You have probably heard the term, "mini session" if you have ever considered scheduling a photoshoot.  Most photographers offer some sort of mini session throughout the year.   But what are they?   While I cannot speak for all the different types of mini sessions out there and the different photographers that offer them, I am going to help you understand what most mini sessions are, what they typically include, and when you should book one.  

Why are they called mini sessions?

Mini sessions are called mini sessions because they are shorter, smaller, "mini" versions of a photographer's regular session offering.  

Why do photographer's offer mini sessions?

We offer mini sessions for multiple reasons:

• Mini sessions allow us to photograph multiple families in a small-time window.  This is important during high demand, limited timeline seasons and events.  Fall & Winter Holiday Sessions are most photographers most busy time of year.  We cannot duplicate ourselves or make the fall weather last longer, so we offer mini sessions to allow as many of our great clients, timeslots to book with us and get beautiful, fall/holiday themed portraits.
• Mini sessions allow a lower entry price point.  For some families, affording a full session is just not in their current budget: I get it!  When it's not, this is a great way to work with me and get the highest quality family portraits at half the normal price.  
• Not every person wants a full themed, fall or holiday session. (Although, I DO!  Because I am obsessed with Christmas!)  So, for those that do not decorate their entire house with their kids' Christmas Pictures and gift grandparents with Christmas Story Books every year, mini sessions are great to get a handful of images that are perfect for holiday cards and updated family portraits.   
• Time.  Sometimes you don't have the time to commit an entire hour to your session, especially during those busy months, for those that cannot spare the extra time, you can still have fun family portraits to share by booking a mini session!
• Dads/Teens.  Okay, so not all dads are grouchy, actually, all my dad clients are kind and super nice, but I can tell that in some of my longer sessions, some dads are just "done" before the session is.  And that is totally normal and understandable.  Many men don't understand the emotional importance of having these photos, not yet anyway, they will appreciate you dragging them to these sessions one day.  Older teens are the same.  Many are way too cool to hang out with their parents, that closely, for too long.  I felt that way when I was a teen.  

What's included?

Mini sessions usually include 10-20 minute sessions and deliver 1-5 digital images.