You're sitting there, looking at the photos on your wall, when you realize they no longer tell your FULL story. Thinking through the last time you got professional photos taken, you realize it's time to get some updates, but there are so many options out there now. From themed mini photo sessions to a full creative session, how do you know which option is best for you right now?
MINI MOMENTS
Love is in the air and so are themed sessions. They pop up here and there by different photographers and seem to be a hit, but what are the draws? Below, I'm going to outline the top three benefits to booking yourself a mini session.
The first draw is in the name: "mini." Mini sessions are low effort and low time commitment on your part. You don't have to worry about planning details or themes or carving out a chunk of your day for the session. You just pick a time slot, pay, and you're good to go with a quick 15-minute session that's shorter than your lunch break! Even with your packed, busy schedule, you'll be able to fit it in and still get quality images to update your photo wall and socials.
Only having professional images taken once a year (or less!) can leave giant chunks out of your story. As you navigate life, your family grows and changes, and you work towards your big dreams, you want to immortalize these moments. But let's be realistic. Sometimes, it's just completely out of budget to have as many full creative sessions as we would love to. That's where mini sessions can come in to save the day. Often half the cost or less of a full session, mini sessions offer an affordable way to get updated images of yourself and your loved ones while you save for a full session.
And practical benefits aside, mini sessions are packed full of fun! From romantic Valentine's themes and floral fun in spring to bursts of color in the fall, mini sessions are loaded with fun, pre-planned themes and adventures. I've been having so much fun recently planning my upcoming Valentine's minis, and I can't wait for the cozy moments the lucky few couples will enjoy in that time. (Details on those at the end!)
FULL FUN CREATIVE SESSIONS
While mini sessions are a great appetizer to keep your hunger at bay, a full creative session is the main course. With 45 minutes to over an hour, a full session offers a much wider range in appearance from outfit changes to location changes and all the time to mess around and capture those perfect moments.
Having the flexibility to change locations and outfits means that we can craft the perfect moments for your vision. Instead of exploring a limited picture of you, we can see a wider range of aesthetic as your fashion, personality, and dynamic shine through.
From personal experience, I can say that the longer anyone is in front of my camera, the more confident and creative we get. My favorite images are generally from the second half of sessions when my clients start to really let their crazy colors shine through and fully be their true self.
Have you ever been scrolling through Pinterest and seen those perfect storybook moments that look like they were cut straight out of a movie or book? With a full creative session, we have the time to create all those special and dynamic moments that tell even more of a perfect story -- a time where you're comfortably existing as yourself. And you might even forget I'm there sometimes!
This style of session is especially beneficial for those looking for a special way to show themselves love. Whether you are healing from a loss or other experience that took something from you, having help to see yourself in a new, beautiful way can be a healing reminder to your future self that you are seen and lovely, just the way you are.
One of the best parts is having a wide range of images suitable for various uses—digital, print, in-home display, and more. With the images we create, we have more material for a variety of ways to look back on the images such as a personalized photo album or keepsake box with some highlights from our time together.
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Now we've talked about mini sessions. We've talked about Creative Sessions, but which is best for you right now?
~ Are you wanting a few updated photos of yourself or your loved ones but not quite ready for the investment of a full session? Then a mini session would be perfect to tide you over until your next full session!
~ Are you wanting to celebrate a milestone like an engagement or pregnancy? A full session is the perfect option to capture all the emotions and joy.
~ Are you wanting an effortless preplanned date with your person or to go on an adventure but aren't sure what? Minis are the perfect fit! Throughout the year, I offer different themed minis that are always set up for the best time! Whether my upcoming Valentine's minis, fall themed sessions, or frolicking through those spring blooms, mini sessions are a guaranteed blast.
~ Are you wanting a more personalized, artistic photography experience to connect with your partner, or perhaps even yourself? A full session can give you the time to really settle in in front of the camera, explore new ways to see yourself, your partner, and make memories that will be immortalized for display or to look back on for your own benefit.
Both mini and full sessions can be customized to your schedule and desired outcome. A mini session offers a wonderful opportunity to create memories, but is more schedule- and time-friendly, while still providing the same high-quality photos. A full session allows more time to relax in front of the camera and can include outfit and location changes for even more captured moments.
If you have any questions about how a certain type of session could look for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to me over on my contact page!
UPCOMING MINI SESSIONS!
As promised, details for my upcoming Valentine's minis! I have only 4 available sessions starting from 3:50pm to 4:50pm on February 7th at East Main BG (Images below. You can also check out more images of the lovely space here, which can also be reserved as an Airbnb)!
It will be a soft romantic 15-minute session based in the living room of East Main with flowers and love to fill the air for a special time. If you have any different ideas with other rooms in the space, let me know and we can bring your vision to life.
One of the biggest perks for these minis is the gallery turnaround will be priority for you lovers! Instead of my normal 1-3 weeks for a mini session, you'll have a special Valentine's treat arriving in your inbox ON the 14th with your final edited gallery!
Message me or check out my Instagram for the latest availability as sessions are actively booking! You don't want to miss your chance to celebrate the holiday with your person in a special way.
I am always planning future mini sessions as the seasons change and we finally begin to approach warmer weather and the promise of spring flowers. So be on the lookout for that! I will announce future plans on my Instagram as well as my newsletter so be sure to follow me and subscribe so you don't miss the chance to book your next session to make new memories!
Sarah <3
