What is the difference?
When your photographer asks you if you’d like to do a full session or a mini session, you might initially be a bit confused. What is the difference? What is the right choice for my family? How am I supposed to decide? After photographing hundreds of families, here is what I have learned.
Both complete sessions and mini sessions come with their own benefits and limitations. You will find that you gravitate towards one or the other at different stages in your parenting journey. What works in your current season of life might not be the best choice in another one. And that is okay! Your choice right now simply depends on what experience you are hoping for.
What is a Mini Family Session?
First of all, I want to clarify a few things about mini sessions, milestone sessions, petite sessions, or any other wording a photographer might use to describe a session that is shorter in length. What I am personally referring to is a shorter, 30-minute session that can be booked anytime throughout the year. I am not referring to my seasonal mini sessions, which are a super quick 15-minute time block to update your photos. That is totally different!
Now that we have that cleared up, a mini session is a 20-30 minute session that is meant as a quick update of your family photos. You can expect a single location with a quick and efficient experience!
Who Are Mini Sessions Best For?
Mini sessions are best for families who just want a quick update to their family photos. If you have older kids who warm up quickly or you don’t need a lot of variety in your session, this might be the right choice for you! If you are only looking to have one child photographed without family or sibling photos, a mini session might also be a great choice.
These sessions are short and sweet and great for busy schedules. They are also a bit more budget-friendly. However, there are some limitations to booking a mini session.
Mini sessions provide less time for shy kids to warm up. There is also less variety in backgrounds, locations, and flexibility for outfit changes. You might also feel a little more time pressure during your session.
What is a Complete Family Session?
A complete session is the full experience! With approximately 60 minutes of shooting time, we have the flexibility to move at a slower pace, explore more variety within the location, and create a larger, more diverse final gallery. Oftentimes, I hear families tell me they are concerned their children will not listen for a full hour session, but quite the opposite is true! A longer session gives us plenty of opportunities for more storytelling and connection images where your little one won’t have to smile and look at the camera for a full 60 minutes straight (because really, who would function best doing that?)
Who Are Complete Family Sessions Best For?
Complete family sessions are best for families with multiple children or young children who might take a while to warm up to a new person. They are also great for anyone who might feel nervous in front of the camera and who would like a little more guidance and time to feel comfortable.
A complete session gives kids more time to settle into the session and be their full selves. It allows for more genuine connection, movement, and candid moments. There can be more variety in the posing and backdrops. You might feel a little less time pressure during a complete session. Since the first 15-20 minutes can often feel like a “warming up” phase, you won’t have to worry about getting all of your must-have shots with a complete session. The real magic tends to happen once everyone relaxes and forgets about the camera.
The Experience Difference
Both a mini session and a complete session will result in beautiful images you will cherish for a lifetime. They are both wonderful options and simply depend on the experience you are hoping for.
A mini session feels efficient and focused. We move with intention and make the most of every minute. On the other hand, a complete session feels unhurried, relaxed, and playful. There are more moments to breathe and feel the moments with your family. I often find that the photo magic truly happens after the “everyone smiles at the camera” phase.
What about Little Kids
I touched on it earlier, but this really does deserve its own section. I completely understand that asking a toddler to do anything for an hour (heck, even 5 minutes) is a huge, unattainable ask!
I always tell families that I hope for 20 minutes of participation from young kids. However, we never know if this will be the first 20 minutes, the last 20 minutes, or somewhere in the middle. A toddler rarely performs on command, so 30 minutes can feel like it goes by really fast if someone needs a snack, a break, or reassurance. A complete session does allow for flexibility without the stress of watching the clock.
Which One Do I Recommend Most Often?
Each family and situation is unique, and I am always happy to discuss what will best serve your family and your goals. While mini sessions are wonderful for quick updates, I have found that Can ymost families with young children truly benefit from the extra breathing room of a complete session.
No matter which session type you choose, the goal is always beautiful, natural images that showcase your family and what makes you unique. If a mini session is what best fits your goals, budget, and schedule, we will jump in with two feet and make the absolute most of our time together! If you want a slower, more relaxed storytelling session, then a full session might be a stronger choice for you.
If you would like to chat about a mini session vs a complete session for your family, please reach out and let me know so I can help you make the best choice for your family.
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