Full Session vs. Mini Session


Which one is right for your family?


Why would you want a full photo session when you could book a mini session instead?


There are plenty of reasons you may not have thought of!

Two children stand back to back on a beach at sunset, smiling and posing for the camera.
Two people stand together on a sandy beach at sunset with a city skyline visible in the distance.
A family of four stands together on a sandy beach at sunset wearing coordinated blue and white outfits.
Family spends quality time together sitting on a sandy beach during golden hour at sunset.

 

Photos from a mini session!

 

❤️ Mini Sessions Are Great If You Want…


  • A quick refresh to update a frame, create holiday cards, or capture a milestone
  • A more budget-friendly photo session
  • A shorter time commitment
  • Photos of just the kids this year
  • A smaller number of images (you don’t need a full gallery)
  • A lower-risk way to try out a new photographer (I get it—it’s an investment!)
  • A good fit for kids who are used to being photographed and warm up quickly
  • A better match for older kids who follow directions well
  • A session when you know your little ones won’t last 45–60 minutes that late in the evening.

 

I get it—life is busy. But sometimes, slowing down is where the magic happens.

 

❤️ Full Sessions Are Perfect If You Want…


  • A more relaxed, storytelling experience to look back on
  • To capture more of your family’s unique personality
  • A slower pace, without feeling rushed or restricted
  • Less pressure for everyone to follow directions in a short amount of time
  • Time for kids (and adults!) to warm up naturally
  • Candid, connection-driven images
  • More creative, artistic shots from your photographer
  • A full album’s worth of images—for a gift or for yourself
  • All the posing combinations (parents, kids, individual groupings, etc.)
  • A choice of your location
  • A chance for your photographer to really focus on your family’s story and connection
  • Variety in your location—we will explore, walk, and use different backgrounds
  • Movement-based shots that keep kids engaged (walking, running, exploring)

Full family session. See more below too

A group walking together on a beach at sunset, their backs to the camera as they face the ocean view.
A group poses together at sunset near a wooden pier and beach fence with warm golden light in the background.
A family of five posing together at the beach during sunset, wearing casual attire in neutral and blue tones.
Two companions enjoying a peaceful evening stroll along a beach with waves and soft lighting in the background.
A family poses together in casual attire on a beach at sunset with soft pink and blue skies in the background.
A parent and child share a tender moment embracing on a beach at sunset with orange sky and calm waters in the background.
Group walking together on beach at sunset near wooden pier on South Carolina coast.

My take on this- I’m a big advocate for full sessions.


Some of my favorite, most meaningful moments happen toward the end of a session—once everyone has relaxed and forgotten about the camera.

✨ To summarize:



Mini sessions are short and sweet—perfect for quick updates, holiday cards, or kids who warm up fast.


Full sessions are relaxed and spacious—giving us time to create connection-rich, storytelling images you’ll treasure forever.



True connection and authentic moments that happen during full sessions are what I love most about family photography. That said, I completely understand that it’s not always realistic to book a full session every year—whether it’s due to budget, time, or the challenge of convincing kids (or husbands!) to join in.


That’s why I offer mini sessions on a limited basis—and they always go to my email list first.


Make sure you’re signed up so you don’t miss the next one!

 

Photos from a full family session at Duxbury Beach

 

A loving family group poses together on a sandy beach at sunset with a long wooden pier in the background.
A joyful family of five standing together barefoot on a peaceful beach during sunset with soft pink sky.
Person in gray ruffled top and white skirt poses on beach at sunset with wooden pier in background.
A warm sunset over a wooden pier as two people share a tender moment on the beach.
Two people in casual summer outfits standing together barefoot on a beach at sunset.
Happy couple embraces and laughs together on beach at sunset with wooden pier in background.
Family smiling together on a beach at sunset with wooden pier and marsh grass in background.
Family members stand barefoot on a beach at sunset with a wooden pier in the background.
A family stands together on a sandy beach path with a pier and sunset ocean view in the background during golden hour.
Young child in teal t-shirt smiling on beach with pier and sunset in background.
A group stands together on a beach at sunset with a long wooden pier stretching into the distance.
A person in a blue floral tank top and white shorts poses on the beach at sunset with a pier in the background.