THE JOURNAL

I'm Siobhan, a lifestyle and event photographer based in New York! Explore the range of my work on the blog and perhaps find inspiration for your own shoot or event.

Mini Sessions vs. Full Sessions: Which One Is Right for You?

I get it—choosing between a mini session and a full session can be tricky! Both have their perks, and it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you just need a quick seasonal update or a few fresh images, a mini might be perfect. But if you want a more relaxed, customized experience with plenty of variety, a full session is the way to go. Let’s break down the differences so you can find the best fit for you!

Mini Sessions: Short, Sweet, and Seasonal

Mini sessions are quick, back-to-back sessions offered during specific times of the year. They are perfect for:

  • Families with young children – Shorter sessions work well for little ones with short attention spans.
  • Brands needing a refresh – If you just need a handful of fresh images for a website update or a single campaign, a mini session is an efficient way to get high-quality content.
  • Engaged couples – If you’ve booked me for your wedding, a mini session is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day.

Here are some photos captured on mini days:

Additional Details About Mini Sessions:

  • Mini sessions take place at a predetermined location, date, and time.
  • They are often available on weekends, making them convenient for busy schedules.

What Mini Sessions Are Not For: I do not offer mini sessions for cake smashes, newborns, or extended families. These types of sessions require more time and a personalized approach. However, if your extended family loves a particular mini session theme or set, you can book back-to-back mini slots to accommodate everyone.

Full Sessions: A Complete, Customized Experience

Full sessions offer more time, flexibility, and personalization. These are ideal for:

  • Families who want a relaxed session – No rushing, plenty of time for multiple poses, candid moments, and outfit changes.
  • Brands needing a full content refresh – If you need a variety of images to build a cohesive brand presence, a full session gives us the time to create a complete visual story. This is also the perfect time to do team photos.
  • Couples or individuals looking for more variety – Whether it’s an engagement session, maternity shoot, or creative portrait session, full sessions allow for multiple locations, outfit changes, and a mix of posed and candid shots.

Want to see what a full session looks like? Here are some photos from full sessions I’ve shot:

Additional Details About Full Sessions:

  • Full sessions must be scheduled on weekdays.
  • You get to choose the location, though travel fees may apply depending on the distance.

Which One Should You Book?

If you’re looking for a quick, themed, and efficient shoot with a handful of great images, a mini session is the way to go. If you need a more in-depth, tailored experience with a variety of images and locations, a full session is the better choice.

Some of my clients love to do a mix of both mini and full sessions throughout the year. Minis are great for seasonal updates, while full sessions allow for a deeper, more customized experience.

No matter which option you choose, I’m here to ensure you walk away with beautiful, high-quality images that capture the essence of your moment.

Looking to book a mini? Here are my live bookings:

Beach booking link

Holiday booking link

Have a vision for a full session? Let’s talk about it! Book a call here.