Is A Fall Mini-Session A Good Fit?

My Fall Mini-Sessions are 15min long and take place throughout the year, as dates are announced.

fall-mini-session @ Forest Park (2022)

As a St. Louis Family Photographer and mom, I very much understand the appeal to capture some beautiful, professional photos at a lower price point and in a shorter time frame. Fall Mini-sessions can be beneficial for families who are looking for a convenient way to capture memorable moments, however they aren’t for everyone. Here are some considerations when deciding whether a Mini-session is right for you and your family.

WHAT IS A MINI-SESSION?

If you are unfamiliar, a Mini-Sessions are short, 15min sessions that take place seasonally (Spring/Fall, etc.) and as announced by the photographer. The location and time is set in advance and all you should need to do is pick your slot, show up, have some fun and the end result are a few (5-10) joyful family photos!

BUDGET

Let's be straightforward and address this point first. Mini-sessions are designed to offer a condensed version of your Photographer’s services at a lower price point. If you're looking for professional-quality photos within a specific budget range, a Fall mini-session can be a more accessible option. 

Mini-sessions can also serve as a great introduction to a new photographer who you have never worked with before. It allows you to experience their work without committing to a more extensive session. This can be particularly helpful for families who are unsure about investing in a full session or are looking to ‘test the waters’ before making a larger financial commitment.

EXPECTATIONS

A Fall Mini-session may be a good fit if you are looking for just a few good photos, have a shorter "wish list", and are willing to go with the flow of a fast paced time slot. Though I always ask about your family dynamic and goals for the session, these short spots can be unpredictable and quite fast paced. Having a couple wants and goals is of course ok, but remaining open and flexible is essential.

A Mini-Session may not be a good fit if you have specific ideas, shots, or locations in mind for your family photos. While I always aim to capture a diverse range of photos and compositions, mini-sessions typically focus on capturing a limited number of poses or groupings within the shortened time frame. A Classic(60) or Petite(30) session provides more opportunities for creativity and time so we can accomplish everything on your list.

fall-mini-session @ Queeny Park (2022)

CHILDREN

A Mini-session may be a good fit if you’re ok with capturing your kids just as they are, whether that is smiling (or not), climbing, jumping, or everything in between. Or, you have kids that you know will not be intimidated by a new “friend.” If we’ve worked together in the past and you are looking for some annual photos, or a few for your Holiday card, then a mini-session is a great fit! 

A Mini-ssession might not be right for your family if you have kids who require more time to feel comfortable and get into a rhythm. Shy individuals, especially children, may require more time to build trust with the photographer, feel at ease, and express their natural personalities. A mini-ssession might feel rushed and restrict opportunities to create a relaxed atmosphere and establish a connection, which can affect the overall outcome of the photos. Some families prefer longer sessions to allow for a more relaxed and unhurried experience; kids have time to warm up and to burn off that energy to capture some amazing moments. 

FLEXIBILITY & TIMING

A Mini-session might be a good fit for your family if you have busy schedules and/or young children who have limited attention spans but are usually willing to open up. Your photographer can still capture a variety of poses, groupings, and individual shots in a brief time-frame. Additionally, if you are a punctual person and are confident that you can get you and your family to your session before it starts.

If you are frequently late (be honest) then a Mini-session might not work well for you. Mini-sessions are scheduled back-to-back and you will not have the flexibility to extend your session if late. Arriving late can create stress and anxiety for both you and the photographer. It can disrupt the flow of the session and make it challenging to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. This may affect the quality of the photos and the overall experience for everyone involved.

Check out some AMAZING images I’ve captured during my Fall Mini-Sessions!

IN CONCLUSION

Ultimately, the decision whether a Fall Mini-session is suitable for your family is up to you. While they absolutely have their advantages, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when deciding between a mini-session and a longer session. If you have strict requirements, desire a more personalized experience, or have complex family dynamics, a Classic or Petite session may better suit your needs. I always encourage my clients to reach out to me to discuss these options and so I can answer any questions!

Georgia is a St. Louis Family Photographer, serving families, newborns and maternity clients.