MINI SESSION OR FULL SESSION

 

I often get asked by many clients whether they should go for a mini or a full session. While a mini session is often more budget-friendly, there's that lingering concern: will 20 minutes be enough, especially with little ones? In this blog post, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each, helping you make the best choice for your family.

Before we dive in, I just have to say, I absolutely love mini sessions. When I first started photography, a mini session was a way for me to try out different locations – cherry blossoms, flower fields, and even local farms. My clients have followed me to these places, and soon, it’s become a fun way for us to capture the family’s journey through all seasons at all the cool spots. Despite the name, a mini session, to me, is a unique session of its own. I love offering minis as much as full sessions.

On that note, let’s start with mini sessions.

What is a mini session?

A mini session is a shorter, bite-size session that ranges between 15-20 minutes. It is often offered back to back, with 5-10 minutes in between. Depending on the photographer, a mini session includes anywhere between 5-20 images.

PROS:

  • A great way to get a few updated family photos on a budget

  • Option to try out different locations if you book more than one mini

  • Shorter session, which is good for kids who have shorter attention spans

CONS:

  • Time constraint - you must arrive on time for your session as it cannot be extended if you’re late

  • The pressure can easily escalate if kids need more time to get comfortable

  • The location is predetermined by the photographer

  • Because minis are offered back to back, if it rains and the session is rescheduled, you may or may not get to go back to that same location again.

What is a full session?

A full session is a longer session, lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. It is offered as an individual session, which means there is no one booked before or after you. Depending on the photographer, a full session can include 25-75+ edited images.

PROS:

  • More relaxing because there is no time pressure here

  • You can pick a location that is meaningful to you and your family, as long as it’s within the servicing area of your photographer

  • Great for children who need more time to warm up

  • Full sessions can also be customized to make it a personal experience. For example, make it a picnic in the park or an outing at the beach, etc.

CONS:

  • Higher price point

  • For some children, longer sessions can feel dragging and tiring which can result in big emotions during the session

  • You can also end up with a lot more images than you actually need

So, how do I decide what is best for me and my family?

I would say the number one factor is the children. Do they get comfortable easily when meeting a new face? or do they need more time to warm up? Do they follow certain instructions well, or do they prefer to explore on their own?

I’ve worked with children of all ages, from 0 to teenagers. Newborns are generally good at the session (both mini and full) if they’re fed and in between naps. Older kids or teenagers follow instructions very well, so a longer session can often feel boring to them. The majority of my little clients are toddlers and school-age kids, and this is when personality plays the deciding factor. Children who are social and like to follow instructions will likely do well at a mini session. Children who are more adventurous and prefer to do things on their own will do better at a longer session. Your photographer will need more time to get to know your child, and your family and vice versa. The best photos are usually the ones taken toward the end when everyone’s warmed up and is more relaxed.

"Our budget can only allow a mini session, but we know our child is very energetic and he won’t stay still"

My advice, discuss it with your photographer. I have a mini-session prep guide to help our clients prepare for the session, from prepping the children to planning outfits and time travel. I want to make sure our clients feel comfortable coming to the session, and that we make the most of our 20 minutes together.

A small tip for you: If your child needs more time to warm up, book the last timeslot and come early. Let your child explore the area before your session time so he/she will be more comfortable (plus, you can get some of that energy out before your session begins 😉).

There is a lot more to creating a successful session, mini or full. But it is most important to trust your photographer as well as set the right expectations. Coming to a session with high expectations or with a Pinterest board will likely result in frustration and disappointment if things don’t go as planned. Instead, come relaxed, focus on your family, be yourself, and have fun. Then, you will get a gallery that is true to you and your family, which you will cherish for years.

I hope this blog gives answers to your questions and helps you in deciding on your upcoming family session.

With love,

Lucy.

 
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