How Do I Know If A Mini Family Photography Session Is Right For Me?
It is likely that if you’re someone who enjoys getting family photos taken, you have heard about the buzz surrounding mini sessions. Despite the fact that many photographers do not offer them because they don’t align with their brand and goals – which is completely understandable – there are others who absolutely adore them. There is no doubt that mini family photo sessions are extremely beneficial from both a business and client standpoint, but they are not suited to everyone. In order to decide whether or not a mini session is the right choice for your family and yourself, here are some things you need to consider.
WHAT EXPECTATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR PHOTOS?
When you book a mini family session, you can be sure that you will get just a couple good shots of your family, which is exactly what these sessions are intended for. In the event that you have a very specific shot list in mind, however, a mini session is probably not the right fit for you. A spot goes by pretty quickly, and it’s usually not possible to check off a specific set of wants on a list before it’s too late. If you just want a few good pictures, have a shorter wish list, and are willing to go with the flow of a fast, less predictable time slot, then a mini family session may be just right for you. If you have an extensive list of shots in mind that need to be taken and you don’t feel comfortable with the unpredictability of a short session to accomplish them in, then a mini family session might not be right for you.
HOW WOULD YOU DETERMINE THE PERSONALITIES OF YOUR KIDS?
A lot of family photographers try their best to be engaging and fun when working with kids. However, even with their best efforts, there are always going to be some children who may not be able to warm up during the time of a mini session. Then there will also be very energetic kids who, no matter how hard we try, are unable to sit still, despite the best efforts of everyone around them. A family mini photography session might be just what you’re looking for if you’re okay with capturing your kids just as they are, whether they’re smiling (or not), climbing, jumping, or anything else that’s in between. There is also the possibility that you have very outgoing, cooperative kids who you know will listen very well during our brief time together. A mini family session might NOT be the right choice for you if you’re really looking for more time to get the exact type of photos that you’d like, or if you’ve got a difficult or high energy child (I’ve got one of those too!) and aren’t confident that you can get the shots you want within a short period of time. It is important to keep in mind that this is one of the biggest benefits of a full session! It is time for the kids to warm up, and we have time for us to burn off that energy and capture some amazing moments for your list.
DO YOU HAVE A BUDGET IN MIND?
In case you are on a tighter budget, a mini session would be a perfect option for you. The mini session is a great way to get photos from a photographer you love, even if he or she is out of your price range. This is an excellent way to get photos from a photographer without having to spend a fortune.
WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY?
It is common for mini photo sessions to be stacked, which is why punctuality is of the utmost importance. You might find a mini session to be a great source of stress if you’re always running late to things. It is common for family photographers to be unable to honor any lost time because there will always be someone else whose spot is directly after yours. Consequently, if you are late, or if you have less shoot time than the typical 15 minute mini slot, you would not be able to apply for a spot at all. Having a mini session might be right for you if you are a very punctual individual and are confident that you will be able to get you and your family out the door and to the session before it begins. Mini-sessions might NOT be the right choice for you if you are honest with yourself and know that it would be difficult to honor a very specific time slot or if your kids are on stricter schedules that you do not feel comfortable deviating from.
I am sure that there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to choosing between a mini session and a full session, and hopefully these points have given you a glimpse into some of them.
