Mini-sessions, Petites, Signatures—oh my! With so many options available for family photo sessions, how do you know which one is best for you? While your budget and time availability are certainly important factors to consider, there are other key elements that can help guide your decision. Don’t worry—I’m here to break down each session type for you and provide a clear comparison of the pros and cons so you can choose the one that fits your family best. If you have any questions, just shoot me a message and I’ll help you with all the details and questions… either over the phone or email, whichever prefer.
Premium Storytelling Sessions: A Full Documentary Experience
For families seeking a truly immersive experience, premium storytelling sessions offer the ultimate in capturing real, candid moments. These sessions typically last several hours, giving us time to document your family life as it unfolds. From everyday activities to special occasions, storytelling sessions offer a snapshot into the heart of your life right now, preserving the moments that matter most.
Pros:
– Authentic and intimate: These sessions are designed to capture raw, unposed moments—whether it’s playing with the kids, cooking dinner together, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
– Multiple locations and outfits: We have the flexibility to change locations and outfits, allowing for a wide range of looks and feels.
– Ideal for milestone moments: If you want to preserve the essence of your family as it is now—whether it’s the early years of your children, a special anniversary, or a new chapter in your life—a storytelling session is a perfect choice.
Cons:
– Honestly, I can’t think of any cons here other than it possibly being more time-consuming. This option requires a larger time commitment, often lasting several hours (which is perfect for raw, beautiful, authentic photos that are emotive and pure!)
Premium storytelling sessions are ideal for those who want to capture their family’s authentic essence over a longer period to create a fuller picture of life as it is today. If you’re interested in preserving not just the posed moments, but the true day-to-day life of your family, this is the session for you.
Signature Sessions: A Personalized Experience
For families who want to capture a wide variety of photos, poses, and locations, Signature sessions are a fantastic option. Lasting about an hour, these sessions allow us to explore different location settings, take our time to get comfortable, and create a set of stunning images that truly reflect your family dynamic.
Pros:
– Time to relax and enjoy: With an hour to work with, there’s no rush to get the perfect shot within minutes of meeting. This allows everyone to feel at ease and more natural.
– Variety and creativity: You can explore multiple poses and locations (for example, inside your home and outside, too. Or Roaming around and exploring a park or town), and outfits, creating a diverse collection of images that tell a unique story about your family.
– Ideal for families of all sizes: Whether you’re a small family or a larger group, the extra time means we can take group shots and individual portraits without feeling hurried.
Cons:
– More time commitment: While it’s a more flexible and thorough experience, it does require a bigger time investment than mini or petite sessions.
Signature sessions are perfect for those looking for a deeper, more personal photo experience—ideal for families who want both candid and posed shots, with ample time to play and explore different looks.
Petite Sessions: The Sweet Spot for Balance
A step up from mini-sessions, Petite sessions typically last around 30 minutes and are usually held in a specific location in Granville, Ohio. These sessions offer a little more time for creativity and fun without the full commitment of a longer session. This makes them ideal for things like senior portraits, maternity photos, engagement shoots, small family sessions, or professional headshots.
Pros:
– More time for variety: With a half-hour session, there’s a bit more flexibility to experiment with different poses and settings.
– Affordable yet versatile: Petite sessions provide a great balance of value and creativity without the investment of a full-length session.
– Great for milestones: Whether it’s a special occasion like a pregnancy announcement, graduation, or an engagement, petite sessions are great for marking those moments.
Cons:
– Limited time for larger families or young children: While more time than a mini-session is a plus, it may still feel rushed if you have a large family or young children who need time to adjust. Petite sessions offer less storytelling elements of a longer session.
Petite sessions are perfect for those who want more than just a quick snapshot but don’t require the extensive time investment of a full session.
Mini-Sessions: Quick, Simple, and Affordable
Mini-sessions are exactly what they sound like—short and sweet! Typically lasting around 15 minutes, these sessions are scheduled back-to-back with other clients at a predetermined location. Mini-sessions are ideal for families looking for a quick portrait update, a special announcement (think engagement, baby reveal, etc.), or even professional headshots. You can sign up for my email list HERE to be the first to know when these offerings go live.
Pros:
– Time-efficient: Perfect for families or individuals who don’t want a long photo session but need a quick snapshot.
– Affordable: Mini-sessions are budget-friendly, making them an excellent option for families who like to get photos more often throughout the year or those on a tighter budget.
– Minimal stress: With such a short time frame, mini-sessions can be more manageable for busy families.
Cons:
– Limited flexibility: Since mini-sessions are scheduled one after another, there’s little room for rescheduling or extra time if something goes wrong (like a crying toddler or an outfit mishap—darn that BBQ sauce).
– Not ideal for larger families or younger children: With such a short time frame, it may be challenging to get everyone settled and capture great shots, especially if you have a large group or young kids who may need extra time to warm up.
Mini-sessions are perfect for quick updates, but if you’re looking for more variety or a relaxed, playful experience, this might not be the best option for you.
No matter which session you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the highest level of care and attention whenever we work together. Whether you’re opting for a quick mini-session or a full premium storytelling experience, my goal is to create beautiful, meaningful photos that you’ll treasure forever.
When selecting the right session for your family, it’s important to consider factors like the size of your family, the ages of your children, the level of flexibility you want, and of course, your budget and available time. Take your time to reflect on what matters most to you, and let’s create something wonderful together!
If you’re ready to book or have any questions about which session type would be the best fit for you, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help you make the perfect choice.
