What is a Mini Session?

Many photographers offer mini sessions for family photography, but a lot of people don’t know the differences between a mini session and a full session beyond just time. A lot of families assume that a shorter session is automatically better for kids and families, but that’s not always the case.

So what is a mini session?

Well, that depends on your photographer. Around here, I offer outdoor mini sessions in Marin as well as maternity and family mini sessions in my Sausalito studio.

Every photographer is different, though, so make sure you research exactly what you are booking before you book. Some require full payment and it’s not refundable, some only include a small number of images with the option to upgrade for another fee and some only happen during certain times of the year.

If you are in San Francisco or Marin (or are willing to travel!) and think your kiddos would be good candidates for a mini session, but have never had one before, read about some of the differences and similarities between these and my signature sessions.

What are the differences between a signature session and a mini session?

• Time

  • Mini: Mini sessions are a 25 minute stretch of time. In that time, I prioritize getting traditional, everyone looking at the camera and smiling shots, as well as each combination of family members (mom and dad alone, mom and dad with child #1 or #2, mom with child, dad with child, siblings, etc). If everyone is in a good mood and we get those all right away, we move onto candids and more natural moments, which is what I am known for! If your child is slow to warm, or has a hard time staying still for the traditional shots with lots of energy, since those are the priority, we may not get a chance to get all of the family member combinations or candid images. I definitely recommend knowing your kids and making sure they will warm to a (very friendly and fun!) stranger in a short amount of time.

  • Signature: I spend an hour photographing each family for my signature sessions. That gives us plenty of time to get to know one another and to turn it around if a family member isn’t opening up as quickly or is having a meltdown. It also allows me to get more candid photos and detail shots, like little hands, eyelashes, and tender moments between individual family members. It also allows for some wiggle room if you had a setback at home and arrive late.

• Location 

  • Mini: Minis are held at three pre-determined locations in North Marin. You can read about the location options here. They also take place in my beautiful, all white Sausalito studio. If you’d like more selection options, a signature session may be a better fit.

  • Signature: I work with each family to pick one of six amazing Marin and San Francisco locations, which you can see here. They are all chosen for different reasons and focus on some of the most iconic parts of the Bay Area (hello redwoods and the Golden Gate Bridge!), and one of the great things is they don’t all have to be photographed at sunset if you are wanting an earlier start time, especially in the summer with the longer days. I often do in-home photoshoots for families with kids on different nap schedules, or people who are celebrating a new home or new addition to their family.

• Cost- Minis cost less than signature sessions. Obviously. They can be great for years in-between milestones or if you had newborn images earlier in the year and want an end of year update.

• Number of Images- As you’d imagine, a shorter session means less images. If you are just looking for a few ‘framers’, a mini is great, but if you are wanting to tell more of your family’s story or are looking to fill an album, a signature session will be best.

What are the similarities between a signature session and a mini session?

• One-on-One Attention- No matter how you walk through my proverbial doors, or what type of session you have, I always deliver one-on-one attention to each member of your family. I will always turn into a full blown clown for any toddler needing a laugh, and I will snuggle any baby you need me to so you can fix your hair or cuddle your spouse. Even in a short mini session, I consider my clients my friends, and I always try my best to make sure no one feels rushed or uncomfortable.

• Photography Style- What you see on my website is what you get. I will always deliver a life-like edit, with a focus on natural smiles and candid moments between loved ones. I encourage tickle fights and will probably make you kiss on camera in front of your kids. I generally discourage formal attire and try to focus on natural connection, even if everyone is smiling and looking.

• Final Product-  All of my mini and signature sessions are all-inclusive. That means that you will receive all of your digital files, in high-resolution to download. There is a print gallery attached to the download site which gives you access to my professional printer at deep discounts as well. You are welcome to use that, or not. Totally up to you, but the files are yours, forever and always.

I hope this post answered the frequently asked question of ‘what is a mini session’ and gave you more clarity around whether one would be a good fit for you. If you read all of this and are ready to go, you can book below.