It’s that time of year and you’re looking for a photographer for your family photos. So which type of session is best for your family? The answer is going to be different for each family and may change from year to year as your kids get older and their needs and attention spans change. In order to make the best decision for your family, you need to understand the difference between a mini session and a full session. I have put together this guide to help you choose.
Session Length
Mini sessions are usually shorter than a full session. Depending on the photographer they can last anywhere from 5-20 minutes without any breaks. A mini-session can also end up being a bit stressful for parents. Sometimes, the shorter time restraint is not enough time to get your baby or child to relax and smile. Mini sessions usually have strict time constraints and you can not go past your allotted time slot.
Full session last up to 60 minutes. If you have particularly rambunctious kiddos, or on the opposite end particularly shy kiddos who need time warming up to new people and places, the longer session format will be your best friend. I prefer to spend more time with families and get to know them. I love to have the time to chat and get everyone to relax and loosen up so they can have fun and be themselves. And I love being able to get down on your child’s level and talk to them for a bit. Full sessions always give us more time to explore the location, time to play games and get the wiggles out, and coax those genuine smiles.
Session Location
Mini sessions are chosen by the photographer. I typically choose certain times of the year for mini sessions, and they are not available at other times. The locations chosen for mini sessions usually have a set theme for holidays or seasons. Some will include props and a decorated setting in a studio or outside, and others may have no props. The cost of using a themed setup is figured into the price of the session. In the Fall, I like to capture the natural changing colors outside at a park or with a rustic fall set up. Around Christmastime, I offer mini sessions with Santa Claus or outside on a Christmas tree farm.
The locations for a full session can vary depending on your preference. Most photographers have a list of locations they like to use. This can include local parks, fields, mountains and farms. For my clients I offer a location guide highlighting the locations I like to use. It includes a description of the location as well as sample photos taken at that location.
Session Price
Because mini-sessions are a shorter length of time and offer less photos to choose from in your gallery, the session investment is typically less than that of a full custom session. This lower price point can be a better option for families that like to get updated photos every year but may not need all that comes with the full session. If you have been following myself or another photographer that you would love to work with but has been out of your price range, a mini-session investment may be a great way to try them out.
Session Products
Because mini-sessions are shorter and offer less variety in your gallery, they are often absolutely perfect for updated family photos, holiday cards, and gifts for grandma and grandpa. My mini sessions have three packages to choose from allowing you to choose the number of digital images you’d like.
If you’re a lover of all those little in-between moments, a full session is what you’re looking for. Full sessions give us more time to get the standard “look-here-and-smile!” shots that everyone loves for their holiday cards and what grandma expects for her print, while also having time to get creative and artistic with your images. You will also have more time be able to walk around your portrait location, so we can move to several different backdrops for a much more diverse final gallery. My full session option comes with a higher set number of digitals images and includes prints, while a mini session does not include prints and can vary with image amounts.
Session Styling and Wardrobe
I share a styling guide with my mini session clients, but I’m unable to offer the full wardrobe styling experience. I’m happy to answer questions but in the end you’re handling your families wardrobe decisions on your own.
For full sessions you will get styling advice and access to my client closet and online styling service. You can set up a styling meeting to try on dresses, and I can help you pick pieces for everyone in the family.
No matter which session you choose, we are going to make some beautiful images of your family. I am so excited to see all your beautiful faces and cannot wait to work with you!
