Mini or Full Session: Which one’s for us?
Mini or Full Session: Which one’s for us?
The daffodils and tulips are breaking through and spring is in the air! My 2024 mini-sessions are underway in the Philadelphia area and I’m already having a blast. As I said before, the magic of the mini is in its budget-friendly nature and minimal time commitment. Need a few seasonal shots to freshen up your feed? Little ones growing up WAY too fast and feeling the pressure to capture them in this season? Mini-sessions are the perfect solution.
With that said, you may be on the fence whether you’d rather book a full family session over a mini. Let me talk you through some considerations as you weigh whether a mini or a full session is the right decision for your family at this point in time.
1. Mini sessions move at lightning pace.
Some parents love this aspect of the mini because for their kids, down time = meltdown city. Other children need ample time to warm up and get comfortable in a new setting. Mini sessions also help with any family member that doesn’t like getting their photo taken – you are in and out before you know it! If you think your family would benefit from a slow crescendo into poses, a mini might not provide enough time. Full sessions allow the space for families to ease into the shoot.
2. Minis require strict punctuality.
Listen, I have a toddler and I understand the colossal task of getting out of the door on time! Unfortunately, the marathon-nature of the mini does not allow for any wiggle room. To help with pace, I always have an assistant with me during mini sessions that helps greet new clients, jumps up and down to get kids attention, and even holds on to family pets when they aren’t needed for photos! If some more breathing room bookending your family shoot sounds comforting, a full family shoot might be for you.
3. Full family sessions will yield more variety in your photo gallery.
A full family session allows you the time to shoot in a number of settings, in multiple wardrobes, with a variety of people (should you choose to change wardrobes or include extended family). Because of this, your family photos will showcase your family in different lights. Expect to see an abundance of movement, texture, and composition variety in a full family package. Mini sessions will capture your family in the one predetermined setting, which appeals to many families who aren’t sure where to get photographed. Minis are focused, straight-forward, and require less thought.
4. Minis and full sessions possess a different energy.
On mini session days, I’m fueled with adrenaline and snapping away like crazy! It’s fast-paced, high energy, and silly–I just love it! With that said, some families might benefit from a calmer, quiet environment where we can interact on a highly individualized level and talk more in-depth about pose and shot desires.
Whichever option you choose for your family, just know that I’m committed to capturing the unique personalities of each family member as well as your love for each other. I want you to have the best possible experience in front of my camera whether it be minutes or hours.
XO, Natalie
Natalie is the most incredible family photographer. We have done both mini shots and newborn photos in our home – and wouldn’t trust this process with anyone else! She makes you look and feel beautiful, has so much patience with the kids (and dog!) and is such a joy to be around. Our photos turned out beautifully, and we can’t wait to continue using Natalie to document our boys growing up.
-Lisa
