Mini-session vs Regular Session - what’s the difference?

Have you noticed photographers in Columbus, Ohio offering mini sessions and wondered what they are all about and how they differ from a regular photo session? How do you decide which of the two to book?

If you’re asking “what even is a mini-session?” let me tell you how mine work: I pick a set day and location and set up 15 minute sessions back-to-back. Families show up at their allotted time and get a short and sweet session with me followed by an online gallery with six digital images and an option to upgrade to the full gallery.

Full sessions last around an hour and take place on a day, time and location that works for you, and includes a choice between three different package options for digital images and prints. Full sessions are completely customizable and unique to YOU, whereas minis are more of a one-size-fits-all opportunity.

Family photo from creekin’ minis - one of my faves

I think of booking a mini-session as akin to ordering an appetizer in a restaurant. You will get an idea of what the service is like, the atmosphere, and whether or not the food suits your taste. You’ll also have made a decision on whether or not you’d go back another time for dinner.

Mini-sessions offer just enough time to capture essential traditional family portraits. They are great if you’ve never booked a session with me before and you want to see what it’s all about, if you just need a quick update of family photos for holiday cards, or if you like to get photos taken more than once per year/you are documenting milestones in your children’s young lives. I also like them for quick pet and solo individual sessions for people who may not be looking for more than six images.

Full sessions allow enough time for your family to truly relax and open up around me. There’s plenty of time to explore location, lighting, document unposed/unscripted moments, and capture detail shots and genuine expressions and personalities. I feel less pressure during a full session because I’m not looking to rapidly check off my list of essential shots, which allows me to get much more creative with your images. We have time slow down and allow real life to happen. I always feel most proud of the galleries created during full sessions. Also, when you choose my top package your full session will include a photo book full of beautiful prints for you and your family to enjoy for generations.

Images below are from a full session

So…when would you book a full session over a mini-session?

-when you are looking to tell the story of your family

-when you want your children to feel absolutely comfortable during the session (being able to choose location helps with this tremendously)

-when you have a large group/extended family you’d like photographed and you want to get different pairings of people

-when you have a new addition to your family

-when you know you’d like to make prints from your images

-if you have family members who are shy and/or slow to show their true personalities

-if you want control over when and where your session will take place or have the option of getting your photos taken in your home