Friday Fives #11: Mini vs Full Portrait Session

Which Portrait Session is Best?

​If you’re in one of the local Northern Virginia mom or parenting groups on Facebook, I’m sure you’ve seen the numerous requests for family photographer who are offering mini sessions.  Many have become condition to hearing these words than many don’t know or understand the difference between the different types of portrait sessions.  As the name suggests, a mini session, is a smaller version of a full customized portrait session. Many families use mini session to capture a milestone or to offer to clients who only have a limited budget. 
 
For this week's Friday Five, i'm detailing five things that make a customized family portrait session different from a mini portrait session.​

​1.  Time
The biggest thing is time.  With a mini portrait session, your family will be allocated 30 minutes or less to have your family portraits taken.  Have less time, will also reduce the number of portraits available. 
 

2.  Location
Many family photographers limit their mini portrait sessions to one predetermined location.  This is to allow enough time to spend with each family, versus driving and getting stuck on the highways of Northern Virginia.
 

3.  Number of Images
Many family photographers guarantee a minimum number of images.  The image count is significantly lower than what offered for a full customized family portrait session.    
 

4.  Poses/Memories
Does your family prefer not to be rushed?  If you want to remember playing in the park with your children, walking along the pond while holding hands, then I would recommend a full family portrait session.  Mini sessions won’t allow for your children to be carefree and be captured in the moment.
 
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5.  Mini
Depending on the family photographer, you may receive a social media digital file with your session.  A social media digital file is one you’re able to share on the different social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.), or used for holiday cards.  However, they’re unable to be printed. 

• Mini Portrait Session
• Full Portrait Session

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• Limited Dates
• Session time is limited to 15-30 minutes
• Predetermined Location
• Usually only one location to have session
• Limited Number of Images
• Limited Poses
• Memories
• Mini (Image Size)
• Discounted prices
• Limited product availability

• Available anytime
• Longer session time
• Multiple locations available
• Various Poses
• Wide range of products available
• Every kid has an off day - the additional time is wonderful for this
• Room for flexibility; lateness

 “My child won’t last an hour, so a mini session would be a better fit for my family.”  If you've ever made this statement or heard someone who has, stay tuned for a Monday's blog.  I will discuss this statement specifically.
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Hopefully this blog post was beneficial and provided information you may not have been aware of.  Schedule your family's consultation today by emailing [email protected] or calling (571) 250-5073.  We can discuss the goals and wishes of your family.