Ok, story time! When I first started my photography business I saw every single other photographer doing mini sessions, so I figured I’d try to do them too. Long story short-I only tried once and did NOT like it. I always love taking photos, but to get those little moments that just light me up and make me excited about what I do? Yeah, those don’t usually happen in 10-15 minutes. And while I love photos of everyone looking at the camera for documentation, I really want more out of family photos. I want them to move, to feel alive, to feel like US, and I want that for every single family I take photos for as well. So I gave up on mini sessions. Just decided to not do them again, and I didn’t for years. But THEN I had an amazing photographer friend tell me about her version-Petite Sessions. They’re longer and enable me to get more personalized and meaningful photos, but it’s still not a full session. BAM! I knew that was the answer I had unconsciously been looking for.

All of that to say-if you’ve had questions about whether you should book a full session or a petite session, wondered what they differences were, or had any questions at all-then this post is for you!

Here are the main differences:

Petite Session

-30 minutes long
-Long enough to get a good formal shot and SOME gorgeous love-filled images
-I choose the location
-No wardrobe consultation
-20 photos that I choose in your gallery
-Available only 1-2 times a year with limited dates and times

Full Session

-1 hr to 1.5 hrs long
-This time frame gives you LOTS of variety and all those gorgeous love-filled images and details
-You choose the location, or give me input and I choose with those guidelines in mind
-Wardrobe consultation with yours truly so you come to the session with no worries about outfits
-A full gallery of 50+ photos where YOU get to decide from there which images you keep
-Available all year

Basically, if you want all the bells and whistles with all the help from me you can get to make your session a success, then a full session is for you. If you’re just looking for a quick update or a shorter session, Petite Sessions are a great choice.

Ok, that’s great Kristina. I still don’t know which to choose!

Ok, here’s my take: I will always and forever prefer a full session over a petite session. Why? Because while I’m really good at getting people to relax and have fun in front of the camera, it still takes time. The more time I have with families, the more time we have of people acting like themselves. And the more time we have of people acting like themselves and feeling comfortable, the more photos I can get that accurately portray your unique family. BUT-if you’ve had photos done recently and just want a quick update, then a petite session is definitely a good option. It’s also a great way to work with me in a more risk-free way! If you’ve wanted to work with me but didn’t want to invest a lot of money just to have your kids not have it, well this is a great way to test the waters and see (although after working with lots of families and having three rambunctious boys of my own, I can confidently say I can handle anything your kids throw at me). Other scenarios that are perfect for petite sessions: best friend sessions, senior sessions (especially for those seniors who don’t really want pictures but mom does), or some quick updated photos for couples.

I think that’s it! As always, I’m here for you. If you need a question answered then please ask away.