Perception Studio {Photographer}

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Mini Sessions vs. Regular Sessions

I get messages from people on a daily basis asking about scheduling a “mini session”. It has become a catch phrase in the industry over the past couple of years because so many photographers push “mini sessions” and that is what clients think they need to schedule because it is a phrase they have heard over and over again. Yet, I find that most people don’t even know what a true mini session really is, in fact, even some photographers don’t.

So what is a true mini session?

  • As the name implies, a mini session is a quick session, usually 10-20 minutes long. This characteristic is the most defining factor, but length alone does not make something a mini session.

  • Mini sessions only include a handful of digitals or prints, not all of the images from your session. Usually more images can be purchased for an additional fee after the session.

  • Mini sessions usually offer fewer poses and options. A lot of the time, mini sessions are offered as back to back sessions on a specific date where clients come consecutively for a themed session option. Some photographers call mini sessions “Limited Edition Sessions” because they are limited in the sense that you can only schedule with a certain set/theme for one day only. On the opposite end of the spectrum, mini sessions can also mean little or no props/sets will be used. Sometimes they are offered as a very basic set up to keep costs lower for the client and may not include any set or props at all for a more budget friendly option.

  • Mini sessions are one outfit and one location. With mini sessions, you usually don’t have a large choice in time or place, if you get one at all. (If you haven’t figured it out yet, mini session = less options and client input, which can be a good/bad thing depending on the type of person you are)

  • Most mini sessions do not offer the ability to reschedule - since they are a specific date and time, if you can’t make it, you don’t get to do the session and may lose out on the retainer you paid to book it.

One myth that I think a lot of clients think is mini sessions are the cheapest option. I find that when most clients ask about a mini session, they really are asking what the most budget friendly option is for their specific needs. While mini sessions are short, that doesn’t mean they are always cheaper than a regular session. Some mini sessions have elaborate sets or rented locations that raise the package price because the cost to the photographer is higher. Some may include a separate professional service, like hair and makeup, that also increases the overall package price. Also, if you find you want to add additional images to the base package, sometimes the cost ends up being higher overall than for a regular session package, making it really not the cheapest option when it is all said and done anyway.

That said, mini sessions can be a great option for a lot of people. When you only want a small selection of images to choose from and don’t need a lot of options as far as location, time, or outfits, a mini session may just be right for you. I am a fast shooter and typically can capture a lot in a short amount of time - that comes with experience. A “mini” session for me will probably actually capture more than what another photographer does during their regular session, which is also why you may find my “mini session” option priced higher than some less seasoned photographers. As with everything in the industry, not all photographers are priced the same because not all offer the same exact thing. For me, minis tend to be perfect for milestone sessions (i.e. first year and birthdays), young children, and individual families.

What advantages does a regular session offer because minis sound pretty great !?!?!?

  • More variety. Whether it be additional locations and backdrop options, outfits, poses, product inclusions…..a regular session is always going to have more options available. A regular session if going to offer you an all-around more customized experience. Overall, regular sessions provide more value and service in comparison to a mini session.

  • Shooting at the most ideal times…..you can pick what is most convenient date and time for you and not be limited to just a single day and handful of times available. The single most important factor that makes or breaks a photo for me is lighting. When I shoot minis, because I am offering multiple sessions in a row, I need a large chunk of time to shoot during - and not all spots are going to offer the same quality of light. With regular sessions, since you’re picking the day and time, you can always schedule when lighting is most ideal for the location you choose. Pro tip: late afternoon and evening sessions are always the best for soft, flattering light.

  • You pick your location. You have a lot more options to choose from to select the perfect place(s) for the type of look you want.

  • Regular sessions are better if one of the persons being photographed is overly shy. You may think I’m talking about children…but that isn’t the case. I’m actually talking about adults. A lot of the time, it takes an adult longer to get comfortable in front of the camera, where it actually works the opposite with a lot of children. If you or someone else in the photos is overly shy, self conscious, or awkward, you may want to consider a longer session to give more time for warming up and being able to react naturally to the photographer’s prompts. And if you have a painfully shy child with parental separation anxiety, a longer session may also be better for you.

  • You have more time to explore and find the perfect hidden spaces. I have a few locations that are “go to” spots for minis because I know I can shoot in a small area and get more variety in a short amount of time. The thing is, some places I adore we can’t go to because it takes too long to walk there or to walk around the location during the short session time. Even when I’ve been to a location a thousand times, every day is different, especially because of seasonal changes and light differences, but when I have a longer session with someone, we can explore and pick out those perfect little spots specific to that day and time.

  • If you run late at all, you still have time….remember how minis are typically booked back to back? If you’re late, you just lost your spot because being late by 5 minutes may have just ate up half your session time. With regular sessions, you’re still going to have a larger chunk of time remaining that is available to you; if you’re late by 5 minutes to a 40 minute session, that isn’t as tragic of a loss.