Why would I book a Full Session?

Have you ever wondered “why would I book a full session instead of just scheduling a mini session?” I mean, I get it, I do! Mini sessions are great, aren’t they? They’re quick, which could mean less chance of fussy kids (and dads, lol). And, they’re value-priced! Who doesn’t want to save some green, amirite!? I am not here to dis the mini session. I love offering them every year, and I’m humbled when they sell out in minutes every year. And, they are a great choice for some families! I am here to talk about the difference between minis and full sessions. And then you can decide which is a better fit for you!

Mini sessions ARE quick, yes. But, that is a blessing and a curse. For dads (sorry, the jig is up!) it’s pretty much always a blessing ;). For kids it gets a little tricky…I love kids. I have two of them, and I consider myself pretty darn good at working with kids. But, kids are unpredictable. Sometimes they love photos and warm up quickly and everything is just awesome! BUT sometimes they don’t. Sometimes even my best little clients, the ones who know me and have been coming to me for years, just aren’t into the session…at first. It can take a lot of circus tricks and a lot of patience before some little ones feel comfortable. I totally expect this! And in some cases, they finally warm up and there are just 2 minutes remaining in the mini session! And in other cases, things are sailing along beautifully, and the little guy wanted mom to pick him up, not dad, and it’s over! In this case, we had a longer session scheduled, so the day was saved 😉 And, TBH, I love this moment and totally delivered it to my client!

When you schedule a full session, we eliminate the rush. There is no family waiting for your session to end so theirs can begin. I think any client of mine you ask who has booked a full session would say that I am not one to rush or “punch a clock.” I allow about two hours for a full session, but on average, I get everything I’m hoping for in about an hour and-a-half. But, if we need more time, we take it! With the full session, there is time for snacks, and water breaks, and the session is all-around more flexible and laid back. I encourage playtime and natural interactions. And, in my experience, when the little ones think it’s playtime, not photo time, that is when the magic happens!

Some families just want to update the the family photo for the holiday card, that’s it. They want the posed family photo and nothing else. They are fine getting 10 images that are included in the mini session, and don’t need or want any more. In this case, not gonna lie, the mini session is probably your jam 🙂 And there’s nothing wrong with that! There are years when my own family has opted for a mini session!

But, if you want to capture your life right now, and be able to look back and be reminded of how things felt. If you want me to document the things you loved doing together as a family in this season of your life, the things that made your little ones smile, the way they look at you, or the way you look at each other, then the consider a full session.

And, if you want time for the little things…those lashes, those curls…

But what about the photos for the wall and the holiday card shot?!? Well, the good news is, I make sure we have time for those, too!

Another benefit of the full session is the freedom of location and scheduling. With the mini, I take the time to carefully scout a great location, but eight families get their photos in that same location. And the date and times are also pre-determined. For a full session, I work with you to find a time in my schedule that works for you and your family! We can consider naps and feedings and work schedules! And, we choose a location that makes sense for you, too. In many cases, that location is your home. I love at-home sessions because everyone in the family usually feels more comfortable in their own home. Kids warm up more quickly, They beam with pride when they show off their most prized possessions, and they giggle when they engage in their favorite activities with the people they love the most. And, at-home doesn’t have to mean IN home! We can go outside and use the areas surrounding the home, too!

When I document families in a full session, I am aiming to tell a story of what life looks like now. And, I provide more than enough images to create a beautiful book of your memories for you and your family to treasure for years to come! Where is the last batch of family photos you had made? On the wall? In a frame on your desk? Still on your computer or in a box in a closet? I personally love printing my photos in books which I display on my coffee table year-round. My family and guests both love flipping through them!

So, is the mini session awesome? Yes! But, is it right for you? Well, maybe?! Is the full session awesome? Totally! But it may or may not be the best choice for your family this year. I hope I’ve explained the differences of each. And, I hope to see both new and established clients in 2017 in whichever type of session is right for you 🙂 Contact me here on via my Facebook page for booking inquiries.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my ramblings!

xo, Lori