The difference between a Mini and Full Family Session - How do I know which is right for my family?

It is common to wonder what truly sets a mini session apart from a full family session. There are certainly many benefits to both session types and today I am going to break down the difference between a mini and full family session and help you figure out what is best for your family and the season of life you are in!

Mini Sessions

If you like:

• Short and sweet sessions

• A predetermined location

• Fewer images to choose from

This might be the right option for you!

So much appeal! Life is busy and these are quick in and out and your location is essentially selected for you. What's not to love? Truly, if you have littles (or even a spouse) that can't sit still for long or just dislike the idea of family photos, a mini is a great option for you! These sessions last only 20 minutes. They are so fast but still give me plenty of time to get you a beautiful gallery with variety (you will generally have 30+ images to choose from in your gallery). The other great thing is that sometimes you just don't know where to have a session and the thought of searching for the perfect spot (even with my location guide) just isn't something you are interested in. Mini locations are set for you! I tend to select popular locations in/around Pittsburgh for these sessions for a couple of reasons. 1. I know they photograph well and offer several backdrops that help add variety to your gallery 2. They are locations with easy parking, and have perfect spots for me to meet you, so you won't be spending valuable time searching for where you need to be.

Full Sessions

If you like:

• A longer, more leisurely pace for your session

• To choose the location for the best backdrop for your session

• A large gallery to be able to choose all of those extra in-between moments

  This could be the best options for your family!

  
  

When you are thinking of family photos, a full session is usually where you mind goes first! While these sessions may not be for every family, they absolutely are the right choice for so many. Maybe you have multiple kiddos, lots of groupings/pairings, an extensive shot list, or even kids that need extra time to warm up to new people or places. Or possibly you have a specific location that you have been dreaming about for a family session. Perhaps you are looking for a session that captures all of the details; little hands, twirls, snuggles and many of the in-between moments (you will generally see between 75-100 images in your gallery to choose from). If any of those have been ideas floating around in your mind, then a full session is probably the best option for your family.

When it comes to shy children, I completely understand. I have two of them myself and it wasn't until they were a little older that a mini session worked for us. They needed that extra time to take in a new person and their surroundings. That extra time for your family allows us to slow down, take breaks, play little games and basically try anything that will get your kid(s) feeling safe in the experience.

A full family session is going to give you the luxury of time in a beautiful location of your choosing! And as a reminder, I am there to help with my location guide that goes over 15+ beautiful backdrops in and around Pittsburgh!

What you won't miss out on by choosing either session

What you get regardless of the session type you choose, my guidance every step of the way! From the first contact with me to the last I am there to guide you through the experience. You will receive a session prep guide that walks you through a typical session with me so you know what to expect, access to Style & Select which will help you choose the perfect outfits for your session (families can also email/text for more help in this area) as well as a final prep email that will explain what to anticipate the day of your session; where to meet, what the weather will be like and last little tips to keep those kiddos (and husbands) happy.

Rest assured; you will be well prepared no matter what type of session you go with, and I can't wait to capture beautiful memories for your family!