Mini sessions are a popular type of photo session for many families and before you know it, you’ll be seeing lots of advertisements for mini sessions in the fall. If you are in the Pittsburgh area and need to update your family photos, you might be wondering if a mini session is right for your family. Here are some answers to my most commonly asked questions regarding mini sessions vs full sessions.
What is the difference between a full and mini session?
Mini sessions are a popular type of photo session that many family photographers offer. Mini sessions are exactly what they sound like – a mini version of a standard photo session. They are typically shorter in length, offered at specific dates and times, and include a smaller gallery than a typical full session.
Minis are designed to give families a way to update photos seasonally or capture milestones and memories for a smaller investment.
Full or standard family sessions are longer in length, include more flexibility in planning as far as time, date and location. These sessions are all-inclusive meaning that you get full access to your gallery of digitals with no restrictions.
What is included in a mini session with Danielle Blewitt Photography?
Mini sessions are typically offered monthly during the warmer months on specific dates, times and locations. My mini sessions are 20 minutes long and includes 10 digital images.
Complimentary styling is included with your session. Once booked, I will send you a login access to Style and Select, a intuitive online styling service. From there, you can design and coordinate outfits for your family.
What locations do you offer mini sessions?
The sessions are held at various locations in and around the Pittsburgh area depending on the season. In the early spring or late fall, minis could be offered in-doors at a studio space. Majority of the sessions are held at some of my most popular locations for family photos. These spots are picked based on the natural landscape of the space and what would be the best for the season.
When can I book a mini session?
Mini sessions are offered exclusively to my mailing list seasonally. Dates, locations and booking opportunities are announced by email and on social media for booking opportunities.
Typically mini sessions sell out quickly (sometimes just a few minutes) so it’s best to set a reminder to check your email if you want to snag a spot, especially for the busy fall season!
Sign up to be notified about mini sessions here and let’s connect on Instagram so you don’t miss any announcements!
Which session should I choose?
This is one of the biggest questions I get from families. It’s a tough one to answer because it really depends on what you are looking for.
A mini session can be great for families that want a smaller session to capture just a few updated photos. This works well for milestone sessions when your baby is growing but you aren’t ready for a full family session. Think about 6 months, 12 months or birthdays.
Because these sessions are shorter in length, the amount of photos and variety will be more limited than they would with a full session.
A full session offers the benefit of flexibility and variety. When you book a full family photo session, you can choose your date, location and time, based on my availability. With an extensive list of locations in and around the Pittsburgh area, you can choose the location that will compliment your family the best. You will also be offered the ideal golden hour time slot. Golden hour is about 1-2 hours prior to sunset and offers the prettiest light for photo sessions. Full family sessions also offer the benefit of time. A longer session gives us the luxury of time. We have more time to connect, allow little ones to explore as well as warm up. Full sessions will typically have a much larger gallery and selection of photos, including a larger variety in scenery.
Which session is better for little ones?
This is a tough one to answer because it depends on your family. Minis can be great for little ones with a short attention span (aka, every little person). The shorter session keeps kiddos interested, engaged and entertained. As a photographer, I’m typically able to leverage the peak of their interest while I’m still “new” to them.
However, if you have a little one that is more shy and slow to warm up, the shorter time frame can be limiting. Full sessions will typically allow me, the photographer, to connect with little ones more — giving them the time and space they need to warm up and be more themselves. Even though the session is longer, we are typically able to build in more of a play atmosphere which will keep younger children engaged and interested.
What if I want more photos than what is included?
Mini sessions include 10 digitals in the base price. If you love more than 10 photos, you have a few options. Individual digitals can be purchased or you can upgrade to the full gallery of 30+ images for a set price. You do not need to decide prior to seeing your gallery.
After your session, I will deliver your full gallery of edited images. From here, you can browse and select your favorites. If you love more than 10, you can upgrade directly from your gallery and get instant access to your images. The majority of my families upgrade once seeing their gallery.
Do we need to bring anything to our session?
You do not need to bring anything to your mini session unless you would like to incorporate it. I will almost always bring a small stool that works well for very young kids to sit or hold onto. If you have a baby that can’t stand, bringing a neutral blanket from home can be helpful.
Can we bring our dog?
I welcome all family members, including dogs, as long as they are permitted at the location. Most locations are dog-friendly with a few exceptions. If you want to bring your pup to your mini session, just let me know in advance so I can check with the venue.
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If mini sessions sound like something that your family would be interested in, make sure to sign up for my email list and follow along on Instagram. Mini sessions are offered exclusively to my mailing list seasonally – and you won’t want to miss a chance to sign up!
Sign up to be notified about mini sessions here and let’s connect on Instagram so you don’t miss any announcements!
I look forward to the opportunity to work with your family to create some new memories!
Always Grateful,
Danielle Blewitt
Life moves too fast. Although we can’t slow it down, we can record the moments that fill our hearts and tell our story through photos and films. I am a Pittsburgh family photographer and film maker that helps families record their stories and pause some of life’s greatest moments.
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