Mini Session vs Full Session
Mini session vs Full session: which one is best for you?
I know many potential clients have a hard time understanding which session is best for them. They both have many differences and are designed for different client needs. Often mini sessions are limited and only offered a few times throughout the year. Where full sessions are year-round and can be booked pretty much anytime. Keep reading on to see which session is best for you and your family.
Is a Mini session for you?
Things to consider……..
Mini sessions are shorter in duration usually lasting anywhere from 15-20 minutes. This is because each mini-session is booked back to back and is normally a much speedy process. Think of it as speed dating you only have a short amount of time to get to know each other before the next client comes in for their session.
If your family consists of adults or older children mini-sessions might be right for you. The reason being is that you will most likely get through more poses quickly. Usually, adults and older children take direction better and end up with many different poses in a short time frame.
Are offered limited times a year. Usually, the mini session is offered during seasons like fall, or spring. Some photographers offer holiday minis or special day minis like mothers day. The mini session is only a one-day event offered that season. This means time slots tend to fill up quickly I recommend joining a newsletter list to keep an eye on when mini sessions dates are posted.
Another reason why mini sessions might be right for you is your budget. If you have a smaller budget to work with mini sessions are often cheaper than a full session. Giving that it is a predetermined time, location, and setting it limits you from outfit changes. This all brings the price down to something that could be more affordable for your family.
If you're a busy parent that just needs straight-to-the-point pictures that will be quick and easy minis are for you. Maybe some quick digital photos you can send out to family members for the holidays or whatever the case might be this process is quick. Not everyone has an hour for a family session I 100% get that. That’s why this option is the perfect fit for busy families.
If you're not looking for an album just a few photos to update yearly. If your last photo session was within the last six months you probably don’t want tons of photos this session might be for you.
Is a Full session the perfect fit?
Things to consider……
Duration for full sessions ranges from 60-90 minutes. This gives you lots of time to try different poses and get to know your photographer better. It takes off the pressure to move quickly into different poses and get as many shots as possible. It also gives you time to move to different spots within your location vs staying in one specific spot the whole session.
If you have younger children this session might be for you. Younger children love to move around and play some even need short breaks during the session. If this is you booking a longer session is your best bet for a happy child and a happy you! You’ll receive more photos with more poses and the entire session will be less stressful on you than getting all this done in 15 minutes.
If you like to give your input on things like location and have options full sessions are for you. With this session your able to choose the location, date, time and have the option of changing outfits. You have more freedom to decide how you want your session to be.
If you like extra attention on you during your session. This means maybe the photographer may be willing to try some of the poses you had in mind.
If you're looking for many photos for an album. If this is for a special day and not just a seasonal session this session is for you
I personally love shooting both sessions. The thrill from minis is just amazing they are always so much fun. Full sessions are so special as well I truly love them and they are always so rewarding! I always strive to accommodate every client’s needs this is something that is super important to me. If you have any questions or are interested in booking a session with me please reach out to me on the contact page or click book session I would love to set up a consultation and find the perfect session for you.
