One of the most common emails I get sounds like this:

“We’re not sure if we should book a mini session vs. a full family session. Which one do you recommend?”

My answer is almost always the same…

It depends.

One option isn’t better than the other, they’re just designed for different experiences and it depends on your family.

After photographing families for more than a decade, I’ve learned that choosing the right session has very little to do with the price or the length of the session. It has everything to do with what what’s right for your family.

First, Think About What You Want From Your Photos

Before we talk about session length or pricing, ask yourself one question:

What are you hoping these photos will do for your family?

Are you looking to update the family photos hanging on your wall?

Do you need a beautiful image for this year’s holiday card?

Has it been several years since you’ve had professional photos taken, and you want to slow down and really document this season of life?

Your answer usually tells me which session will be the better fit.

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A Mini Session Might Be Perfect If…

Mini Sessions are designed to be simple.

Everything including the location and timing has already been planned for you. All you have to do is show up, love on your family, and let me take care of the rest.

They’re a great choice if:

• You update your family photos every year.
• You have young children who have a shorter attention span.
• You love the convenience of a quick, beautifully planned session.
• You want updated family photos without dedicating an entire evening.

For many families, mini sessions become an annual tradition. They’re a simple way to capture another year together without a lot of planning or stress.

A Full Family Session May Be the Better Fit If…

Sometimes, more time gives us more possibilities.

A full family session allows us to slow down, explore a location together, and let moments unfold naturally. There’s no need to rush from one pose to the next, and children often have time to settle in and simply be themselves.

A full session is usually the better choice if:

• It’s been several years since your last family photos.
• You’re celebrating a milestone or welcoming a new season of life.
• You’d like more variety in your gallery, such as outfit changes or multiple locations.
• You want a more personalized experience with the flexibility to choose your own location and date.
• You have older children or multiple generations joining your session.

If you’re dreaming of a gallery that tells a bigger story of your family, a full session gives us the time to create that together.

The Biggest Difference

Most people assume the biggest difference between these two experiences is the amount of time.

In reality, I think it’s the pace. Mini Sessions are efficient, while full Sessions are a little slower paced.

If you’re looking for beautiful updated family photos and love the ease of having everything planned for you, a mini session is hard to beat.

If you’re hoping for a slower evening where your kids can explore, play, and settle into the experience, you’ll probably appreciate the flexibility of a full session.

What I Usually Recommend

When families ask me which session they should book, my answer almost always starts with another question:

“When was the last time you had family photos taken?”

If they tell me they book photos every year and just want updated images for their home and holiday cards, I almost always recommend a Mini Session.

If they tell me it’s been several years, they want more variety, or they want a slower experience where we aren’t watching the clock, I’ll usually recommend a Full Family Session instead.

My goal has never been to convince families that one session is better than the other. I always want to help you choose the experience that’s going to serve your family best.

There Isn’t a Wrong Choice

Whether you choose a Mini Session or a Full Family Session, the goal is exactly the same:

To create photographs beautiful, timeless images that remind you what this season of life felt like.

If you’re still not sure which session is the better fit, I’d love to help. Every family is different, and I’m always happy to point you toward the experience that I think will serve you best.

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Ready to Learn More?

Whether you’re looking for a quick, beautifully planned Fall Mini Session or a more relaxed Full Family Session, I’d love to help you find the option that’s right for your family.

Explore Fall Mini Sessions →

Learn More About Full Family Sessions →