Full Family Sessions vs. Mini Family Sessions | Utah Family Photographer

Should you opt for a mini session or a full session? With 10 years of experience in photography, I've gained insights into the advantages of both, and I personally favor full sessions. While I understand the appeal for mini sessions, there are certainly pros and cons to each, and I believe the benefits of a full session make this options the best for your family photos.

Here's a breakdown:

What is a mini session?

Mini Sessions for me are typically 25 minutes and are available only a few times a year. I will only fit in minis sessions when my schedule allows me the dates to do so. These sessions are ideal for capturing a small collection of photos for a smaller family: a few posed shots and candid images, and depending on the size of your family individual photos. These session are also ideal for portrait sessions like mission, baptism and other milestone sessions. Mini sessions are about half the cost of a full session and can be appealing for a family who doesn't have it in their budget for a full session.

Mini Sessions do not offer as many images as full sessions. I will give you all the best photos and you will get about 75 photos. Because they are a shorter time children may not have the time to relax in front of the camera and may continue to be shy throughout the session. These sessions limit me on what I capture of your children because I don't have the time to spend with each one. We will usually get a quick portrait of each but I really prefer more time to talk with them and capture their personality. Mini sessions are offered at specific locations and specific dates. This allows me to schedule back to back sessions which make the lower cost worth my time. Mini sessions may not be the best option for truly capturing your family's story.

Why I love Full Sessions

Full Sessions are my absolute favorite. With the extended time we share we really have the opportunity to get you know your unique family dynamic and not just take photos but create an experience. There is plenty of time for posed photos and candid moments created from games, prompts and a more relaxed session. There is plenty of time for kiddos to warm and and get comfortable (older children and grown ups as well). We aren't rushed so we have time for kids to explore and get out energy and for me to capture it all. Full sessions allow you to schedule your location according you where you live and what your vision is. I don't limit my photos in a full session and give you all the best photos from our session. Typically this is about 150-200 photos of your family being a family.

So should you schedule a mini or full session with me?

Whatever you decide is best for you I am going to give you a great experience and beautiful photos.

Mini sessions are perfect for families who don’t need a full gallery but want small amount of images. These sessions are great for children with short attention spans, who are attentive for the initial minutes and then become distracted.

Again, full session are my favorite. I recommend full family sessions always over minis. They offer me the chance to capture the magic of your family.

When do I offer mini sessions? As mentioned before I offer these sessions as my schedule allows. Last year I only did one this year I am planning on four or five. Mini sessions are offered to clients via my newsletter first then I open the schedule to social media and the public one week later. To sign up for my newsletter find the link at the bottom of this page.

Full sessions can be scheduled through my website or a link on Instagram.