Mini Sessions vs Full Sessions: Which is Right for You?

When booking your family photography session in Chillicothe, one of the first decisions you'll make is choosing between a mini session and a full session. Both have their benefits, and understanding the differences will help you choose what's best for your family. Let's break down everything you need to know!

What is a Mini Session?

A mini session is a shorter photography session, typically 20-30 minutes, offered at specific times (usually seasonally). At Aqua Blue Studio, we offer themed mini sessions throughout the year - Fall Minis, Christmas Minis, Spring Blooms, and more.

Mini Session Details:

• Time: 20-30 minutes
• Location: Pre-selected location with beautiful setup
• Photos: 10-15 edited digital images
• Perfect for: Holiday cards, quick family updates, trying out photography
• Price: More budget-friendly option
• Availability: Specific dates (usually weekends)

What is a Full Session?

A full session is a complete photography experience with more time, flexibility, and variety. These sessions are customized to your family's needs and preferences.

Full Session Details:

• Time: 60-90 minutes
• Location: Choose your location(s) or do multiple spots
• Photos: 40-60+ edited digital images
• Perfect for: Extended family, milestone events, variety in poses/locations
• Price: Higher investment but more inclusive
• Availability: Flexible scheduling year-round

Comparing Mini vs Full Sessions

Time and Pace

Mini Sessions: Quick and efficient. We work through a shot list of essential family combinations. Great for families with young kids who don't have long attention spans! However, if someone is cranky or not cooperating, we have limited time to work through it.

Full Sessions: Relaxed and flexible. We have time to let kids warm up, try different locations, and capture both posed and candid moments. If a toddler needs a snack break or someone needs to re-adjust their outfit, no problem!

Variety of Photos

Mini Sessions: One location with coordinated props/setup. You'll get essential family portraits - whole family, parents with kids, kids together, maybe a few couples shots. Limited time for individual portraits of each child.

Full Sessions: Multiple locations possible. Time for everyone's individual portraits plus all family combinations you want. Can include extended family, different outfit changes, variety in poses from formal to playful.

Customization

Mini Sessions: Less customization. The location, timing, and general setup are predetermined. These sessions are styled with seasonal themes (pumpkins for fall, florals for spring, etc). You work with what's provided.

Full Sessions: Fully customizable. Choose your location based on what matters to you - your home, favorite park, meaningful spot in Chillicothe, or multiple locations. Bring props that represent your family. I'll work with you to plan every detail.

Cost Difference

Mini Sessions: Typically $150-$250. Budget-friendly option that still gives you professional photos. Perfect if you just need a few great shots for holiday cards or a quick yearly update.

Full Sessions: Usually $350-$600+. Higher investment, but you're getting 2-3x more time, 3-4x more photos, and complete customization. Better value per photo if you want comprehensive family documentation.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose a Mini Session If:

• You want affordable professional photos
• You primarily need photos for holiday cards
• Your family is just parents and 1-2 young kids
• You love the seasonal theme being offered
• You've never worked with a photographer before (great way to try it out!)
• You get professional photos regularly and just need a quick update
• You have limited availability and mini session dates work perfectly

Choose a Full Session If:

• You have extended family participating
• You have a specific location in mind
• You want individual portraits of each child
• You haven't had professional photos in several years
• This is documenting a major milestone (new baby, graduation, etc.)
• You want variety in locations and poses
• You want wall art and albums, not just digital files
• You have kids who take time to warm up
• You want photos for multiple purposes (cards, wall art, gifts)

Can't Decide? Here's My Recommendation

For Families with Toddlers

Consider mini sessions! Toddlers have short attention spans. A quick 20-minute session often gets better cooperation than a long session where they get tired and cranky.

For Extended Family

Book a full session. With grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, you'll want time for all different family combinations. Plus, gathering everyone is rare - make the most of it!

For New Clients

Mini sessions are a great starting point if you're nervous about photography or unsure if your kids will cooperate. It's a lower-pressure, lower-cost way to experience professional photography.

For Annual Family Photos

Alternate! Do a full session every 2-3 years for comprehensive family documentation, with mini sessions in between for quick updates and holiday cards. This gives you regular photos without breaking the bank.

Aqua Blue Studio Options

At Aqua Blue Studio serving Chillicothe and Livingston County, we offer both options:

Seasonal Mini Sessions

Watch for announcements on Facebook and Instagram for our seasonal mini sessions:

• Fall Minis: September/October - Pumpkins, fall foliage, cozy vibes
• Christmas Minis: November - Holiday props, twinkling lights, festive setups
• Spring Minis: April/May - Flowers, fresh greenery, pastel themes
• Back to School: August - Perfect timing for yearbooks!

These book fast, so follow us on social media for first access to dates!

Custom Full Sessions

Available year-round at your preferred location. Contact me to discuss your vision, and we'll create a session perfectly tailored to your family. Packages include digital files plus options for prints, canvas, and albums.

Making Your Decision

There's no wrong choice! Both mini and full sessions will give you beautiful professional photos. Consider your budget, time availability, family size, and what you need photos for. Still unsure? Reach out - I'm happy to discuss your specific situation and help you decide!

Book Your Session Today

Ready to book your Chillicothe family photography session? Whether you're interested in our upcoming mini sessions or want to schedule a custom full session, contact Aqua Blue Studio today!

Call or text 660-973-7090, visit our booking page, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for mini session announcements. Let's capture your family's story beautifully!