Mini vs. Full Family Photo Sessions: How to Choose | Austin Family Photographer
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Should we do a mini session or a full session?” you’re not alone. Both options have their perks, and the best choice depends on your family’s needs, personality, and priorities. Here’s what to expect from each so you can decide what’s right for you.
What’s a Mini Session?
A mini session is a short and sweet version of a full session. It’s usually 15–20 minutes, with a set location, date, and time slot. They’re often scheduled back-to-back with other families (think spring blooms, fall foliage, or holiday setups).
Mini sessions are great if:
You want a small number of updated photos for a holiday card or seasonal refresh
Your kids have short attention spans and warm up quickly to new situations
You prefer a lower investment of both time and budget
You’re okay with less variety in poses, backgrounds, and candids
Because the time is limited, we stick to a quick flow of prompts and poses, and there’s not wiggle room for outfit changes, snack breaks, or exploring a second location.
What’s a Full Session?
A full session is all about flexibility. About 45–60 minutes of unhurried time together, in a location we choose that’s just for your family. We can take our time settling in, letting the kids explore, and capturing a mix of posed, prompted, and totally unprompted moments.
Full sessions are perfect if:
You want a wide variety of images and more storytelling in your gallery
You have multiple kids (or family members) who might need breaks or extra time to warm up
You’d like the freedom to change outfits or try multiple backdrops
You want to include pets, extended family, or a special activity (like a picnic or creek play)
The extra time lets us create those in-between moments — the giggles during a piggyback ride, the way your toddler tucks into your shoulder, or your older kids skipping rocks together as the sun dips lower.
How to Decide
Ask yourself:
What’s the purpose of these photos? If it’s a quick holiday card update, a mini might be perfect. If you want to document your family’s full story right now, lean toward a full session.
How much variety do I want? Full sessions give you more backgrounds, poses, and candid opportunities. Minis are more streamlined.
How quickly do my kids (or partner!) warm up? If you know it takes 15–20 minutes just for everyone to relax, a full session will give us the time we need.
What’s my budget and availability? Minis are budget-friendly but offered only on certain dates. Full sessions offer more flexibility in scheduling and location.
Mini vs. Full: Final Thoughts
Mini sessions are quick, fun, and ideal for a small refresh. Full sessions are slower-paced, flexible, and give you a richer, more varied gallery.
Whether you choose mini or full, my goal is the same: to capture genuine, connected images of your family.
If you’re still unsure, reach out and tell me what you’re hoping for. I’ll help you figure out which option will give you exactly what you need.
Jessica
Wilding Photography
Jessica Wilding
Lifestyle Photographer
An Austin family photographer who creates images that are warm, connected, and true to your family. Whether you’re soaking up the last days of pregnancy, welcoming your newborn, or chasing toddlers through tall grass, I work with families and individuals who embrace both the chaos and the wonder of this season.
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