So you've decided it's time to update the family photos. Maybe the last ones were taken when your youngest was still in diapers or you're staring down the holiday card deadline and realizing October is closer than you think. You hop online, start looking at booking options, and suddenly you're faced with a choice: mini session or full session? And just like that, what felt like a simple decision turns into a whole thing. But don't worry… I've got you! Let's break it down so you can book with confidence and actually enjoy the process.
The great debate between minis or a full session is honestly one of the most common questions I hear from families and I completely get why. Both options result in beautiful photos but they serve different needs. Picking the wrong one for your situation can leave you feeling rushed or like you paid for more than you needed. Neither of those is a great feeling so let's figure out which one fits where your family is right now.
What is a Mini Session, anyway?
Think of a mini session like a highlight reel… It's efficient, it's fun, and it gets the job done beautifully without taking up your whole afternoon.
Here's how mine work:
-The date and location are set by me ahead of time, so there's no back-and-forth on logistics.
-You pick from available time slots that work with your schedule.
-Sessions are a bit shorter than a full session, which is reflected in the price.
-You receive a gallery of edited images that you choose your final images from, with additional images available for purchase.
-There's also an online gallery store where you can order prints directly.
Mini sessions are a perfect fit when you need a quick holiday card photo, want a fresh update without a big-time commitment, or are working with a tighter budget. They're also a surprisingly great option for seniors who aren't exactly thrilled about getting their photo taken. A mini session is a low-pressure way to still commemorate senior year and knock out that yearbook photo without making it a whole production.
When a Full Session is the better fit
Full sessions have a little more breathing room built in, and sometimes that's exactly what your family needs. With a regular session, we work together to find a date, time, and location that fits your family's schedule. You walk away with a full gallery of edited images… plus a print credit to use in the online gallery store.
A full session is the right call when:
-You have a fussy toddler who takes a little longer to warm up and needs extra time to get comfortable.
-You're introducing a new family member like a newborn and want plenty of time to capture all those tiny details.
-You have a hyperactive new puppy who needs a few minutes (or twenty) to settle down before the real magic happens.
-You're doing extended family photos and want group shots of each subfamily in addition to the big group.
Basically, if your session involves a lot of moving parts or people who need more time to relax in front of the camera, a full session gives you that space without anyone feeling rushed.
A Few Tips Before Your Session - Whichever You Choose
Here's some real talk before you head into either type of session.
Prep your kids ahead of time
Let them know there's going to be a big camera following them around. Make it sound exciting, not scary. Kids who know what to expect tend to roll with it a lot better.
Bring bribes
I said what I said. A little snack or a small treat can work wonders for keeping things moving smoothly - especially with toddlers who have approximately zero interest in looking at the camera. No shame in it whatsoever.
And yes... this works on reluctant husbands too
Promise him it'll be quick and painless, and maybe mention there's a treat in it for him at the end. Whatever gets everyone there and smiling.
I know everyone says these moments go fast, but I mean it. Kids grow in what feels like actual fast-forward and the version of your family that exists right now, the chaos, the cuddles, the tiny shoes by the door, won't exist forever. That's exactly why I offer mini sessions throughout the year… so capturing those milestones doesn't have to feel like a big, expensive ordeal every single time. Whether you need a quick holiday card update or a longer session to document a big new chapter, there's an option that fits where you are right now!
Head over to the main website to check out current session options and available dates. If you're not sure which type of session is right for your family, reach out. I'm happy to help you figure it out, that's what I'm here for. Your family deserves photos that actually look like you. Let's make that happen!
