Mini vs a Full Session

It's about to be the busiest time of year for photographers! Families are looking to update pictures and photographers offer fall and holiday mini sessions.

One of the main questions that I get from clients is if they should book a full or mini session. So I figured I would write my first blog post about this topic so you can decide what is best for you and your family.

1. Session Length

The biggest difference between a mini and full session is the length of time. My mini sessions are typically anywhere from 10-20 minutes where a full session is about an 1 hour. And with mini sessions, clients are booked back to back.

2. Location

The location of the mini session is chosen by the photographer. If you decide to do a full session, the location is typically picked by you. I will help you find a location that will work best for your family.

3. Images

Mini sessions typically generate fewer images in your final gallery. You will receive anywhere from 10-25 images from your mini. Whereas, when you book a full family session with me, you will receive all digital images which ranges from 50-60 images (or more)!

4. Pace

The pace of the mini session is pretty quick. If your kids do not do well sitting through multiple poses in a full session, mini's can be great for them. Typically in a full session, the first 15-20 minutes is great. Then kiddos get tired and their attention gets diverted. So with mini's, I work to get in as many poses as I can in a short amount of time. If it takes your kids a while to warm up to somebody, booking a full session may be best.

5. Cost

Mini sessions are typically cheaper then a full session. The only reason a mini may be the same cost as a full session, is if I need to rent a studio or props. However, if you were to book a full session and the same studio/props, it would be a higher cost then the mini. So mini sessions are still a great option if you have a budget.

Which is best for you?

If you’re not typically a punctual person, or you expect your family might feel rushed and stressed at the idea of arriving on time and performing within the short window, then a mini session might not be for you. A full session may have more flexibility for your family. Mini sessions are great to update your portraits of your children in between full sessions, for nice Christmas cards or holiday gifts and for different celebrations like Valentines Day, Easter, back to school portraits, Halloween Pumpkin Patch photos, etc. (depending on the theme of the mini session).

I hope this helps you in determining what session is best for you. You may be surprised to find that many of my clients actually choose both! Often my clients will book a full session for the entire family at a location of their choice. This gives them more time to play around with poses, backdrops, props and wardrobe changes. While they opt for themed mini sessions to get a few great photos of the kiddos as a compliment in between the full sessions when they’re being offered. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Lauren Leigh Photography

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