It’s the time of year when folks pop into my inbox asking for spring mini sessions. They want quick, easy smiles in those oh-so-cute Easter Sunday outfits. They’re the kind of pictures Grandma loves for her refrigerator and the photos the neighbors post on Facebook every holiday. Mini sessions can be absolutely adorable, gorgeous updated family pictures… but they aren’t for everyone! I’m here to deep dive into when a mini session works and when a full session is the best choice.

What is a mini session?

A mini session is a fun, short session with a central theme. Whether it’s holidays or a fun milestone, the point of the mini session is the theme. Minis are typically booked with a lower session fee because they serve a different purpose than the standard portrait session. A full length session with Brey Photo includes about an hour of play, exploration, and capturing raw, real emotion.  Minis are practical, but not emotive. If you just want updated family pictures for the wall, a Mother’s Day gift, or holiday cards, a mini is your go to. If you’re looking to document your family in their true element… let’s keep talking.

Before I go any further, I do want to let you know that I do host mini sessions! However, my mini sessions are never truly themed, Santa is never involved; my style certainly does not scream “Smile at the camera!”  While I offer special edition mini sessions occasionally, but they are only offered when I feel the session works well as a shorter, timed event. Most of my portrait sessions are held as full, 1 hour  sessions that work best for families because they offer:

• Your choice of date and time
• Breathing room. Because mini sessions are hosted typically back to back, there is no room for any hiccups in scheduling. If you’re late, you’ll end up with few usable images.
• Rain dates that fit your schedule. Mini session rain dates are usually set ahead of time, so especially in the spring, be prepared to dedicate two dates to photos instead of one.
• Styling and wardrobe consultations
• A variety of images. Mini sessions typically yield close to 10 digital images.
• Genuine connection and real positioning. When you have a shorter time frame,  you can expect a lot more direction, and not as much connection.

The Real Cost of a Photo Session

All photographers price themselves differently. “What do you charge?” is often one of the first questions new clients ask. To which I respond, “How much are you investing?” The cost of a photo session is not limited to what you pay your photographer, is it? When we invest in our memories, we are signing up for a variety of other costs, including:

• Hair and makeup styling, haircuts
• Wardrobe pieces and accessories to go with them
• Transportation to the photoshoot location
• PTO or time off of work to prepare
• Retainer fees for unforeseen circumstances

And these tangible dollar amounts are not even the biggest investment! Our biggest investment for a family session is our energy. Being vulnerable.  It’s hard to be in front of the camera. We put a lot of trust into our photographer. No one wants to receive images that make them feel bad about their appearance, and no parent wants to deal with a crying child or stressed out spouse! Especially if you’ve had this type of experience before with another photographer, it takes courage to get in front of the camera and to allow yet another artist to document your life through their lens. There’s an emotional investment that can be overlooked if you’re just price shopping.

There’s also time spent away from doing other things your family may normally be doing— that could be football practice, cooking dinner, or getting kids ready for bed. It could be that you had to trade in date night or your partner had to skip her yoga class to shoot. Photography sessions require a lot of planning ahead, a lot of mental energy, and some flexibility. The priceless price tag!

So… how do spring mini sessions even work then?!

I know this post seems like I’m knocking mini sessions into the dirt— I promise, I’m not! I love a good mini. Minis can be SO much fun. And for some families, they really are all you need.

Mini sessions are good a good fit for your family when:

• You’re flexible with the date. If you have every Saturday off and both the mini and the rain date are on a Saturday, eureka!
• Your children are on a schedule that works with the time frame.
• You love smiling at the camera photos.
• You don’t need any help with wardrobe.
• You’re looking for social media likes or a photo for a holiday card, not to make actual memories. (Y’all, this is OKAY! A cute card or Santa pics can mean just as much as a candid image)
• You and your partner are easy going (that’s why I used some of my favorite humans for this post)
• You aren’t including fur babies.

Minis are NOT a good idea if:

• You’re camera shy, or your partner isn’t comfortable having their photo taken.
• Your kids need time to warm up to strangers or if your kids have any sensory obstacles.
• Nature is not regularly a part of your lifestyle. All of my mini sessions take place outside, typically. If your child hasn’t seen grass since summer, a 15 minute mini session will revolve completely around their fascination (or hatred) of the natural surroundings— forget looking at the camera.
• You’re always late (das meeeee!) or you haven’t perfected a routine yet for getting yourself and your child(ren) out of the house on time. New mamas, I’m looking at you all!
• You’re looking for heirlooms to pass down to your children.

I know a mini might seem like the easiest option, but unless it’s right for your family, the effort and stress you will put in will actually be greater than if you commit to the full amount of time your photographer recommends. For more information about what the Brey Photo portrait experience is all about, head over here!