Should I book a mini-session or a full-session for my family photos?
Mini-session season is coming up soon, and one question I get asked often by clients is whether they should book and mini-session or a full session. Below, I have shared what a mini-session and a full session look like, what is included and what types of sessions they are best suited for.
A Mini Photography Session
A mini-session is a short photography session usually lasting 10-20 minutes. Mini-sessions are done on a specific day, during a specific time, at a location chosen by the photographer. They are quick and focus more on portraits with less time for playful candid shots (I will do my best to get as many of these as possible, though). They include a few digital images, with the option to purchase more. Mini-sessions are less expensive than full sessions, giving clients who have a smaller budget for professional photography the opportunity to still update their family photos each year with a high-quality, well-experienced photographer. Mini-sessions are great for family photography and maternity photography. Mini-sessions are not for newborn photography and extended family photography
A Full Photography Session
A full photography session is a longer session, usually around 45 minutes, with newborn sessions lasting around an hour. There is no defined time as I focus more on creating a gallery with a variety of poses, combinations and playful/candid images. When I know I have created that for my clients, the session with be done. A full session allows for a custom experience where clients can select a time, date and location (I will recommend a few favourites) that is best for their family. Before the actual session, clients will be able to complete a questionnaire to share information about their family with me to help me know, document and serve them well. They will also receive a client experience guide to help them prepare for their session. This includes information about wardrobe, preparing children, preparing the home, etc. I also have a client closet for mom/mom-to-be to select a dress from for the session if they choose. If not, I am happy to help them find another option to purchase themselves and coordinate it with the outfits of the other members of their family. A full photography session is full full-service experience. Following the session, clients receive 20 digital images for family sessions and 30 digital images for newborn sessions, with the option to purchase more. Finally, clients who book a full session have the opportunity to purchase artwork (e.g., albums, framed prints, etc.), which I will help them create. Full sessions are for anyone who wants to capture more images, with time for playful/candid moments. They are also great for extended family sessions which need more time to capture more people. Newborn photography sessions must be done as a full session, as they also take more time, as babies are unpredictable and need time for feeds, changes, etc. If you are having your children photographed and know they may need more time to warm up to the photographer or to have their photo taken, a full session would be best, as there is less of a time constraint, and they can have the time to get comfortable and take breaks if needed.
