Mini Session vs. Full Session: What's the Difference, and Which One is Right for You?

February 22, 2025

Hey there, photo lovers! Today, we're diving into one of the hottest questions we get here at Raven Skylar Photography: "Should I book a mini session or go all-in with a full session?" Great question! Let's unravel this photography mystery together, shall we?

Mini Sessions: Quick, Snappy, and Fun!

Imagine this: you're a busy bee, but you still crave those gorgeous, professional shots of your family, your kids, or even just yourself! Enter the mini session—our bite-sized, time-savvy superstar.


Here's what you get:

  • Short and Sweet: Usually around 15-30 minutes. Perfect if your little ones have short attention spans or if your partner gets camera-shy after a few snaps.
  • Budget-Friendly: These sessions are priced lower than full sessions, giving your wallet something to smile about.
  • Great for Specific Occasions: Think holiday cards, quick updates, or themed shoots (hello, spring blossoms or autumn leaves!).
  • Photographer-Designed: The photographer chooses the date, theme, setup, and location. Multiple sessions are typically scheduled back-to-back on the same day.


But here's the catch—you get fewer images to choose from and less variety in backgrounds and poses. It’s all about efficiency, darling!

Full Sessions: Relaxed, Customized, and Oh-So-Fabulous!

Now, let's talk about full sessions. Think of these as the luxurious spa day of photography.


What's the scoop?

  • Time is on Your Side: Usually 1-2 hours. That means more outfit changes, location variety, and, of course, more creativity.
  • Personalized Attention: We take our sweet time to capture all your best angles and real, genuine moments. No rushing here!
  • A Treasure Trove of Images: You'll have a gallery filled with diverse, stunning shots to frame, share, and cherish forever.
  • Client-Centric Flexibility: There's only one client scheduled per date, allowing more flexibility in choosing locations and themes or set designs. This means more looks, variety, and unique personalization in your shoot.


Sure, full sessions require more planning and a bigger investment. But they're perfect if you want to tell a story or capture milestones like engagements, maternity, or those dreamy family portraits that make everyone say, "WOW!"

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Here's a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:


  • Choose a Mini Session if:
  • You're pressed for time (or patience!).
  • You're on a tighter budget.
  • You just need a handful of awesome photos.
  • Go for a Full Session if:
  • You love variety and want options galore.
  • You're celebrating something special.
  • You prefer a relaxed, laid-back vibe.

Final Clicks and Giggles

Both mini and full sessions have their own sparkle. It's all about finding the perfect fit for your needs and style. Remember, whether you're posing for 15 minutes or an hour, the magic lies in having fun and being yourself.


Want to be the first to know when we offer our exclusive mini sessions? Sign up for our VIP mini session mailing list and never miss out on capturing those picture-perfect moments!