Mini Shoot vs Family Portrait Session
I say it all the time, family photographs are a wise investment. A full portrait session is a wonderful way to craft a series of images that captures you and your family in a given moment in time and the resulting images are 100% guaranteed to appreciate in value over time.
A family photography session can also be a great way to block out some quality time together with your child. Before the hormones kick in and our child begins to spread their own wings, all our little one wants from us is our time and attention. A family shoot which encourages play in the great outdoors is a pretty cool way to while away a couple of hours whilst having it all captured on film.
That said, I understand that for some a full 2 hour family portrait session can seem a little daunting, or even self-indulgent if you’re terribly British about it like I once was! Have you ever felt this way?
Family mini shoots are the short and sweet version of a full photography session and can be a fantastic way to update your family photos with a handful of beautiful images, without investing a lot of time or money in the process.
I’ve outlined the pros and cons of both options, which I hope will help you decide what’s best for your family right now:
Full Family Photography Sessions
Pros:
In-Depth Experience: Full sessions often last approximately 2 hours, allowing for more relaxed interactions and a variety of poses and settings.
Comprehensive Coverage: Ideal for capturing a wide range of moments, including candid shots, group photos and individual portraits.
Customisation: I have more time to work with your preferences, incorporating different locations and outfits.
Quality Time: These sessions can be more of an experience, providing quality family bonding time while creating memories.
Cons:
Higher Cost: Due to the extended time and detailed work involved, full sessions are more expensive than mini shoots.
Time-consuming: Finding a suitable time slot that works for everyone can be challenging, especially with busy family schedules.
Energy Levels: Young children might get restless or tired over a longer period and this can sometimes be reflected in the photos towards the end of the session.
Family Mini Shoots
Pros:
Affordability: Mini sessions are typically much more affordable, making professional photography accessible to more families.
Time-Efficient: Lasting around 15 minutes, mini sessions are perfect for families with tight schedules.
Quick Engagement: Shorter sessions are great for keeping young children interested and cooperative.
Frequent Updates: Due to the lower cost and shorter time, you might opt for more frequent photo sessions throughout the year.
Cons:
Limited Variety: With limited time, there is less opportunity for variations in poses, outfit changes or switching up locations.
Less Personalised: Mini shoots are scheduled back-to-back with other clients, inevitably leading to a more general experience.
Fewer Images: You’ll receive fewer final photos compared to a full session.
Deciding What’s Best for Your Family
When deciding between a full family photography session and a mini shoot, consider the following:
Budget: What are you willing to spend? If cost is a concern, mini shoots are a great option! If you're looking for a special experience which enables you and your family to enjoy quality time together, then a full session is worth the investment.
Schedule: How much time can your family realistically dedicate?
Purpose: Are you looking for a quick update to your family photos or a more in depth and memorable experience?
Children’s Temperament: If your child hasn’t had the picture taken professionally before then a brief session might be the less stressful option in the first instance, so you can see how they take to the experience and perhaps opt for a longer session next time.
Has this been helpful?
If you’d like to invest in a full family photography session, then I would love to work with you to create that personalised collection of photographs for you and your family to treasure!
Alternatively if you’d like to book a family mini shoot, I have two dates coming up in Thornton Hough on 28th July & 10th August. In just 15 minutes I’ll capture a short series of beautiful portraits for you to choose from. For a set fee of £75 you’ll receive five high resolution digital images, with the option to purchase more if you simply can’t narrow down your favourites! Email me directly to secure your spot.
Need some inspiration? Check out my portrait portfolio.
