Summer Minis | The Newell Family (and Two Very Good Goats)

I’ve photographed a lot of mini sessions, and believe it or not, this is NOT my first session with goats! The Newell family showed up to their beach session in Westfield, NY with two tiny, extremely photogenic goats in tow (just like their fall mini session last year), and it turned into one of my favorite sessions of the summer.

We found a big piece of driftwood on the shore and let the goats do their thing — nibbling on driftwood, wandering into frame, generally stealing the show. Their daughter crouched down nose-to-nose with her goat while her brother proudly held the leash of his own, grinning at the camera like he’d just made a new best friend.

Once the goats had their moment, we moved into the family portraits, and this crew brought so much warmth to every frame. Mom and daughter forehead-to-forehead. Dad pulling both kids in for a squeeze on the driftwood. A mom-and-son hug caught right in that golden, late-day light off Lake Erie.

Mini sessions are made for exactly this — quick, joyful, a little unexpected, and full of real connection. Bringing along the family goats? Absolutely encouraged.

If you’ve got a fun idea for your own mini session (goats optional), I’d love to make it happen.

Want to book a summer mini session of your own? See available dates and details here or join the minis list to hear about the next round first.

Katie Graham Photography offers seasonal mini sessions for families around Chautauqua Lake and Westfield, NY, capturing candid, joyful family moments in twenty minutes or less.