Busy season is upon us, my friends! I LOVE summers in Minnesota. If you're anything like me, your summer is off to a fantastic (yet busy) start. Between T-Ball, swimming lessons and sneaking in a couple of trips to the lake, our calendar is full until September.


Wanna know what else happens in September in Minnesota? Labor Day. School starts. Football season kicks off (SKOL Vikings). And it's time to think about updating your family photos if you haven't already! We'll be sending off those Christmas cards before we know it. Many families like to take advantage of a quick mini session, while others opt to choose a standard full session to fulfill their photography needs. What's the difference? Which should you choose? Is one better than the other?


Let me tell ya!


Mini Session Pros & Cons


The Pros:

  1. They're quick (usually 10-15 minutes) and fit seamlessly into your busy schedules
  2. They're affordable! This makes it convenient for families who like to refresh their family photos a few different times throughout the year.

The Cons:

  1. The date, time and location are decided by the photographer rather than the client. Because mini sessions are shot back to back, there's very little room for date and time changes.
  2. Depending on the temperament of any kiddos involved, 15 minutes isn't always enough time to get them warmed up, smiling and happy.
  3. No outfit changes. There's just not enough time.
  4. Less photos in your final gallery. For reference, I typically deliver 20-30 final images for my mini sessions.


Full Session Pros & Cons


The Pros:

  1. With more allotted time comes more opportunities. More outfit changes. A break for snacks. Time for the kids to warm up and have fun.
  2. Date, time & location are decided by the client. You get to choose!
  3. SO. MANY. PHOTOS. I typically deliver 60-80 photos in my full session galleries.


The Cons:

  1. The cost. Photography is an investment. I could write a whole blog on the value of having professional family photos taken, but I'll save that for another time.
  2. The time. I get it, with two littles myself, I know it can be hard to schedule time for a full hour of photos. For some families, this is a huge perk. For others, this time commitment is challenging.


As you can see, both sessions are GREAT options for different reasons. I hope this helps you think about the differences between a mini session and a full session when deciding the best option for your family photos this fall. Want to be the first to get notified when my mini sessions open up? Join my mini session waitlist here.


Still having a hard time deciding which is best for you? Send me an email at briannalynnephoto@gmail.com so we can chat about your family's needs when it comes to updating your photos this fall. I can't wait to hear from you!


-Brianna

A romantic couple dances together on a path surrounded by tall grass at sunset.
A baby smiles over the shoulder of someone in a dark dress against a bokeh forest background.
A baby rides on shoulders while a couple enjoys a sunny afternoon in a grassy field.