One of the most common questions I get is: Should I book a mini session or a full session for our family photos? It’s a great question, and I'm here to break down the differences so you can choose the best option for your family.

What is a Mini Session?

A mini session is a shorter, typically more budget-friendly option that lasts around 20-30 minutes. It’s a great choice for families who want a quick and fun photo experience without the commitment of a longer session. Mini sessions are usually offered on specific dates at a pre-determined location and are perfect for capturing those seasonal moments, like holiday card photos or a quick update for your family album.


Pros of a Mini Session:

  • Quick and Convenient: Mini sessions are designed to be short and sweet. They're perfect for families with young kids who may not have the patience for a longer session or for those who just want a few updated shots.
  • Cost-Effective: Since mini sessions are shorter, they’re generally more affordable than full sessions. This makes them a great option if you’re on a budget but still want beautiful family photos.
  • Perfect for Milestones: If you’re looking to capture a specific event or milestone—like a birthday or holiday—a mini session can be just what you need.

Cons of a Mini Session:

  • Limited Time: With only 20-30 minutes, there’s less time for outfit changes, location changes, or to capture a wide variety of poses and expressions.
  • Less Flexibility: Mini sessions are often scheduled back-to-back on specific dates and locations. If those don’t work for your schedule or you want a different location, a mini session might not be the best fit.
  • Less Unique to your Family: With limited time, the photographer is not able to build a deep relationship with your family and cater the session to highlight as much of the uniqueness that is your family. Mini sessions are often cookie cutter in posing and locations.


What is a Full Session?

A full session is a longer photography experience, typically lasting 1-1.5hours. These sessions are completely customizable and offer more flexibility in terms of time, location, and the types of shots we can capture. Full sessions are perfect for families who want a more in-depth photography experience with a variety of photos.


Pros of a Full Session:

  • More Time to Relax: With a full session, there’s plenty of time to get everyone comfortable, take breaks as needed, and capture those genuine, candid moments that happen naturally.
  • Variety of Shots: Full sessions allow for more creativity. We can explore multiple locations, experiment with different poses, and include outfit changes to document your family’s unique personality.
  • Customizable Experience: Want to include your furry family member, shoot at a special location, or incorporate meaningful props? A full session gives us the time and flexibility to make your vision come to life.
  • Extended Family Sessions: If you are hoping to document the whole extended family, than a full session is the way to go and is often required by photographers. This way every combination of relationships has plenty of time to be documented and allows plenty of time for both portraits and candids.

Cons of a Full Session:

  • More Expensive: Full sessions are a bigger investment, both in terms of time and money. However, the added time and variety of photos often make it worth it for those looking for a more comprehensive photography experience.
  • Longer Commitment: If you have little ones with short attention spans or a packed family schedule, finding the time for a full session can sometimes be challenging.

Which One Should You Choose?


When deciding between a mini session and a full session, think about your goals for the photosession. Are you looking for a few quick, seasonal photos? A mini session might be the way to go. If you want a more personalized experience with a variety of photos, a full session could be your best bet.


At Sound Roots Photography, I love helping families create lasting memories, no matter which type of session you choose. Still unsure which option is right for you? Feel free to reach out! I'm always here to chat and help guide you to the perfect choice for your family.