How to Know if a Mini Session Right for You with Roseburg, Oregon Family Photographer
In November 2023, I put up a poll for my Instagram audience & clients to tell me if they were “Team Mini” or “Team Full/Custom” session. If you don’t follow me on Instagram yet, what are you waiting for? I’d love your feedback as well! You can follow me here. Anyway, I found that the majority had voted for “Team Mini”. So I listened, and I’m excited to announce that I am bringing back my seasonal/outdoor mini events in 2024! It’s been YEARS since I have offered outdoor minis, so get excited! Due to the limited amount of mini sessions I’ll be offering per season, I will be opening them up to my email list subscribers first. You’ll want to get on that list (via the form at the bottom of this site) if you want first dibs!
As you consider whether you want to opt for a mini session or stick with a regular/custom session, let’s look at it from every angle. As with any big decision, I thought that a pros and “cons” comparison could help. I wanted to share both the positives and any potential “negatives” to help you decide if a mini session is right for your family.
Pros:
Mini sessions often have a more appealing session fee.
They may enable you to take advantage of multiple mini events through the year, if you’d like to document multiple seasons on a budget.
They’re a shorter session and allow you to get quick updates of your family.
You can book a mini for most occasions. These events are great for quick family updates (one mini session per household), baby milestones (older than 3 months and best suited for babies able to sit unassisted, unless posing with family members), children’s birthdays, quick head shots, high school seniors, special announcements or reveals, maternity, couples and more.
Potential Cons:
They are typically limited to one date for the event, in one location, and with one backdrop option. They aren’t as flexible as a custom session, and rescheduling a mini for that same location isn’t a possibility if your family is ill the day of the event.
Minis give us a short window of time to work together, often being a 15 minute session with just 5 minutes between bookings. While I can provide a nice sized gallery within that time frame, some children or photo occasions may benefit from having more session time (cake smash sessions, large families with many children and family members, etc.)
Minis are booked back to back, and arriving on time is crucial.
They include fewer digital images than a custom/full session. You can always order more from the proofing gallery, but for some, not having to think about that step is appreciated.
Props provided will probably be minimal, if any. At least for the outdoor minis.
These sessions are not ideal for newborns unless families are okay to be in the photos holding them throughout their session. Newborns often require ample time for soothing, changing and feedings. For a more traditional, newborn focused session, please consider booking a full/custom session.
Now that we’ve discussed all of the details, I pose the same question. Are you “Team Mini” or “Team Full/Custom” sessions? Either way, I would love to help you with any photographic needs. Reach out through the contact tab today!