Mini vs full sessions

The million dollar question I get constantly!

There’s often a misconception about full sessions so I decided to write about it so you can consider it before picking (If you have to pick only one) what’s best for you and your family.

What I often hear is, “I don’t think my kids/husband can handle more than a 15 minute mini session”

hmmm- Think again!

What my client said: “I absolutely adore every single photo. You are so amazing and your eye for every detail amazes me every time! Thank you again for these precious memories! "

Here’s something to consider:

Mini sessions are short (mine and all other photogs who offer them). My minis are 15 minutes so one of the most important things is that you have to be a punctual person and make sure that you can get yourself and your family ready and at the mini session location a few minutes before it starts. During mini session offerings, there are several mini sessions before and after yours, so is extremely important that we are ready to go from the start. I offer minis multiple times a year and I love them BUT mini sessions are not for everyone!

Why? Here’s my advise to help you choose if you can only pick one…

Ask yourself this question: "Does my children warm up quickly or they need some time before they loosen up?"

Here's why: When you book a Full Session, we'll have lots of time to get your children to warm up to me, however, with a Mini Session we won't have this extra time and while I consider myself pretty good at getting kiddos to be comfortable and happy around me, we need to jump straight to it. We will also be on the same spot for the 15 minutes we have so we can get all those shots we are looking to get during this time. With full sessions, we are on the move! No time to get bored!

Location

Typically, my mini sessions have themes and a location pre-defined, and usually held seasonally. Full sessions are at a location of your choice from my preferred list of options.

FULL SESSIONS

These have my heart! ❤️ Specially those who choose to upgrade their galleries! WHY?

What my client said: “Ana the photos are gorgeous!!!! Thank you thank you!!! You are seriously the BEST! 🤍”

First off, let me tell you that this is what I choose every year for my own family. We usually do 1 full session and 2 minis every year.

A full session ranges from 30-45 minutes and you'll have me, all to yourself! Your session will be my main focus of the day. We won't have to hurry and we will focus to get all the shots you want plus lots of candid moments in between. There will be much more pre-planning to make your photoshoot more customized. There will be more time to get your baby to open up, your toddler to smile and to get playful/candid shots. Outfit changes and props are always welcomed with a full session. The result is a more relaxed session and a beautiful variety of images. For those who choose to upgrade their galleries, THANK YOU! I adore telling stories through your pictures and upgraded galleries allow me to do just that. I get to take lots of detail shots, lots of candid and “real” unplanned shots than with one that’s not upgraded. Check both of the collages below from 2 upgraded full sessions and you will spot those detail and unplanned shots throughout.

I have multiple clients who like to do 1 or more minis to capture the ever changing kiddos and family and to get on the specific theme I am offering (Christmas, sunflowers, etc) and also a do a full session a year because they love the relaxed vibe of it and being able to focus on playing and having fun vs having to jump straight to it.

Hope this helps you understand a little more about the difference between these 2 very popular options.

Can’t wait to work with your family!

xoxo

Ana

Mini or full session?