Full Sessions vs. Minisessions: Which Option is Best for Your Family?
The term “minisession” is an increasingly popular term in the family photography world, but I have found there is often confusion around what a minisession is and how it works. Every photographer structures elements of business differently, including whether or how they choose to offer minisessions. As a family photographer in the Columbus area, my goal is to serve a variety of clients while maintaining the integrity of my business structure. In order to do this, I offer minisessions that look very different from my full sessions, and both are equally fun and popular. So, how do you choose which option is right for you? Please read on to find out!
Elements of a Full Session
They last 60-90 minutes, on average, allowing time for everyone to slow down, get comfortable, and enjoy the process.
They take place throughout the year, as your schedule allows.
They take place at your home or another significant location where your family can participate in “normal life” (see FAQs and Family Story Sessions for more information about this). In other words, you don’t have to drag anyone kicking and screaming into the car…yay!
They are storytelling in nature. The photos work together to capture the essence of your family at this stage of life, yet many of the photos can also stand on their own.
Because full sessions are personalized, they effectively accommodate both DIYers AND those who want dedicated attention and assistance through the entire process, from booking your session to getting careful-chosen products into your hands in a simple, streamlined way.
A creative session fee of $250 will secure your session (accounting for session time, editing, and personalized ordering assistance). All products, including digital files, are purchased after you see your hand-edited photos, allowing for a truly customized end result.
Clients typically invest between $1000 - $3000 total on the session fee plus desired products (usually a book and/or framed wall prints in addition to digital files). Collections range from $800 - $1900 with early-ordering incentives available.
Elements of a Minisession
They last 15 minutes, on average, so you are in and out in no time.
They are limited and are booked on a first-come-first-served basis (and, they open to newsletter subscribers first).
They are booked back-to-back at a set location and on specific dates (only once or twice a year), no exceptions.
They are perfect for anyone who just wants some quick, updated shots, whether for holiday cards, profile pics, an upgrade to your standard school photo, or gift prints for family.
They are geared toward clients who are comfortable with a more DIY experience, offering access to an online store including professional prints and exclusive minisession products.
A session fee will book your session and includes a set number of digital files with the option to upgrade to the full gallery of digital files. I include a print release and lab recommendation so you can put your files to good use.
Minisessions begin at $250, and the majority of clients choose to purchase the full gallery of files for an additional $150.
Making the Decision
What else do you need to consider when deciding which option is best for you? First, what does your gut say? Is something quick and standard exactly what you need for your family, and will you take it upon yourself to use the included digital files to create something tangible for your family? If so, a minisession may be the perfect fit. Or, will your family enjoy a more personal, relaxed experience, including the process of spending time together doing something you love? Do you value input and assistance in bringing your photos to life via heirloom printed products? If you know in your heart that you will struggle to do anything meaningful with digital files due to time constrains and that thing called “life”, it is a true gift to yourself to have someone else (me) take care of it all for you. If you’re nodding your head to this sentiment, a full session might be for you. You will value the savings in time and stress on the back end.
Maybe the best decision for your family is a mixture of both session types over the years! Whichever route you choose, you will never regret getting regular photos of your family and somehow, some way, putting those photos to use so you can enjoy them every day.
A Final, Important Note
Regardless of whether you have decided you are a full session family or a minisession family, you will want to subscribe to my newsletter to make sure you are the first to hear about events and offerings as time goes on, including announcements for minisession dates. All you have to do is scroll to the bottom of this page and input your name and email address. My plan is to send, at most, a monthly update, so I promise your inbox will not be bombarded.
If you are still unsure about which session type is a best fit for you, I’m just a phone call or email away, and I’m happy to answer any questions and/or give any insight. No matter what you choose, I promise you will be a valued client and a special part of Devon Albeit Photography.