Mini Vs. Full- Which Session is Right for You?
What is a Mini Session?
Mini sessions are short, quick photo shoots that happen only on specific dates. I set up at one beautiful location and photograph several families back to back.
Each mini session lasts for 20 minutes. You get focused time to capture your family’s current stage. The price point is lower than full session because of the shorter time frame and less images. A mini session is a slice of the cake- less time, less images, but still very good!
These sessions fill up fast. I only offer limited spots on each mini session day.
The quick pace can keep kids engaged as they don’t have time to get bored or cranky. However, having more time for them to warm up and open up can often be a better choice. More on that shortly!
Parents with young kiddos sometimes worry that 20 minutes won’t be long enough, but we move quickly from pose to pose, keeping their interest the whole time.
Mini sessions work great when you need fresh photos but want to keep things quick, simple and affordable.
What is a Full Session?
Full sessions give you much more time and flexibility. These sessions last 45-60 minutes depending on your family’s needs.
You can pick your location and start time. You can change outfits if you want. There’s time for candid play, different poses and can include pets.
The slower pace helps everyone relax. This works especially well for shy kids or toddlers who need time to warm up to me. Some little ones take 10 or 15 minutes to feel comfortable with a stranger with a camera. Full sessions give us breathing room, whereas if we’d been doing a mini session, the kiddos would be warmed up just as we finished.
Full sessions are perfect for big milestones. Think senior photos, maternity shoots, anniversary celebrations or large family gatherings. When you want to document an important time in your family’s life, full sessions deliver.
We have more time so variety in different spots at the same location give you more photos to choose from.
Key Differences
Mini Session:
Quick and affordable
Perfect for seasonal themes and holiday cards
Limited spots on set dates
Less variety in poses and one predetermined location
Great for busy families who want a few updated photos
10 edited, full images of your choice from online gallery, plus the option to purchase more
Full Session:
Scheduling and locations customizable to you
Variety and creative options
Better for special occasions and big milestones
More time for kids to warm up and relax
Perfect when you want a complete photo story
Includes ALL edited, full resolutions digital images from an online gallery, usually 70+ photos
Both options create beautiful family photos. Both are investments in your family memories. There is no wrong choice between mini and full sessions. The choice comes down to your needs, schedule and budget.
Ready to Book?
Whether you choose a mini session or full session, you are making an important choice for your family’s memories. I can’t wait to capture your family’s sweet story, no matter how much time we have together.
**Make sure you’re signed up for my VIP email list so you’re the first to know about mini session dates (you get first dibs as an email subscriber) and special pricing or discounts.
You can find information about booking on my Contact Page below.