If you’re thinking about booking a portrait session and wondering how to choose the right session for your family. Whether a mini session or a full session is the better fit—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get, and the good news is, there’s no wrong answer—just the right fit for you.
Whether you’re hoping to update your family photos, capture a new milestone, or freeze time in the middle of a season that feels like it’s flying by, both types of sessions offer their own unique benefits. Here’s how to decide which one makes the most sense for your family.
What is a Mini Session?
Mini sessions are designed to be short, sweet, and simple, typically lasting around 15 to 20 minutes. These sessions are offered on specific dates at pre-selected outdoor locations and are a perfect option for families looking for a quick refresh of updated portraits without the commitment of a full session. They’re an ideal fit if you want beautiful, professional photos with minimal time investment, and they’re often a more budget-friendly way to document your growing family.
Mini sessions are great for capturing a few classic family poses, a handful of individual shots of the kids, and maybe a couple of sweet candid moments along the way. Because the time is limited, mini sessions work best for families who feel relatively comfortable in front of the camera, don’t need multiple outfit changes, and are happy with a smaller gallery of curated images to choose from.
Mini sessions are especially ideal if you have young children with short attention spans. You only need a few great shots for a holiday card, wall frame, or gift. Or, if you’re simply looking for a low-pressure, cost-effective way to update your family photos.
Mini Session Pros
- Short and kid-friendly (perfect for little attention spans)
- Quick and easy booking process
- Beautiful portraits without a big time commitment
- Lower overall investment compared to full sessions
Mini Session Cons
- Limited number of images and less posing variety
- No outfit changes or personalized location options
- Best suited for families comfortable moving quickly
What is a Full Session?
Full sessions offer a completely customized experience, designed to be flexible, relaxed, and tailored to your family. Typically lasting 45 to 60 minutes or longer (especially for newborn or extended family sessions), full sessions allow us to slow down and really capture the full story of your family.
During a full session, there’s time for a wide variety of poses and candid moments, outfit changes if you’d like, and even multiple locations if it fits your vision. This extra time gives kids a chance to warm up to the camera naturally, allows for snack breaks or snuggle breaks, and lets your family’s personalities shine without feeling rushed.
Full sessions also include access to my carefully curated client wardrobe, which makes planning your outfits so much easier (and adds a beautiful, cohesive look to your gallery!).
And honestly? If you ask me about the cons of a full session… I’ve got nothing. The experience is full of wins—more flexibility, more variety, and more space to let your family just be yourselves.
Full Session Pros
- Relaxed, unhurried experience with time for natural moments
- More images and greater variety (including different groupings and candid shots)
- Flexibility with locations, outfit changes, and creative ideas
- Ideal for milestones, storytelling, and larger or extended families
Full Session Cons
- I’ve got nothing 😉
What is a Petite Session?
Petite sessions are a sweet spot between mini and full sessions. They offer a bit more time and variety than a mini, but without the full customization of a full session. These are offered selectively—often as an add-on for milestone events or bundled within programs like the First Year Membership. Petite sessions are ideal if you’re looking to capture a short but meaningful chapter, like a maternity add-on or a six-month baby milestone.
Choose the Right Session for Your Family Mini or Full? Let’s Break It Down:
| Mini Session | Full Session | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 15–20 minutes | 45–60+ minutes |
| Location | Pre-selected and limited | Custom, flexible location options |
| Outfits | One outfit only | Time for outfit changes |
| Images | Smaller gallery (approx. 5–10) | Full gallery with more variety (20+) |
| Best for | Quick updates, young kids, holidays | Storytelling, milestones, relaxed experience |
| Investment | Lower, seasonal pricing | Higher, full-service experience |
Still Not Sure How to Choose the Right Session for Your Family? Here’s My Advice:
When to Choose a Raleigh Mini Session For Your Family:
- You love the idea of a short, relaxed outdoor session with simple posing.
- You want a quick and easy portrait update.
- You only need a few beautiful images.
- Your children are young and have short attention spans.
- You prefer a lower investment option.
When to Choose A Raleigh Full Session for your Family:
- You want a wider variety of images with more storytelling and candid moments.
- You’d like multiple outfit changes or a customized location.
- You’re celebrating a special milestone or including extended family.
- You prefer a slower, more relaxed experience with time for breaks.
- You want the flexibility to capture deeper connection and creativity in your portraits.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll walk away with timeless portraits you’ll treasure forever.
Bonus Tip: Mini Sessions Sell Out Fast
If you’re leaning toward a mini, keep in mind they’re only offered a few times a year and spots are limited. Spring, fall, and holiday minis tend to go quickly—so if you see an announcement, grab your spot early!
Let’s Find What the Right Session For your Family
Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or you’re dreaming up a fully customized portrait session, I’d love to help. My job is to make your photography experience simple, meaningful, and totally stress-free—no matter which session you choose.
Ready to book or still have questions? Contact me here and let’s figure it out together.
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