One of the questions I get asked all the time is, “What’s the difference between a mini session vs. a regular session?”
The funny thing is…after talking with people for a few minutes, I usually realize they aren’t actually looking for a mini session at all. They’re looking for a shorter photography session, and those are two very different things.
Let’s break it down because choosing the right session can make a huge difference in your overall experience and the photos you walk away with.
Think of a mini session like ordering an appetizer at a restaurant.
You get a little taste, but you aren’t getting the full meal.
My mini sessions are special events that usually revolve around a specific theme or location, like sunflowers, Santa, cotton fields, unicorns, or another seasonal setup.
They’re typically 10–15 minutes long, held at one specific location, and scheduled back-to-back throughout the day. Since another family is arriving as you’re wrapping up, there isn’t any extra time built into the schedule.
Mini sessions also include fewer images, with the option to purchase additional photographs if you’d like.
They’re perfect if:
Let’s break it down because choosing the right session can make a huge difference in your overall experience and the photos you walk away with.
This is where things can get a little confusing.
My Essential Sessions aren’t mini sessions, but they aren’t my full experience either. I like to think of them as the happy middle.
They’re 20-minute sessions that include 10 edited digital images. They’re perfect for families who want something a little more than a mini session but don’t necessarily need a full gallery.
Unlike my mini events, Essential Sessions aren’t built around holiday themes or special events. Instead, I offer them on select dates and at locations where I’m already photographing my full sessions. This helps me keep travel time efficient while still offering a shorter session option.
They’re a wonderful choice if you’re simply looking for updated family photos, milestone portraits, or don’t need a full hour together.
A regular session is probably the better fit if:
This is where the experience really changes.
With my full sessions, we aren’t watching the clock.
We have time to wander, let the kids warm up, explore the location, and create a much bigger variety of images. Those extra minutes often become everyone’s favorite part of the session because that’s when personalities start to shine.
There’s less pressure.
Less rushing.
More laughing.
More genuine connection.
Some of my favorite galleries have come from moments that were never planned at all.
A full session gives us room for real life to happen.
Honestly…
Neither session is better.
They’re simply designed for different purposes.
Mini sessions are wonderful when you need something quick and simple.
Regular sessions give us the freedom to slow down, connect, and create a gallery that tells a much bigger story.
If you’re ever unsure which session is the best fit, just ask.
I’d much rather help you book the right session than have you choose something that doesn’t fit what you’re hoping for.
One last thing…
My mini sessions are never listed on my website. They’re special events that I announce first through my email list and occasionally on social media.
If you don’t want to miss the next one…
Here is the quick version to help you compare your options.
Quick, seasonal, and simple.
A shorter option when you only need a handful of beautiful images.
Where we slow down, connect, and create a gallery with more variety.
Not sure which session fits your family? Tell me a little about what you are hoping for, and I will point you in the right direction. I would rather help you choose the right session than have you book the wrong one.
If you're still with me, here's the quick version.
If you’re still with me, here’s the quick version.