What's the difference between a Full and a Mini Photography Session?
What the heck is the difference between a mini session and a “regular” portrait session?
Do you know the difference between a “mini” session and a “full” session?
We were curious, so we took a poll on Instagram the other day and turns out most of you answered “not really!” So… we’re going to solve this mystery!
We noticed in a facebook group the other day that someone said, “Looking for a mini session," which caught our attention (since we will be offering them soon) so I read on. She said something along the lines of: “we want to do some photos in front of our favorite stadium in our jerseys, we only need about 30 minutes of photos."
Now, every photographer might be different, but for us, a mini session is a “mini session” for several reasons:
We choose the location that is most convenient or most requested by our couples/families.
Since they are shorter sessions, we can take more than one session in said location.
Due to being able to take several short sessions in one location, our rate can reflect accordingly!
By asking a photographer to accommodate your timing, your schedule and your location, you're asking for a portrait session, even if you want “just a few photos" or don't think you need that long. If you're picking an obscure or distant location and/or a specific time, the photographer likely won't be able to book another session at all that day. Therefore, it's not technically what we would consider a “mini" session.
For the best photos, you should really allow your professional photographer determine the amount of time they need to get you comfortable in front of the camera and give you gorgeous images.
To speak in pizza terms: you wouldn't call Dominos and say, “I'm not that hungry, I just want one slice of pizza," and then be shocked when they say, “Well, we don't sell just one slice you have to buy the whole pizza, bro.” 🍕
So what is the difference between a full and mini photography session? Again, every photographer is a little different, but here’s our philosophy…
A full session is…
A full 45 minutes of custom, personalized session time! We schedule your session for a full 60 minutes so you have plenty of time to warm up and enjoy your session!
Priority time/date choices! We have limited availability, our full session bookings get top choice on our available dates.
More candid and formal portraits. Although we're pretty fast, you're going to get even more amazing images to choose from during a full portrait session!
You want to bring a larger family and/or your pup(s). Want to bring the grandparents along? Or your 2 dogs? No problem! We may need a little extra time to make sure everyone gets a moment to shine.
Time for your kiddos to warm up, or to take a snack/drink break if needed. Extra time means if your kiddos are feeling shy at first, they get a minute to warm up, or maybe they need a quick break, not a problem during a longer family session!
Extra time for diaper changes, outfit changes, etc. Wanting a few looks? Or maybe a cake smash? Definitely book a full portrait session!
A branding session! If you're just looking for a few new headshots in different outfits for the gram, we can usually fit about 3-4 changes in an hour! Want to bring your team for photos? Email us!
Bonus: time for us to chat and catch up! Let's be honest, we live for getting to catch up with our past couples and getting to know our new clients!
A mini session is perfect for…
Couples! This is the perfect amount of time for a quick updated session with your sweetie!
Small families (we recommend 4 people or less!) Have a small family or a non-mobile baby? A mini session is perfect for you!
Maternity sessions. If you're expecting but don't want a whole big session, mini sessions are ideal!
New headshots/mini branding session. Need something new for the gram? This is a perfect way to get a quick update to start off the holiday season right!
An updated portrait of the kids or a simple for a holiday card. Just need “one photo” for your holiday card? Or only want the kids in the photo? A mini session will check that box for you!
Want to book a mini session?
Here’s the deal!
We would love to document your family!
We want to give all of our clients the same opportunity to book their session! We will be releasing dates and times via email on Tuesday, September 22 at noon (PDT - Los Angeles time). We will be sharing dates/times via waitlist so sign up…
P.S. Did you know we photograph families here in our home base of Los Angeles?
Well now ya do! If you’re going to be in town on a date we don’t have a session available, contact us!
We’d love to accommodate you if we can!