People often ask what the difference is between a full photo and mini sessions. As a Denver family photographer, I offer mini-sessions a few times throughout the year, usually for specific themes. However, it can be confusing which type of session to book when planning your upcoming photos. When working with me as your photographer, I try to make booking and scheduling your session as easy as possible. In this post, I’m sharing why I recommend a full session over a mini-session to help clear any confusion and simplify the booking process!

Mini Sessions are Great for Holidays

A mini-session is ideal for a quick motherhood session to celebrate Mother’s Day or capture your child in awe of Santa’s magic. I offer these sessions a few times yearly, making fun memories and a unique photography experience. While these specific themes make for a special holiday experience, I usually don’t suggest these for an entire family shoot. I feel that mini sessions tend to work best as a supplemental add-on’s to your regular family photos.

Mini Sessions are Shorter Than a Full Session

Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with a more lifestyle-type approach to photography. In this approach, the best results are achieved when we have ample time for everyone to get comfortable and have fun together. I’ve found success when we allow for kids to lead the way, to play, and when we get to explore a few different areas within our chosen location.

Planning for a full session means we have time to ensure we can work through the full variety of images you may want and no one feels rushed or stressed. It also ensures your kids (and you) can be themselves and their little personalities shine! After all, it can take a little bit to warm up to a new person with a camera in their hand!

With a mini-session, time is brief, and it can be hard to get comfortable. Poses are limited, and variety is stifled. Additionally, location and dates are often dictated for you.

A Full Photo Session Allows for Memory-Making

Your family session should be a time to relax and play together while making memories to last a lifetime. I hope that when you look back on the experience in and of itself, you aren’t thinking, ‘Gosh, that was a nightmare getting that smile.’ But instead, thinking, ‘Wow, it was so much fun how we played together, and Dad threw you in the air at the end!’ A complete photo session allows for organic and natural moments while strengthening familial bonds. These moments are fleeting, and you and your family deserve to have them captured and remembered for years to come.

Planning your upcoming photo session and still have some questions? Read more about the experience here.

Check out my Pinterest page for more family photo inspiration, or reach out to book your photos today.