Herrmann and Pierce family for letting me be your photographer this weekend…. My heart is full.

Enjoy a few of my favorites from the session.

XOXO – Corrie

The Martin Family Fall Mini Session at Cataract Falls

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This photoshoot was STUNNING! I was thrilled when I got the facebook message from Adrian that they were looking for a fall session photographer. We had messaged back and forth briefly about styling options. She shared this gorgeous dress with me and I just knew the colors of the trees would compliment it wonderfully.

Roger, Adrian and I were already acquainted through ministries we are all involved in. As a matter of fact, the Barnett Trio (the music ministry I travel in) met Roger and Adrian separately many years ago and it was awesome to see how their paths crossed which lead to marriage and of course, the most adorable 6 month old you’ll find this side of Owen County, Evangeline

It’s a joy taking pictures of families I know and love. It makes it easy to tell their story through our session. The story of this session embraces the glow and warmth you see all around them. Thier love for God, each other, and their community is present in all their conversations and actions. It was great to get to know them just a little better.

The sun and the colors on the trees showed out beautifully for our session. I have to say one of my favorite places of the day was near the end of the session at the Upper Falls but honestly, when the lighting is right, there is no such thing as a “bad place” for photos. That’s why I love meeting my clients 2 hours before sunset so we can hit that golden hour just right.

Thank you, Martin Family for giving me the opportunity to capture part of your journey together. Sweet memories that make up a legacy.

Please enjoy a gallery of my favorites from our session.

PS: Adrian, we need the link to your dress. 😉

XOXO – Corrie