When you’re thinking about booking a Kitsap County family photo session, the term “mini session” probably comes to mind. During the chaotic fall family photo session season, it’s likely that you hear ONLY about mini photo sessions as your option. So today, I want to break down the difference between a full family photo session and a mini session. My hope is that in walking through what makes each unique, you can choose the session that will work best for your family.
What’s a mini session?
A mini photo session is held on specific dates at specific locations chosen in advance by your photographer. They are quick – anywhere from 15-25 minutes long – and are usually seasonal or specific in theme. Fall, holiday, Mother’s Day or personality mini sessions are a few of the themes you may encounter when considering a mini session.
Typically these sessions, due to being shorter in nature, are slightly more cost effective and a handful of images from the session can be chosen (with the option to purchase more later for an additional fee, if you wish). Mini sessions are perfect if you’re looking for a singular photo for a holiday card or birthday announcement, for example, but not as appropriate if you’re hoping to create longer term imagery for your family collection.
What’s a full portrait session?
Regular, or full, portrait sessions are customized to you and your family’s needs. These sessions typically run anywhere from 45-90 minutes long, depending on the session type and location (in-home or outdoors). Clients who book a full portrait session get a more high-touch treatment, which includes:
- Questionnaire – to get to know you
- Custom session planning – to select the location that’s best suited for your family
- Wardrobe and styling assistance – to create a cohesive aesthetic
- Flexible dates – to work with the schedules of everyone in your family
- Prep guides – to help you plan for your session with maximum efficiency and minimal worry
- Post session print + product assistance – to help you choose what photo products to order and serve as keepsakes for your home
With the hands on, high touch approach and the goal to create art for your family home going into the full portrait session experience, the cost is more of an investment.
Upcoming Mini Session Events
For the year ahead, Heather Lewis Portraits will be hosting a series of mini session events, should those be more your speed. They are:
- Motherhood Mini Sessions (COMPLETE!)
- Fall Mini Sessions
- Studio Holiday Mini Sessions
- Tree Farm Mini Sessions at Hubert Tree Farm!
Specific dates and locations will be announced ahead of each mini session offer. To be the first to know about mini sessions and other special offers, please reach out HERE to be added to my newsletter list, where clients get a first look at what’s on deck.
Have more questions about mini sessions or the full portrait session experience? I’d love to talk more, so please drop me a line here to continue the conversation.
