5 Reasons Mini-Sessions are Not the Best Option

Mini-sessions are all the rage with photographers and their clients for the past five or so years. I get it, less time commitment, cheaper price, you might get a few nice photos if everyone cooperates, right? I don't offer mini-sessions for families and I don't believe they are the most useful way to get photos taken. Below, I give 5 reasons mini-sessions are not the best option.

But first, let's start by defining minis. While different photographers offer varied lengths and prices, minis are generally short, think 10-15 minutes. Usually, they include a couple of digital images (typically between 5-15) and they're cheap (usually not above $350).

Photographers will schedule a day of minis and line them up back to back, usually with no time between sessions. So, if they are 15 minutes, a photographer could schedule four in one hour. It maximizes time and the four smaller amounts paid by the client add up to what one family may pay for a full hour's session.

Now, I have no problem with photographers or clients who love this format. For some, it works. For others, it's a disaster and they'll never do it again.

As I mentioned before, I don't offer mini-sessions for families (but I do for small business!) and I don't believe they are the most useful way to get photos taken when kids are involved. Here are 5 reasons mini-sessions are not the best option, in my opinion.

1. No room for slight time adjustments

Fifteen minutes go by quickly. As a photographer, I don't want to feel panicked and rushed. The creative brain that produces the most beautiful images cannot function at its best capacity if it's in fight or flight mode.

Plus, life happens. I once had a client pull up to a session, quickly get out of the car and swing open the passenger door, just as their child was throwing up in the back seat. Yep, BARFING...  This child had a history of car sickness and it just happened to sneak up at the worst possible time.

The client reassured me that it was likely car sickness since he'd been fine all day. We let the kids have a five minutes to play around before deciding how to proceed. Sure enough, the kids were horsing around and laughs were abundant. He showed no signs of sickness. We were able to proceed with the session and the photos turned out fantastic. (Side note, by some act of God, no vomit ended up on his clothes!)

Had the session been 15 minutes, there wouldn't have been wiggle room. The parents would have been stressed and as you know, kids feed off that energy. Disastrous!

2. Kids sometimes take time

Not all children are able to trust new adults within moments of meeting, especially adults who point a camera at them. At the beginning of all my sessions, with my camera stowed away, I get down on the level of a child, talk to them and make a connection. I then bring out the camera and let them peek at it. Without fail, this works to get a shy kid out of their shell and ready to show love and smiles.

Short sessions like minis don't allow for this extra time that is so needed to get kids to cooperate and to trust.

3. Putting a cap on the number of images isn't fun

I don't want to only give you 5 images. I want you to be able to have a full gallery of images that show variety, different backdrops and real life. When I can only give 5, it really limits how I can tell your story. Which leads me to number 4...

4. Your family's story cannot be told in 15 minutes of a session

Think about the story of your family; the way he holds your hand, that silly face she makes and how butterfly kisses are your special thing. Generally, it is hard to capture these moments in a short period of time. Also, remember #2 and how kids must adjust? I need time to blend into the background so these moments can happen genuinely.

5. You don't want the discounted version of your photographer

The discounted version of your photographer is rushed, anxious about the six sessions after yours and not on their A game. They're not getting paid as much. I hate to even say it, but you know it's true. Unfortunately, our society encourages the amount of effort given to match the compensation a lot of the times. It's not something I even want to admit about myself, but I know it's true. If I feel adequately compensated for my time and talent, I'm going to show up as my best self. Think about a situation in your life where this occurred. You know what I mean!

So, there you have it. My top 5 reasons mini-sessions are not the best option. Again, this is an unpopular opinion and it varies by photographer and client. However, if any of the reasons struck a chord with you, I recommend opting for a longer session.

Want more tips and tricks? See this post!

Three tips for Less Stress at Family Photos