Mini Sessions vs. Full Sessions

Are you having trouble deciding if you should book a Full Session or a Mini Session with P.I.C. Photo? This is a great question and it comes up so frequently during our seasonal Mini’s, that we wanted to break it down for you in a blog post.

Mini Sessions: If you are looking for a few updated family photos for a Holiday card or want to document a small milestone, then our MINI session is the way to go. Some people like to capture their families several times a year to have it professionally documented and MINI’s are great for that. These sessions are better for a smaller sized family(no more than 2-5 people). These sessions are also great if you know you and your kids can turn on the charm really fast and are used to being the center of attention. Maybe you want to try out a photographer before committing to the Full Session, this is your best opportunity.

Full Family Session: Do you already know that your kids and yourself needs some time to warm up and get used to being in front of the camera ? Or maybe you want to have a more personalized and comfortable time with all our focus to your family. These sessions are good for any family size! Allows us for more collaborative creativity and we are able to take all requests! If you have more than 5 people in your family or maybe have a very specific ideas/requests and locations in mind, then this the session you need.

VARIETY / # OF IMAGES

You might just need several photos to document growth in your family or maybe you have never had photos done before of your family and there is a TON to showcase. OR maybe you need just one main photo to hang in the perfect spot in your living room of the family together OR you you just moved and need to decorate ALL of the walls in every room of your home! Whatever the reason, we can help you decide what session will be the best fit.

Mini Sessions: We aim to get several good overall family photos, the siblings together, with parents and some individual photos. We do like to have fun, get crazy and anything we can to get the kids and everyone to have a good time and we bring treats if you need a good bribe! We generally do not have time for other posing or background request. You’ll receive several final High Res. images from a mini gallery!

Full Family Session: You’ll see a much larger variety in posing combinations. We’ll get a chance to customize the session to your family dynamics based on many factors including; location, number of persons, personalities, energy levels and age range. We focus on a capturing the connection and give you fun/unique directing to photograph your essence. All requests are welcome; ie: other location or some unique variety in the posing/combinations. You’ll receive more final High Res. images and low resolution full gallery.

TIME

How do you know how much time is right for you and your family? Depending on what you are looking to do with the photos, that will help decide how you should book your session. The most obvious difference is in the word ‘mini’ and that means exactly how it sounds, a miniature session.

Mini Sessions: During our Mini’s, we schedule 15 minute time slots at set locations of our choice. Being early to these sessions are a must as if you miss your time slot, with bookings before and after your sessions, we won’t be able to accommodate your family.

Full Family Session: Our Full Family Milestone sessions are between 1-2 hours and may seem long, however it gives us time build a connection with you and your family. This helps everyone feel more calm and relaxed, it gives your kids time for little breaks as needed (to get re-focused with a snack or juice) and it gives us more time to be creative with your family.

TEST your PHOTOGRAPHER at the MINIS

Have you been eyeing a photographer on social media, maybe stalking them on their website and not sure if you are ready to make the full investment? This is a common thought for many people, so don’t worry, you are not alone.

Photography is not cheap, so you want to make sure you are spending your money on the perfect small business that really fits in with your family vibe. (I said it, VIBE! we are those people that are so about the vibes) Now, I am 200% a believer that you need to love your photographer.

Our goal is to be your photographers for life and we want to follow you through all of your families milestones until your kids grow up and use us too! So we encourage people to try our seasonal mini sessions while they have the chance so when it’s time for the full session, you know exactly who to call (or not to call).

Just remember when trying out a photographer, the main thing you want is to feel like the photographer(s) made you feel comfortable and confident. At a mini session, you will only be able to get a taste of what we have to offer, but if you like that little bit, just know you are going to freak when you get the whole thing!

There’s many things to take into consideration when planning your family session. If you still have more questions about what session you think is right for you or are ready to book a full session? Contact us If you are ready to book our Spring Mini Session ? Check out the link below.