Skip to main content

Full session vs. mini sessions

I am sure most of you have heard about mini sessions in the photography world. But what is a mini session and how it is different from a full session? What are the pros and cons and how do they work?
I offer several different themed minis in the studio year round. And I can tell you that they are very different from other sessions.

Full sessions allow for more customization. The locations are usually different from one session to the next. They typically take place at a park or  beach, farm or forested areas. Studio sessions can be offered at times at well. There is also longer time frames for full sessions, often between 45 minutes to an hour. This allows for time to set up larger groups in poses and walk the area for a variety of backdrops to be included in your final gallery. This allows for outfit changes if the client so desires. Due the amount of time and variety that is allowed with a full session there are normally a larger number of images included in the final product. While there is more room for time, images and customization, this also means that a full session is also more in the cost as well.

Mini sessions

A mini session is just that, it is mini. They are quicker in time spent in front of the camera and fewer images are included. They are designed to be short and sweet. These sessions normally allow up to 15-20 minutes of camera time and include less then 10 images, amount depends on the photographer and package created. Due to the time frame, outfit changes are normally not possible. They are always done at set locations, with the same backdrop or theme and are set up to be back to back with booking. This means that your photos will look like a lot of other families images as well. Because of the way they work, they are usually reduced in price.

Mini session are offered in batches. They work business wise as photographers are able to bring in many clients at one time without spend time tearing down and setting up different props and set in between clients. The back to back bookings helps to cover the cover the cost for photographers to do business (the purchase of backdrops, props and such) Therefore a single person cannot book a mini session outside schedule times created by the photographer.

So to sum it up for you

FULL SESSION
- longer time in front of camera
- higher in price
- more images
- clients input in creative themes, props, locations, etc
- You session will be unique to you

MINI SESSION
- faster sessions
- limited amount of images
- available during select time frames only
- no input on backdrop or props
- images similar to many others
- cheaper in price
- great for smaller children
                                                                                                
Mini sessions are great for themed sessions or holidays. Sort of like limited edition menu items. They allow for updated photos with fun ideas behind them. You don't need about 20 different Christmas photos, just a few to mark the holidays and for cards and such. Depending on your needs mini sessions can be great. But something like a full family session or maternity session, birthday celebrations; mini session are not ideal.

Themed Mini Session




Full session

For more information on my full and mini sessions and their pricing please visit

To stay up to date on what is happening in the studio like me on Facebook

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Frequently Asked Questions about Boudoir.

Boudoir.  It's exciting It's inciting And it's confusing and intimating all at the same time!  If you are thinking about a boudoir I'm sure you have some pretty big questions on the top of your head. That's fine. I mean it's not everyday you are standing half naked in front of a perfect stranger.  So you have questions... I've got answers. Q: Boudoir. Pornography. What’s the difference? A: Well for starters Boudoir is suggestive, while porn is... well you know. And you don’t have to be complete nude or revel anything at all when it comes to boudoir photographs. One of the most important things about being sexy is being confident. If you feel that way wearing jeans, by all means, wear jeans! Or a button down men’s dress shirt. Sure why not? Classy, suggestive, and flirty. Q: Can you Photoshop my images? A: If you would like to have say, stretch marks, a scar, that unwanted, embarrassing tattoo from when you were 16

Paint War Engagement Session

My best friend Ashlee is getting married in October. She and her girlfriend wanted some engagement photos done for their wedding website. Being my best friend I wanted to do something very special and unique for her photos. I have seen some very cute engagement sessions done with chalk fights. I decide to kick it up a notch. Why not switch out chalk for paint! Brighter colors, high energy and loads of fun, just like my friend and her girlfriend. We picked up some paint and water guns from the dollar store and found an awesome location for our shoot. The result was awesome! Pops of bright color, boisterous zeal and above all, highly entertaining! Made me kind of wish I had partaken in the fun myself, beyond the camera.   I love experimenting with different concepts and different ideas when it comes to my photography. I am so thankful to have such great friends who are willing be victims for my wild photographic endeavors. I am also so happy to have to gotten s

Choosing Your Location, Fall Addition

It's that time of year again where the weather changes and vibrant hues surround us. So looking for a place to take photos may be different than a place in the summer or winter that you enjoyed. Choosing a location that best suits you and your comfort level is important. It is good to pick somewhere that will make your session memorable and pleasing for you. Find a place that fits well with your personality and gets you to enjoy your experience. Some of my favorite places in the Fall time are Morningstar Mill, Malcolmson Eco Park both in St Catharines. As well as Firemans Park in Niagara Falls, McFarland House in Niagara on the Lake, and Balls Falls in Vineland.  Morningstar Mills is a heritage site located at Decew Falls. This site features a beautiful working mill rebuilt in 1872 and is surrounded with trees and water. It is a good naturalistic place to go, especially in the fall time when there are numerous colors all around you and a beautifully built mill overlooking some wate