Choosing Between a Mini Session and a Full Family Session: What’s Best for Your Family?

Deciding on the right type of photo session can feel like a big choice — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Whether you’re leaning toward a mini session or a full family session, each option comes with unique benefits that can cater to your family's needs and schedule. Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for capturing your family’s special moments.

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Full Family Session: More Time, More Flexibility

A full family session is perfect if you want a relaxed experience with plenty of time to capture every smile, giggle, and candid interaction. Here’s what makes this option shine:

  • Time to Settle In: With a full hour of shooting, your family has time to relax and get comfortable. This is especially helpful for very young children or families with more than three kids, giving everyone a chance to warm up to the camera.

  • More Images: More time means more images — giving you a wider variety of moments to choose from.

  • Outfit Changes: Want to mix up your style? A full session offers time for an outfit change, adding variety to your gallery.

  • Location Choices: With more time comes more flexibility, allowing for a couple of location options to add depth and diversity to your session.

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Mini Session: Quick and Convenient

If your family is always on the go or prefers a simple, streamlined experience, a mini session might be your perfect fit:

  • Time-Efficient: Mini sessions are short and sweet — ideal for busy families or those who just want a few updated photos.

  • Best for Small Families or Older Kids: These sessions work well if you have a smaller family or older children who can quickly engage with the process.

  • Fewer Images, Less Overwhelm: While you’ll end up with fewer photos, this can actually be a perk if you prefer a smaller, curated collection of highlights.

  • Fast-Paced Fun: The quick nature of mini sessions keeps things moving, though it’s worth noting that very young kids might not have enough time to fully warm up to a new photographer.

Which Session Is Right for You?

Think about your family’s dynamics, your children’s personalities, and your vision for the final photos. If you’re looking for a laid-back, immersive experience with lots of variety, a full family session might be the way to go. But if you’re craving something fast, focused, and fuss-free, a mini session could be just the ticket.

Whatever you choose, both options offer a beautiful way to preserve your family’s story — and you can’t go wrong with capturing these precious memories, no matter how long the session lasts.

I still have a few openings for outdoor summer mini-sessions (June, July, August), you can book those HERE.

Or, if you’re looking for a full session, you can inquire HERE.

*** My mini-sessions are offered with pre-set location and dates. If all mini-sessions are booked, a full session is the only option (we can shorten the duration if that is your preference but pricing stays the same).

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