You’re dreaming of beautiful family photos, but can’t decide between a mini or full session—or when to book? Let’s break it all down!
So, you know you want updated family photos to lock in this current stage your family is in. You want to capture those adorable missing front teeth before they grow back, that baby who’s teetering on the edge of becoming a big kid, or the joy of snuggling and playing with your little ones before they start rolling their eyes at you for asking. But you’re stuck on when you should schedule this session for. What time of year? Full session or mini-session? Let’s break it down.
Picking the Right Time of Year
Start by imagining the vibe and color scheme you’re going for:
Fall and Winter: Cozy, warm tones with rich yellows, browns, and golden hues.
Spring and Summer: Blooming flowers, light and airy feel, and pastels galore.
Now, let’s talk sunset times because my outdoor sessions are always held during golden hour—the hour or so before the sun sets. Golden hour shifts throughout the year, so planning ahead is key.
Late spring through summer: Sunset happens much later—sessions start between 6 and 7pm. While I keep sessions fun and engaging (so most kids won’t even notice they’re up late), this could be tricky if your child is sensitive to schedule changes.
Fall and Winter: Sunset is earlier, which makes it easier to catch that dreamy light without risking cranky, overtired kids.
If golden hour doesn’t work for your family or you’d rather skip the outdoor scene altogether, in home family sessions might be more your jam. These take place in the comfort of your own home, capturing your family in your personal space, doing the things you love. I love in home sessions because since everyone is comfortable in their own space allows us to get those personal intimate shots with the family in a meaningful-to-you place, home. These are done in the late morning hours, and the best part? These sessions can happen year-round.
Mini-Session vs. Full Session
Still undecided? Let’s break it down.
Mini-Sessions:
Mini-sessions are offered seasonal, quick (just 15 minutes!), and happen with families booked back-to-back on specific days during the two hours before sunset in a designated location. They’re perfect if you’re just looking for a few updated photos or a holiday card shot. Minis come with a set number of digital files (usually 5-10) which is included in the price with the option to purchase more.Mini-sessions offer plenty of variety in your gallery, but there simply isn’t enough time to move around the location. Plus, most people—especially small kids—need a little more time to really warm up. While I promise you’ll adore your mini-session gallery, it’s challenging to capture deeply connected photos that truly reflect the heart and soul of your family in just 15 minutes. This is especially true for larger families.
Full Sessions:
Full sessions happen at golden hour and last up to a full hour. That’s plenty of time for everyone to warm up, get comfortable, and really connect, which is when we capture those truly magical moments you see in my portfolio.
I offer several location options for sessions or you can select your own location all together.
You receive all the digital files, fully edited, without any extra costs, in both color and black and white. Most families find this ends up being a better value since they often purchase additional images or the entire gallery from a mini-session anyway.
Full sessions can be rescheduled if the weather isn’t exactly perfect.. While overcast days still produce beautiful photos, you won’t get that glowy sunlight peeking through (a signature look in my portfolio). With mini-sessions, rescheduling for overcast days isn’t an option since there are multiple families booked back-to-back, but with full sessions, we can wait for the perfect conditions.
Full sessions give us time and flexibility to explore different locations, get a variety of shots, and capture the heart and soul of your family—those unique personalities and connections that make your crew, your crew.
Mini-sessions are sweet and fun, but if you’re looking for a more customized experience that allows time to fully encapsulate the essence of your family—with time to relax, play, and explore—full sessions win every time.
Wrapping It Up
I adore mini-sessions for the quick, sweet moments they capture. But if you want photos that truly reflect your family’s connections, the ability to hand pick your location (with my guidance), with the most beautiful lighting and plenty of time to let everyone’s personality shine, a full session is where it’s at.
