Full or Mini Photo Session: Which Option is Best for You?

If you love having photos taken and capturing memories with the people you love, you’re probably aware of the term ‘mini session’.  Mini sessions are a great option for some people but they’re not the right fit in every situation.  If you’re considering booking a mini session, this is how to decide whether it’s the right fit for your needs.

Your Expectations
What you’re hoping to get out of a professional photo session is the first factor to consider when deciding between a mini and full session.  Want a wide selection of shots at different locations, in different outfits?  A mini session is not the right fit for you.  If you just want a few good photos of yourself or your family, a mini session is a better fit.

Your Personalities
If you will be scheduling a family photo session, you want to take your personality and those of your children into consideration.  Some children simply don’t warm up to strangers very quickly, which is when a mini session might be a better option.  Also, if you find that your kids or certain family members get bored very easily, again, a mini session might be a better fit.

Your Budget
If you’re working with a relatively small budget, a mini session is right for you.  You may have found a photographer you love but you can’t afford the cost of their full sessions – this is when you should inquire about a mini session instead.

Your Schedule
Just how flexible and busy is your schedule?  If you are a very punctual person and have less than an hour to spare on most days, a mini session is definitely a much better fit for you.  Basically, all you need to do on the day of your mini session is arrive at one location on time and spend less than 30 minutes with your photographer.

Your Setting Preferences
Most photographers that offer mini sessions will specify a location and include specific backdrops and props.  You need to decide whether this fits in with what you envisioned for your photos.  If you would prefer to have more choices and more of a say, you may want to consider a full photo session instead.

Once you work through the list above, you should have a clear idea of whether a mini or full session is better suited to your needs.