I had someone ask me about a mini session a few months ago, and I was like nah we don’t do that over here. Why? I’ll explain in this blog post with some key points, but I will say this, I don’t ever knock what other photographers do. I can only tell you what I do and don’t do. I’m different, so don’t come after me for what I choose to do. With that being said, here is why I only offer full photography sessions (not mini sessions).
First, how long is a mini session? Most people do 15 to 20 min. It’s defined as a quick photoshoot to grab some photos, and you usually get to pick about 5 or 10 photos in that session to keep. I think this is a great definition of what it is. I never liked them because if you are a new client it takes about 15 min for you and me to get comfortable. A mini session is great for clients you already know, but for new clients, it can be a lot if you don’t know their angles or how comfortable they are in front of you and the camera.
I don’t do them because it’s simply not enough time for us to get comfortable. I like to get to know you a little during our photo session and then we get to talking. It helps me tell the story of who you are since I’m more of a documentary photographer. I can observe better. I can see how you interact with your kids or your boo or how you interact with me. Then once I feel like I’ve nailed the story a little I can rock and roll. So for the first 15 min of our session, we are finding our way plus I don’t like to be rushed. I like to take my time to get the photo. We are going to do an hr! A full session is an experience your family will talk about. Mini sessions feel rushed and transactional.
Real moments, laughter, and connection take time to unfold naturally. It’s how I get the great photos. I’m funny (at least I think I am) and in order to see that we have to have some time. I had a session a few days ago with a new client who had teen boys. This was a new client and the boys didn’t want to be there so mom took about 10 minutes alone to convince them to even smile. One smiled the other was over it so I had to think quickly and I started asking the oldest what’s some of his interests. He said he loved the band so I said ooohhh let me talk to him about that. While I’m taking photos of mom and the one son who wanted to smile I was able to talk to the other son about his interests and got him to give me a quick smile. The more we talked the more we opened up. That takes time…it can’t be done over email or the phone because when it’s time to shoot, we gotta get the photos in real life. Taking the time to talk produced the smile I needed in the end. That session was an hr but the great photos didn’t come out until the last 20 min.
Now I have done quick sessions for clients whom I’ve shot before but I know them. I know their angles…we don’t have to do a lot of talking, I can get right there and shoot the photo. I still do those in 30 min but I keep those to clients who need just that and they get a different pricing structure. Everyone else it’s the hr. We will need the entire hr. I also offer mini sessions for my regular clients with my free giveaway that I do every year. More on that in the newsletter.
Would you do a mini session?
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