Full Session vs Mini Session

The Pros and Cons.

Let’s dive in.

Let's start with the obvious: Mini Sessions are more affordable—definitely a pro. But now that we've established that, let's take a closer, more thoughtful look at each option.

Full Sessions:

With a full session, you have complete flexibility over every aspect of the experience. From selecting the day of the week (or even the month) to choosing the time of day and location, the control is in your hands. If you'd prefer to stay at home, that’s absolutely fine. In fact, a familiar environment can be especially beneficial for families with children who may feel uneasy around strangers or unfamiliar settings. Instead of navigating a new location with a photographer and a large camera, having the session at home could feel much more comfortable and natural.

For those seeking a range of emotional moments, a full session is the way to go. Over the course of two hours, you're guaranteed to capture a variety of expressions, from joyful smiles and giggles to tender cuddles, and even a few heartwarming moments that may bring on some happy tears (the kind that are perfect for sibling blackmail during high school graduation). And of course, you'll also get those classic portraits where everyone looks at the camera and smiles.

Need a break? Want to change outfits or take a snack break? want to take a dip in the pool, or have another location in mind, those are all possibilities in a full session. The flexibility is one of the key benefits. A full session is designed to be a relaxed, no-rush experience—ideal for families who want to spend quality time together, free from distractions, with a fun playdate vibe that could even end with a treat like ice cream (because let’s be honest, we all know there’s some bribing involved).

With plenty of time on our side, you can expect variety, including multiple outfit changes, different locations, and shifts in natural lighting. These elements contribute to a story-telling session with unique moments and a range of photographic styles. You get an entire album that you could truly turn into a coffee table book (hey you really should!)

Mini Sessions:

Mini sessions, while not without their charm, have a bit of a love-hate relationship for me. They are certainly a great way to quickly fit in multiple sessions in a short period of time. They’re easier to plan and quicker to book, but one consideration is rescheduling—particularly for outdoor mini sessions. Not everyone will be able to attend if the session needs to be moved due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Many families enjoy mini sessions, especially those who feel their kids might not last longer than 20 minutes. However, I tend to believe that children (and adults, for that matter) deserve more time to express themselves fully, which is why I typically recommend a full session for those with young children. That said, if you're primarily looking for a handful of simple, cheerful portraits for a holiday card or a quick update to your family photo collection, a mini session can certainly deliver. Just remember, you’re getting around 20 images, and the next person in line gets dibs on their time slot. And sadly, not a whole lot of room to catch up and see how the family’s been, but maybe over some coffee sometime?

Mini sessions are also ideal for those who’ve already had a full photoshoot with me and want to capture a milestone moment or want a full session every couple of years. They’re great for those looking for a quick and efficient way to document a specific time in their lives.

Themed Studio Minis:

Additionally, I offer themed studio mini sessions a couple of times a year. These sessions are more casual in nature, and I don’t advertise them much, as they don’t 100% fit my brand. I'm not submitting these to a magazine or entirely passionate about a Christmas tree, or birthday cake smash, but it's something fun to add on. I thoroughly enjoy these mini sessions because they allow me to reconnect with families in a fun, low-key way.