Mini Sessions vs Full Sessions - which is right for you?

Many people who want to book a photographer want the least expensive option available to them. I understand that completely, which is why I always have a "mini" option for sessions. However - when it comes to a photography session, you could be missing out on a lot. Here are some things to consider to help you decide which session is the best for you:

1. Length of session

   Mini sessions are shorter than full sessions. When you book a mini session with me, it is 30 minutes. A full session is one hour. Mini sessions are sometimes great for families with small children. If your littles tend to get antsy, hungry, or uncooperative after a short amount of time, a mini session would most likely work best for you. If you would prefer a lifestyle family session, I usually recommend a full session so we have more time for activities. A lifestyle session is more like family date - relaxed, less posed, very authentic. It's always good to have more time for that kind of session. For engagement or couple sessions it usually depends on what I'm going to talk about next!

2. Number of outfits or locations

   Full sessions allow you to have as many outfit changes as you would like during the session. This is usually preferred for engagement sessions so couples can have a casual outfit and a dressy/fancy outfit to give more variety in their final gallery. If you want just one outfit and one location, a mini session could totally work for you. Another factor in deciding which session is best for you is the amount of locations you plan on using. A mini session only allows one location, since traveling from one location to another is time consuming. For families, one location and one outfit is typical, so a mini could work for you. So, to sum it up, if you want multiple locations and/or multiple outfits - a full session is what you can expect to book.

   
   

3. Cost

   The cost of the session is typically the main factor in deciding which session to book. Full sessions are going to cost more because of longer session time and more photos to edit and deliver afterwards - and you always end up with a gallery that has a lot of variety and options. Mini sessions are a smaller investment, but you don't get as many photos. Mini sessions are still a great option, though! And I will always have them as a less expensive option, because everyone deserves beautiful memories.

4. Number of photos in your final gallery

   Full sessions will result in a gallery with a lot more photos than a mini session will. I am guilty of being an over-shooter, so both types of sessions will receive a decent amount. For mini sessions, the minimum amount of images you will receive is 35. For a full session - 75. Some people find 75 or more images in a gallery to be too overwhelming - and that is totally okay!

Whichever type of session you choose to book, I guarantee you will get beautiful photos of you and your loved ones that will last a lifetime. I hope this is enough information for you to decide what kind of investment would work best for you. Leave a comment below with further questions!

Amanda

AGP