Family of 5 laughing in Lowville New York — Mini Session

Family of 5 laughing in Sackets Harbor New York — Full Session

This year I’m trying out some new things to see how they feel for me and the families I serve. Over the last few months I’ve been gathering feedback on Instagram using polls, questions boxes, and DMs. Thank you if you participated.

The thing that kept coming up were mini sessions. It was a mixed bag, but many seemed to like that option at least from time to time. I enjoy both for different reasons, and I thought it might be helpful to hear what those differences are so you know what is right for you.

Some of the answers apply directly to my business, business structure, and the way I photograph families, but I think there are many points that are universal regardless of the photographer you choose.

Family of three enjoying the first signs of fall in Carthage, New York — Mini Session

Family of three enjoy the Sackets Harbor marina — Full Session

Session Tempo

Mini sessions are quick and to the point. 15 minutes and we are done! I move quickly and get gallery worthy images in that 15 minutes. If you are a busy family that is looking to get in and get out this could be a good option for you. Maybe you have a family member or two that doesn’t love photo sessions, but knows its important to you. This might be a good compromise because it’s only 15 minutes.

Full sessions are slower paced. This gives everyone time to get comfortable in front of the camera. I always enjoy the second half of full sessions. The family has time to trust me and start having fun. Everyone is more relaxed, including myself. I because more creative because I’m less worried about the time…things can unfold more naturally. Even though it’s slower paced, I still get plenty of images.

Family of 6 cuddling on a blanket in Carthage New York — Mini Session

Budget

Dollar for dollar mini sessions can cost less. My mini sessions include a few digitals with the session fee with the option to buy more. At the time of writing this, if you purchase the session and upgrade to get all of the images you will spend $100 less than a full session.

With full sessions we can review what has been taken, make sure we get all the pairings of family members the members want. We get to maximize the location to get a variety of images for the family to choose from. We have time to communicate and work together to create images that you just can’t do during mini sessions. My full sessions are all inclusive so the families get all the digitals. The cost per image is less with a full session, but I think the real value lies in the session.

Mom and daughter at a tree farm in Lowville New York — Mini Session

Mom and daughter outside in the snow in Lowville New York — Full Session

Flexibility

Mini sessions are special events. They are only held a few times a year. I personally don’t offer mini sessions outside of events with the exception being in the winter because it’s cold! You’re at the mercy of when the minis are happening and if there is a time slot that works for you.

Full sessions have so much more flexibility when booking. The earlier you book the more flexibility there is. I can’t tell you how often I have families reach out that need pictures in a particular time frame. You get that flexibility with full sessions. Full sessions you also have a say in where they are held.

Family of 5 at Fort Drum New York — Mini Session

Family in Lowville New York — Full Session

minimize stress

When booking a session, you want to minimize your stress so that you are relaxed and present during your session. Reducing everyone’s stress and make sure everyone is comfortable will aide in producing the best images. Making sure you have chosen the right photographer and the right type of sessions will do that!

If a 15 minute session is going to make you feel rushed and tense, then book a full session. If your season of life if carefully mapped out with over lapping schedules, squeezing in a 15 minute session might be easier that book a full session.

I want nothing more that for you to love your images. Like most things, there are pros and cons, and knowing those differences between the two types of sessions, and what type of experience you want will make the decision easy.

Book a Mini Session

Family in Northern New York. — Mini Session

Little girl in the snow near Watertown New York — Mini Session

Book a full Session

A family of 6 enjoying their back yard in Black River New York. — Full Session