When it comes to lifestyle and portrait photography, choosing the right type of session is a big decision! Should you go for a quick and focused Mini Session (Seasonal Session), or is a longer, tailored Full Session more your style? Both options have their benefits, and it all depends on what you’re looking for. Let’s break it down so you can decide which type of session is the perfect fit.
What Are Mini Sessions?
Mini Sessions, or what I also call Seasonal Sessions, are short, focused photography experiences designed to capture essential moments. They last about 15 minutes and are offered during specific times of the year, like spring blossoms, summer wildflowers & beaches, fall leaves, or magical winter settings. These sessions are carefully planned by me, from selecting dates, scouting the perfect locations to designing cosy studio setups, ensuring everything is ready for you to step in and enjoy the process. Think of them as a little taste of professional photography – perfect for quick, timeless portraits!
Why Choose a Mini Session?
- Yearly Updates: Mini Sessions are ideal for keeping your portraits (family, couples, etc.) fresh each year without a big time commitment.
- Milestones: Celebrate a child’s birthday, a pregnancy, engagement, new pet, etc. with a short and sweet session.
- Busy Schedules: For those juggling hectic routines, Mini Sessions are quick and efficient, fitting seamlessly into your day.
- A Taste of Professional Photography: If you’re curious about booking a full session in the future, a Mini Session is a great way to experience my style and process.
- What’s Included: A 15-minute session, 10 beautifully edited images, and a curated proofing gallery with about 40 images to choose from or upgrade.
What to Expect:
Mini Sessions focus on more traditional moments, with a few candids sprinkled in. While they’re relaxed and enjoyable, the shorter time frame means we’ll focus on core shots and essential prompts and poses. It’s a simplified experience with all the care and attention you’d expect from me, just tailored for a tighter schedule.
What Are Full Sessions?
Full Sessions are the ultimate personalised photography experience. These sessions are designed to tell a fuller, richer story of a time of your life you want to document. Whether it’s at home, in a scenic outdoor location, curated studio, or somewhere that holds special meaning for you, a Full Session allows time to get creative, explore your vision, and capture a wide variety of moments.
With Full Sessions, I work closely with you from start to finish. We plan everything together – from discussing your vision during the initial consultation to choosing a location and creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels at ease.
Why Choose a Full Session?
- Customised Vision: If you have a specific idea in mind, whether it’s incorporating specific activities or props, exploring multiple locations, or creating a strong storytelling gallery, a Full Session gives us the flexibility to make it happen.
- Shy Kiddos: For little ones who need time to warm up to the camera, a Full Session allows us to take things at a relaxed pace.
- Special Needs: If anyone attending has special needs, a Full Session allows us to create and choose the best environment for them. We would discuss the considerations I need to be aware of to ensure everyone is comfortable and safe.
- More Variety: A Full Session provides the time to capture a range of emotions, candid moments, and different groupings of family members, couple’s relationship, or adding variety to your creative portrait gallery.
- Life’s Big Moments: Perfect for milestone anniversaries, extended family reunions, unique engagement sessions, individual portraits, or simply celebrating your family with a gallery full of variety.
- What’s Included: A fully customized session (date, location, vision), 30 beautifully edited images, and a curated proofing gallery with about 100 images to choose from or upgrade.
What to Expect:
A Full Session allows us to take our time, creating a mix of posed and candid images that truly reflect your personality. There’s room for wardrobe changes, exploring different settings, and letting kids just be kids, planning a perfect date night activity, or collaborating on creating portraits that will be all about you and your vision.
Why I Love Offering Both
One of the things I love most about my work is the variety of experiences I get to create for my clients. Seasonal Sessions are such a joy because they’re quick, lighthearted, celebrates different seasons of the year, and give you a chance to dip into photography. Full Sessions, on the other hand, allow me to dive deeper, closely plan and collaborate together on your vision, deliver a gallery with a stronger storytelling twist, and craft something truly personal and one-of-a-kind.
When to Pick Which?
Choose a Mini Session If:
- You’re looking for a quick update to your family/couple’s portraits or photos of just you!
- You want seasonal shots with a beautiful backdrop, like spring blossoms or holiday magic.
- You’re celebrating a milestone, like engagement, maternity, or a birthday.
- You’re obsessed with a specific season of the year and want it reflected in your images!
- You’re dipping your toes into professional photography and want a taste of what it’s like.
Choose a Full Session If:
- You have a specific vision in mind, like creating a custom gallery or telling a story through your photos.
- You want more flexibility to capture variety, explore different locations, or include multiple outfits.
- Your little ones need extra time to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
- You’re celebrating a major milestone or gathering with extended family.
Still Not Sure? Let’s Chat!
If you’re torn between the two, feel free to reach out by filling out my contact form. I’m happy to help you decide which type of session will best suit your needs and what you’re looking to achieve. Whether it’s the quick charm of a Mini Session or the deep storytelling of a Full Session, both are designed to capture your moments beautifully.
Ina 🙂
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