Is a Mini Session Right for You?
I think it’s fair to say that Mini Sessions aren’t going anywhere. If you’ve looked for a photographer, you’ve probably seen ads for Minis.
But what exactly is a mini session?
Mini sessions are pretty much exactly what they sound like. A pared down version of a full photo session. You will meet with the photographer for a shorter amount of time, anywhere from 15-30 minutes, and you will receive fewer images from the session to choose from. These sessions also tend to be a bit cheaper because they are shorter. As a parent of young children, I totally understand the appeal of getting beautiful photos while spending less time and less money. However, mini-sessions aren’t right for every family.
Read on for some things to consider before booking a mini session.
1. KNOW THYSELF
Mini sessions fly by super fast and can feel out of control at times. Even if it sometimes feels a bit chaotic, the schedule the photographer sets for Mini days is very structured. Sessions are stacked back to back with only short breaks in between. It is SO, SO important that you arrive on time. Typically there is another family in the spot right after yours, and photographers usually cannot make up lost time if you are late. If you are not a punctual person or always find yourself running 5 minutes late, this might not be for you. When you are late, you may have even less time to shoot or may end up forfeiting your time all together. A good goal is to arrive 5-10 minutes ahead of your appointment time so everyone is ready to go. If you are feeling pretty good that you can get your family dressed and out the door with plenty of time to navigate and park at the location, a mini would probably work for you. If you are more comfortable with a slower pace or if you just don’t want to mess with that nap schedule (I hear that!), then you may want to look at a full session with more flexibility.
2. PHOTO GOALS
What do you want out of your session? A few good photos? A list of shots you saw on Pinterest? Mini sessions go by fast. Like super fast. If you have a wish list of must-have shots, you may be disappointed by a mini session. It is difficult to work through a long list of specific requests in such a short time. I try very hard to accommodate a few requests, but otherwise my shot list is pretty set and we move quickly through the groupings. It takes time and effort to reposition people, especially your little people. You can expect less posing and variety of shots and fewer backgrounds due to the time constraints of a mini.
A full session is better suited for trying more creative shots and seeing where the session takes us. If you’re looking for a quick update and don’t mind a faster pace, and a mini might suit you just fine!
3. Time and Location
With minis, the location and date is decided for you. Some photographers may offer a few different locations over several weekends, but you’ll definitely be limited as to where and when the sessions are held. You might get lucky and have your fave spot make the list, but a mini session might not be for you if you have a strong preference on where and when you want to take your photos.
4. know your kids
Kids can be tricky. Especially those little ones. It’s good if you come in to a mini session with the mindset of being ok with capturing them just as they are. I find that babies up to about 18 months are pretty gregarious and open to new people, then as they get into that 2-3 year old time frame some become more clingy and shy. I work really hard to engage the kids and get them to warm up to me as quickly as we can, but sometimes this takes a while. If your kids fall into the shy or slow to warm up category, there might not be time during a mini session to coax them out of their shell. Similarly, if your kid does better with a little more attention and time I suggest you look at a full session. On the flip side, a mini session could work for you if your kids are more outgoing or cooperative and good at following directions. Usually these kids are more in the 4-5 years and up range. Mini sessions can also work well for previous clients regardless of the children’s ages as there is typically an existing level of comfort between me and the parents or even me and the older children to draw on.
5. Budget
If you’d like to work with a photographer but your budget doesn’t allow for a full session, less expensive mini sessions are a great way to make that happen. Minis can also be a good way to ‘sample’ a photographer before booking a full session. Many photographers (including me!) allow you to purchase additional individual images a la carte after you view your gallery if you want to keep more than what is included in the mini session package.
6. When to book
Look for Spring Minis to take place around March-May depending on the weather. Fall Minis are usually announced over the summer and happen anytime from September to November. If you want your photos for those holiday cards make sure you factor in the time to get your gallery back from your photographer and to order and mail out your cards when you book your session.
7. How do I find out about Minis?
These sessions are typically announced on the social media accounts of your favorite photographer. Many photographers release dates and events to their current clients and email list ahead of time, so if you want first dibs on times or locations try signing up for newsletters or emails from your photographer.
Do mini sessions sound like a good fit for you?
Contact me to inquire about Mini Session availability.