Photography Mini Sessions vs. Full-Length Sessions: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Every year I get asked, “Do you do mini sessions?” Up until now, I tell the families no. This is the first year in many, many years that I am offering photography mini sessions to the families in the greater Seattle area. Why? Minis are their own vibe, and their own world. It truly is a different type of session! A full length session is a better fit for my family, so that is what I prefer to offer the families I serve. Read below in the “Considerations for Neurodiverse Families” to find out why full-length sessions are a better fit for my own family.
Anyways, when it comes to capturing precious photos, families often find themselves faced with the choice between mini sessions and full-length sessions. Each option has its unique benefits and challenges, especially when considering the diverse needs of families, including those with neurodivergent members. Let’s explore the pros and cons of both types of sessions to help your family make an informed decision.
Mini Session = Snapshot
What is a Mini Session?
Mini sessions are short, typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes, and often focus on specific themes or seasonal events. They are designed to be quick and efficient, making them appealing for families looking for a snapshot without a lengthy commitment.
Mini Session Pros Vs. Cons
Pros of Mini Sessions:
Time-Efficient: Ideal for families with busy schedules.
Lower Cost: Generally, mini sessions are more affordable than full-length sessions, making them accessible for many families.
Themed Opportunities: Many photographers offer seasonal or themed mini sessions, creating fun and unique photo experiences.
Cons of Mini Sessions:
Limited Time: The short duration can limit the number of poses and backgrounds, potentially leading to less variety in your photos.
Increased Pressure to Perform: For neurodivergent children, they can have a hard time opening up and providing focused attention in the short window of a mini session. They may need time to warm up and feel safe around a new person.
Less Flexibility: With a tight schedule, there may be less room for running late. Most minis are scheduled back to back, so if a kiddo has a meltdown at home or on the way out the door, you may loose your session. (For Feasible Photography, we book mini sessions with neurodivergence in mind, so this does not really apply here, but it is good to keep in mnd when working with other photographers.)
Rushed Experience: Families may feel hurried, especially if children take time to warm up to the photographer, which can affect the overall experience.
More Posed in Style: With how short mini sessions are, they are typically more posed in style where everyone is looking at the camera and there is very little time for spontaneity or capturing candid moments.
Fixed location and times: With neurodiverse families, often timing and location are critical. The mini sessions are fixed at a location that may be overwhelming or unwelcoming to autistic or sensitive kids. The timing may be later in the day, which often leads to neurodiverse families being more anxious by the time the session actually happens.
Full-Length = Storybook Album
What is a Full-Length Session?
Full-length sessions typically last about an hour, allowing for a more relaxed pace, and so, so much more fun to happen! These sessions can be customized to your family- date, time, location… make it work for you!! A longer sessions provides the opportunity to explore various locations within a park and capture both the “Everyone look at the camera!” photo as well as all the fun. What does that mean for you? A gallery of images that show so much more than forced smiles. :-)
Full-Length Session Pros Vs. Cons
Pros of Full-Length Sessions:
More Time to Connect: Families can engage more with the photographer, which is especially important for building rapport with neurodivergent individuals who may need extra time to feel comfortable.
Variety of Shots: With more time, photographers can capture a wider range of poses, backgrounds, and candid moments, resulting in a more comprehensive collection of images.
More Flexibility: A location and time can be chosen that best fits your family. Autistic kids typically like to be in places that are familiar to them. ADHD individuals like locations with lots of things to do. We can work together to choose a location that is an ideal fit for your family during a full length session.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Families can take breaks (snack breaks can be a huge help to kids!!!), adjust outfits, and transition smoothly between different setups, creating a more enjoyable experience.
In-Depth Storytelling: Full-length sessions allow for storytelling through images, capturing the essence of your family in various scenarios.
Cons of Full-Length Sessions:
Higher Cost: Full-length sessions are often more expensive, which may not fit every family’s budget.
Time Commitment: For families with busy lifestyles, committing to a longer session can be daunting.
(Can you tell which type of session I love the most?) :-) After working with hundreds of families year after year in the Bothell, Redmond, Woodinville and greater Seattle area for family photos, I can tell you this: Families think they want mini sessions because it is less money. But once you have a relaxed, connected full session with a skilled photographer, you will have a hard time going back to minis. The storytelling is genuine and precious. You are able to relax and be truly yourself because you have time to do be! Your kids will have time to warm up and run… and the whole experience leaves you feeling like you just had good ol’ fashion fun!
Considerations for Neurodiverse Families
My own family is neurodiverse… I think all of us are even though we don’t all have diagnoses. So, let me tell you that I strongly feel that a mini session would NOT work for my family. We are always late. We are often in a bad mood when we do arrive and the photographer does not have time to dig themselves out of whatever whole they step into when dealing with my lovely neurodiverse and passionate daughter.
When choosing between mini and full-length sessions, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your family. Neurodivergent individuals really do best when we are able to prioritize comfort and flexibility. Here are a few tips:
Opt for Full-Length Sessions for Comfort: If your family needs time to adjust and wants to capture genuine interactions, a full-length session can provide the space to relax and engage. If emotions are high, photographers have more time to accommodate big feels and meltdowns. It can take 20 minutes for an upset nervous system to reset, so if you only have a 10 minute photo session… you might end up using all that time working through feels. That won’t make anyone feel good!
Communicate with Your Photographer: Regardless of the session type, discuss any specific needs or preferences with your photographer to ensure a supportive environment. Knowing about sensitivities and potentially triggering things can really help your photographer navigate the session with ease!
Choose Mini Sessions AFTER a relationship has been established: I have worked with several families that, after we have gotten to know each other, their kids relax and open up to me instantly, so doing a mini session is as effective as a full length session. Some families that I work with that are neurodiverse should not do mini sessions though – it just isn’t a good fit. I am happy to provide advice for your family! I always want it to be a good experience for you!
Let’s Wrap This Up…
Both photography mini sessions and full-length sessions have their distinct advantages and challenges. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your family’s preferences, needs, and dynamics. By considering the pros and cons, you can choose the session type that will best capture your family’s story while ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.
Hey Photographers! Want to learn more about working with neurodiverse families in an inclusion and compassionate way? Check out ND Photography Ed for all sorts of great resources!