FAQ: What’s the difference between a mini session and a full family photoshoot?

FAQ posts are one of my favorite ways to help family photoshoots feel less daunting! You may find yourself wondering, “Should I book a mini session or full family session?” Considering this question will help ensure that you’re investing in family photos in a way that BEST serves your family. So let’s breakdown the difference between a mini session and a full family photoshoot! Catch the highlights, pros, and cons of each one below:

MINI SESSIONS

“Mini Session” is not a standardized term, and the format of a mini session can vary from photographer-to-photographer! So what exactly is a mini session with Click Joy Photography?

The Gist:

-Back-to-back sessions with multiple families (not stand alone sessions)

-Set times and locations (predetermined by me)

-Smaller gallery (typically 20-30 photos)

-5 high-resolution downloads (with the option to purchase more)

Pros:

-Short, fast-paced sessions are great for little ones who have limited attention span or may not have the patience for getting their picture taken 

-They are quick, taking up less time on your busy calendar

-Minis are a wallet-friendly way to get a few professional photos of your family 

Cons:

-Due to their fast-paced nature, mini sessions can be challenging for little ones who tend to be shy or benefit from time to warm up 

-Sessions are back-to-back, which doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room for lateness. If you’re late you’ll cut into the precious minutes we have to capture your memories. 

FULL SESSIONS

Now that we’ve established a common definition for mini sessions with Click Joy Photography, let’s compare them to full-size sessions…

The Gist:

-30-60 minute session 

-Location is personalized to family’s preferences (I’m happy to provide recommendations, but you make the final call)

-30 high-resolution downloads (you get to keep ALL your photos, rather than opting to purchase more)

Pros: 

-Full sessions feel laid back! With the luxury of time on our side, we’re not racing the clock to capture precious memories.

-Children have time to warm-up, which usually allows their true personalities to shine! They have time to explore, roam, play, or take breaks!

-Best of all…you get a full, diverse gallery. With a full family photoshoot you don’t have to make hard decisions on which 5 photos you want to download. Instead you get to keep all of those frozen moments!

Cons:

-Full sessions might be less appealing if your family dislikes getting their pictures taken. If that sounds like you, a mini is probably the best place to start. 

-If you’re really just looking for a handful of updated photos, you probably don’t need to spend a full 30-60 minutes in front of the lens.

Thinking of booking a mini session this Fall (2024)? Check out my menu of current sessions being offered! If you’re interested in learning more about a full session, let’s start planning. Click Here to send me a message!