Mini Session vs. Full Session

The fall is a great time to get updated family photos to keep displayed in your home but also to use for Christmas cards. Personally my kids have birthdays close to Christmas and May/June, so I love to do our session every 6 months to keep up with them as they grow. Since the fall offers so many great holidays, I do offer theme specific sessions in November. Then there are mini sessions and basic or extended family sessions… So many fun options to pick from, so which one should you choose?! Let me break it down for you. 

Mini Sessions

Typically I offer a handful of mini sessions each fall and spring. These are shorter sessions, 10 or 15 minute sessions, in one pre-determined location on the set date. The benefits of a mini session is a quick session where attention spans may be on the shorter side and you just need a few good photos. Also, this type of session is a more cost efficient option if that is important for you. 

With that being said, there are a few downsides with mini sessions. As I said, the location is pre-determined for each date, so this is not flexible. Also, there are a limited number of digital files that are delivered with a mini session. There is an option to upgrade to the full gallery, but it is still limited in the time frame. 

Fall Mini sessions offered in Sept-November. Christmas mini sessions offered in November and are limited availability. 

Full Sessions

In addition to mini sessions, I offer basic family sessions and extended family sessions. Basic family sessions are 30 minutes each and for an immediate family. This type of session gives us more time for your kids to get to know me and feel more comfortable. Believe it or not a stranger with a big black thing in their face can seem intimidating. I work super hard to engage your kids, but having a little more time does help me to interact and connect with each one. 

Another benefit of a full session is the ability to select your date and location with me instead of being limited to the one already set. This can be in your home if you have moved and want to highlight that or we can work on a location together based on ones I’ve scouted. Typically I do not cut off these sessions in November like the others. You can book a Basic Family session in December too! Lastly, if you book a full session I do not limit the number of final images you can download. 

An extended family session includes everything in a basic session but is an hour and is designed for more than one family unit. I take a lot of groupings during an extended family session and with more people it helps to have the extra time. In addition to the digital files included from the session, I also include an 11×14 professional print. 

If you still feel confused, I am always here to help! Feel free to reach to me so I can find the best option for your family.