Mini Session or Full Session? How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Family

When you’re planning family photos, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to book a mini session or a full session. Both are great options—you truly can’t go wrong—but each one serves a different purpose depending on your family, your needs, and the type of gallery you’re hoping for. Check out my simple guide to help you choose the best fit for your next photoshoot!

Mini Sessions: Short, Sweet, and Stress-Free

My mini sessions are 20 minutes and include 15 edited images, with the option to upgrade to more images or even your entire gallery afterward.

I offer mini sessions in the spring and fall at various locations around Utah, focusing on chasing the colorful flowers in the spring and finding the most vibrant autumn backdrops in the fall. I also offer stand-alone mini sessions year round in the Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs area. 

Minis are a perfect choice if you:

• Have very young children or only a couple kids who may not last much longer than 20 minutes.
• Prefer a quick, simple session.
• Need photos for something specific, like:
  • Missionaries
  • Baptisms
  • Graduating seniors
  • Holiday card updates

One thing to keep in mind is how many kiddos you have. Families with 1–3 children often get more variety in a mini-session gallery simply because there are fewer people to photograph. If your family is smaller and you want a fast, happy experience—this is a great fit!

Full Sessions: More Time, More Variety, More Story

A full session typically lasts up to an hour (and if we need more time, we take it!). This type of session is ideal if you’re dreaming of:

• A gallery full of tiny details, individual portraits, and personality-filled candids
• Freedom to move around to different areas or explore a location
• Extra time for kids to warm up, play, and relax
• Capturing lots of variety: individuals, siblings, couples, and every moment in between

Full sessions are perfect for families with several children, or for anyone who wants a bigger, more storytelling-style gallery where nothing feels rushed.

How to Decide

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• How many kids do we have, and how long will they last?
  1–3 kids? A mini may be plenty. More kiddos or higher energy? A full might give you the breathing room you need.
• Do we want a quick update or a full experience?
  Minis are great for annual refreshes; full sessions are ideal for milestone moments or when you want the whole story told.
• How much variety do we want?
  If you love lots of candids, detail shots, and location variety, a full session is worth every minute.

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice—just the right fit for your family right now. Whether you choose a mini or a full session, you’ll walk away with images full of connection, joy, and the people you love most.
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Ready to book or still unsure which option fits you best? I’m always happy to help you choose!