Why to Book a Family Mini Session, and When to Ditch It
By Joanna Goodman
Sometimes you need one good photo. Or three. Or five. But if you’re like me, you more often want fifty good photos. You want the kids’ various facial expressions. You want a variety of family poses, you want your snuggle connections with each child caught on camera and looking like artwork. So why would you want to book a Mini? And when does it make sense to say goodbye, and jump into a Full session?
Mini Pros first!
Cha-Ching!
Even if you want ALL the photos and then some, there are benefits of snagging a Mini Session sometimes. First, it’s super cost effective. You want to document the season of family life you’re in, and a Mini is *always* better than we’ll-wait-till-next-year-except-oops-they-grew-five-more-inches-and-the-baby-curls-are-gone-now! Ok, that was a mouthful, but you get my point. Documenting your life along the way is something you’ll never regret investing in. I ONLY regret the times I didn’t. Minis make this manageable for all budgets.
Special Pop-Ups
Every so often, along come some fun Mini pop-up opportunities that are just for the kids. This takes the pressure off of having the entire family outfits coordinated. These can be worth booking for the tradition (maybe you get photos with Santa every year), or you’re after the fine art quality you appreciate in a photo. *ahem, shameless plug coming up* I definitely have some fine art kid portrait pop-ups coming in the near*ish* future, and sessions like this can be a clear winner to secure some lifestyle fine art child portraits to grace your walls and gift the grandparents. Pop-ups are FUN and super short for the kids (think 5 minutes per kid!). This can be dreamy for those of you who can’t imagine them sitting still much longer (although, for mine *spoiler alert* it doesn’t matter if they sit still or not).
Updated Family Picture
You know the one. It’s the classic image of the family snuggled into nature and smiling at the camera, looking rather pristine and especially joyful to be near each other on the Christmas card. While I *do* get shots like this at lifestyle family sessions, all-eyes-on-the-camera is not the main focus. Minis give you the in-and-out feature of *just snagging THAT shot* if that’s what you’re needing at the moment. (Minis with me include lifestyle images, as well, just less of them because of the time factor!).
Dreaming of a Mini? I do them year-round, at a location of my choice, or as events. Sometimes they’re *just* what you need.
When to Ditch the Mini!
I’m not gonna lie. I’m all about the Full Session. I think that *most often* this is what my families really crave and need. There’s a LOT of good reasons for that, but let me share just a few.
Kids Have Time to Warm Up
I understand the initial cringey thought process that sets you wondering — can my child really hold up that long? Not only CAN they, but the time a full session allows actually makes for a comfortable photo shoot for kids. There’s time to ease in, start feeling more normal in front of the camera, and lean into being their full selves with you, their adoring parents. While it’s true that every toddler has their breaking point, there’s a million gem moments to uncover after they forget that this is supposed to be a photoshoot and they just get to play with mom & dad.
Variety Variety Variety
You’ve heard the “Location Location Location” version, but this one — Variety — is a terrific reason to spring for the Full Session. There’s more time for more imagery and poses and play, adding up to a luxurious well-rounded gallery highlighting layers of your family connections. I love telling a fuller story, and showcasing multiple sides of who you are.
You Want to See Your Family Story Details
Never underestimate the power of details, because someday those things you could-not-for-the-love imagine forgetting, will come blazing back when you see that photo. You know what I’m talking about. Certain faces your kid makes, those baby curls you wish could last forever, and how you interact with them. So often you’re taking the photos, now is the chance to see from the outside in (which is SUCH a gift to your kids later, too). Your hand on their back, the way you nuzzle noses with your littles, the joy on their faces as you laugh with your biggers. These are the sweet details you’ll never regret investing in.
Are you ready to book the session that’s *best* for your family?
Let’s make it happen!