Mini vs. Full Sessions: Which One Is Right for You?

Family photos don’t have to be stressful. They don’t have to look stiff, feel rushed, or turn into a battle of “smile for the camera!” In fact, my favorite sessions are the ones filled with wiggles, giggles, and a little chaos—because that’s the good stuff. That’s the real joy worth collecting.

But here’s the big question I get all the time:Should you book a mini session or go all-in with a full session?

The answer depends on your season of life, your goals, and how much story you want framed in this moment. Let’s break it down.

What’s a Mini Session?

A mini is the highlight reel of joy—short, sweet, and intentional.

• Around 15–20 minutes together

• One set location (chosen in advance)

• A curated collection of a few stunning images

• Offered on limited dates

They’re like a quick coffee date: we laugh, play, and before you know it, you’re walking away with photos that sparkle with your family’s real personality. Minis are perfect for:

✨ Holiday cards✨ Annual “this is us right now” updates✨ Families who want just a handful of new favorites

What’s a Full Session?

A full session is the deep dive into your story. It’s where we create space for every layer of your family—both the loud belly laughs and the soft in-between moments.

• 1–2 unrushed hours together

• Flexibility in locations (or even multiple stops)

• Room for outfit changes and breaks

• A full gallery filled with variety and depth

Full sessions are perfect for milestones, legacies, and families who want their joy framed in all its colors and textures. It’s not just about a photo for this season—it’s about creating heirloom art you’ll pass down.

Minis: Why You’ll Love Them

• Fast & Fun: Great for toddlers, teens, or partners who don’t want to spend hours in front of the camera.

• Budget-Friendly: A smaller investment with big impact.

• Seasonal Vibes: Ideal for fall colors, spring blooms, or holiday magic.

Full Sessions: Why They’re Worth It

• Time to Breathe: No rushing—we go at your family’s pace.

• Personalized Experience: You choose the vibe, the location, the feel.

• More Variety: From playful candids to those frame-worthy wall art moments.

• Legacy Factor: A complete gallery you can turn into albums, prints, and forever pieces.

How to Decide

Here’s my best advice:

• Go Mini if… you want a quick refresh, updated holiday photos, or you’re dipping your toes in with me for the first time.

• Go Full if… you want a true storytelling experience, milestone portraits (anniversaries, seniors, newborns), or you’ve been dreaming of wall art that stops you in your tracks every time you pass it.

My Honest Take

Both minis and full sessions collect joy beautifully—but they serve different needs. Minis are like a spark. Full sessions are the whole fire.

Ask yourself: What do I want to remember about this season of life? If it’s a few joyful moments, let’s book a mini. If it’s the whole messy, wonderful, loving story of your family right now, a full session will give you that and more.

Either way, your family deserves photos that feel like you—imperfect, beautiful, and overflowing with joy.

👉🏽 Ready to frame your story? Book here!

Let’s collect your joy together.