what is a mini-session?
A mini session is usually a shorter photography session lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes long. These sessions are set up by the photographer at a set location, set date, and set time that the photographer chooses. You sign up for specific time slots and it is a first come, first serve basis. This is different from a full photo session that lasts from 1-2 hours and where you and the photographer determine a location, date, and a time together that works for both your schedules. For this shorter session you can typically expect to receive 3-5 images maximum with an option to purchase more images at a set price per image (make sure you read your contract!). Mini sessions are great for getting the small amount of images you need for a holiday card, birthday invitation, graduation invitation, or that one family picture you’ve been looking for without having to pay for a full 2-hour photo session. Mini sessions are meant to be fast-paced and are usually timed back to back with other clients. Make sure you show up prepared, on time, and camera ready!
how do you prepare for a mini-session?
- First and foremost, the best way to be prepared is to be on time! Since the sessions are typically timed to have back to back clients, if you are late you will not be able to get your photos that day. Rescheduling may or may not be an option (usually this is in your contract), so make sure that you know these details before scheduling your mini session and do your very best to show up on time or even a few minutes early! Make sure you know where you’re going, what parking looks like, walking time to the location, and where to meet your photographer before the day of your scheduled session.
- Make sure all children and adults are well fed or have had at least a snack. We can’t have any hangry kiddos or husbands! Also, make sure everyone has used the potty.
- Prepare outfits well in advance and bring back-ups for smaller kiddos who might just get their lunch on them right after you get them dressed. It might even be helpful to bring an extra comb and hair tie for those mishaps that tend to happen when you least expect them to.
- Make sure your family knows what to expect. Let the kiddos know it is only 10-20 minutes and we are going to smile and have lots of fun. The goal is always to get genuine smiles but that’s where I come in!
- Last but certainly not least, don’t stress! We are going to have fun and create some beautiful memories.
when can I book a mini-session?
One additional thing to note as a client before booking or requesting a session is that mini sessions are not offered as individual sessions. They are meant to be offered for multiple people to get mini sessions on a single day allowing the photographer to maximize the amount of clients and pictures that are taken that day. This is because it takes the photographer time and money to set up a location, date, and time for mini sessions and only having a single mini session takes away availability for a full session to be scheduled that day. With all that being said, photographers usually offer mini sessions throughout the year. Since I am new to the mini session game, the plan for 2024 is to have mini sessions offered every other month. Each set of mini sessions will have a different location and theme based on time of year and current holiday season. My first set of mini-sessions will be coming in March and as long as our beautiful Colorado weather allows it will be spring themed! Stay tuned!
when will a mini session not work for my photography needs?
Even though mini sessions are a great way to get a small amount of professional pictures and are cheaper than a full session, mini sessions are not for everyone. Mini sessions are not meant for newborns, maternity, small infants, and are not meant to replace full photography sessions where time and patience is needed for rowdy, shy, or hungry children. Mini sessions are not meant to replace a family photography session where you get ALL the poses, individual shots, and a full set of family pictures. If you are looking for a session where you get pictures of each individual child, parents, parents with each child, the total family photo and more, then a mini session is not for you and you will definitely get more of what you are looking for with a full photography session. Mini sessions are not necessarily meant for newborns, smaller infants, or those spunky children that take a little bit to settle in and be ready. I love rowdy kiddos and playing games while capturing those genuine moments but unfortunately, mini sessions are not meant for the wild child. Mini sessions are scheduled back to back and photographers will not typically have the ability to get those wonderful smiles from rowdy or shy children in the small window of scheduled time without taking time from the next person. Instead, full sessions allow the photographer to meet the child on their level and spend the time getting to know them and capturing those special moments from them or letting them get a quick snack if they need. A full photography session also allows small infants and newborns to be fed and nurtured in between their time in front of the camera. Ultimately, you know your needs, family, and children best. If you decide a mini session is not a good fit for your family, or if you are wanting more than just a handful of images, then a full session is the way to go and is tailored to fit your needs.
