Mini-Session Vs Full Session Vs Petite Session?

Mini Session vs Full Session: which one is right for you?

If you’ve ever considered booking a professional photography session, you most likely have come across the terms “mini session” and “full session.” While both options produce beautiful, timeless images, they serve different purposes and cater to different needs. So, how do you decide which one is best for you? Let’s break down the key differences and help you choose the perfect fit! 

What is a mini-session?

A mini-session is exactly that- a shorter simplified session where the photographer picks the dates and sets or themes. These are typically fifteen minutes or less and focus on a small number of images, often around five to ten. Mini-sessions are often offered at specific times of the year, like during holidays, tied to a theme like back to school or spring. Since the location, date, and setup are predetermined by the photographer, the focus is on efficiency and simplicity. 

Highlights: 

Time Commitment: Quick-up to fifteen minutes

Cost: Varies  and includes a limited number of portraits

Customization: Little to none as the photographer sets the theme, location, and style 

Purpose: Ideal for seasonal portraits, holiday cards, or milestone moments.

Perfect for: back-to-school or any holiday photos. 

What is a Full Session?

A full session, on the other hand, is a comprehensive and customizable experience. Typically lasting at least an hour, a full session allows for greater variety and creativity. You have the option of the date, the theme, and the location. Full sessions are perfect for capturing big moments such as family, maternity, senior, engagement, or newborn portraits. With more time you can relax and let your personality shine, creating a collection of images that tell a full story. 

Highlights:

Time Commitment: up to one hour or more

Cost: Higher priced and includes more images

Customization: Full control over the location, outfits, props, and themes

Purpose: Ideal for life’s big milestones or when you want more variety or need more time

Perfect for: Clients who want a tailored, in-depth experience with more photos and more options. 

What is a Petite Session?

A petite session is almost like a bridge between the two sessions. It is a way to get more time than a mini-session without the full cost of a full session. Petite sessions do not have as many options for locations as a full session, but you get

Time Commitment: up to forty-five minutes

Cost: More than a min-session but less than a full session

Customization: You may not be able to pick the location but you can pick other parts of the session. 

Purpose:  Ideal for those who want more than a mini-session but less than a full session

Perfect for: Family portraits with small children. This is also what I have my gown sessions listed under. 

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a Mini-session if you: want a quick, budget-friendly option for a season or specific occasion. Think holiday cards, or any holiday, or back-to-school photos. Something where you would only need a few pictures. 

Choose a full session if you: want a personalized, detailed experience with a variety of poses, locations, and images to choose from. This is perfect for family, engagement, newborn or major milestones. 

Choose a petite session if: you are worried about kids (or adults)not being cooperative for an hour or longer, or if you want a few updated family photos but can’t swing the price of a full session right now. 

No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is that you are capturing memories to cherish for years to come. Whether it is a short and sweet mini-session, a full family session or a petite session professional photography is always worth it.