Family

As a family photographer, I understand that every family is unique. So are their photo needs. One of the decisions you’ll get to make is whether to opt for a full session or a mini session. Each option offers distinct benefits, and by considering your preferences and requirements, you can determine which type of session best suits your family.

Mini Sessions: Convenient, Lower Cost, and Perfect for Regular Updates

Mini sessions are an excellent choice for families who value convenience and affordability. Here’s why:

Great for Regular Updates: If your family loves having photos taken regularly to document growth, milestones, or seasonal changes, mini sessions are perfect. These sessions typically occur multiple times throughout the year, allowing you to update your family photos without a significant time commitment.
Budget-Friendly: Mini sessions are often more affordable than full sessions, making them an attractive option for families who are mindful of their budget. Despite their shorter duration, mini sessions still provide an opportunity to capture beautiful moments and create lasting memories.
Quick and Efficient: Mini sessions are typically brief, lasting between 10 to 15 minutes. This brevity makes them ideal for families with young children or busy schedules. Despite the limited time, skilled photographers can capture a variety of poses and expressions, ensuring you have a selection of images to choose from.
Pre-Selected Location: Mini sessions are usually held at a pre-selected location chosen by the photographer. This eliminates the need for extensive planning on your part and ensures a convenient experience for everyone involved.

However, mini sessions are only offered a few times a year, so if you need a certain date, larger amount of images or a particular location, a full session may be the best fit.

Full Sessions: Customized, Personalized, and Perfect for Creating Timeless Art

Full sessions offer a more comprehensive and personalized experience, making them ideal for families seeking bespoke artwork for their home or heirloom albums:

Tailored to Your Family: Full sessions are built around your family’s personality, interests, and preferences. Whether you envision a rustic outdoor shoot, a cozy indoor session, or a combination of both, a full session allows for greater flexibility in choosing the location and setting.
Extended Duration: Unlike mini sessions, which are brief, full sessions typically last up to an hour or more. This extended duration provides ample time for your family to relax, have fun, and create genuine interactions that can be beautifully captured by the photographer.
Artistic Collaboration: After the full session, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with your photographer (either in person or via Zoom) to review the images and select your favorites. This collaborative process ensures that the final selection aligns with your vision and preferences, whether you’re planning to display the images in your home or create a custom heirloom album.
Decorate Your Home: Full sessions are perfect for families who want to adorn their walls with stunning portraits that reflect their unique bond and personality. Whether you prefer canvas prints, framed photographs, or gallery-quality art, the images from a full session can serve as timeless decor pieces in your home.

Conclusion: Finding What Works Best for Your Family

Whether you opt for a full session or a mini session, the most important thing is to choose the option that aligns with your family’s needs, preferences, and budget. Mini sessions offer convenience, affordability, and regular updates, while full sessions provide customization, personalization, and the opportunity to create timeless artwork. By considering factors such as your desired outcome, available time, and budget constraints, you can make an informed decision that ensures a memorable and enjoyable photography experience for your family.

Here is an example of photos taken at Riverbend Winery near Eau Claire, Wisconsin.