Every family is at a different season of life and with unique needs. Part of my job is help you clarify what feels right for your story. Here’s a practical guide to choosing between a full private session and a mini session.

Location: Meaning Matters

Mini sessions: Say yes to simplicity. These are held at pre‑selected locations and are perfect when you want a good photo without fuss. A mini session is ideal for seasonal cards or a quick family update.
Full private sessions: Choose a spot that means something—your backyard, a favorite park, or a meaningful neighborhood. This choice adds comfort, convenience, and authenticity. It’s especially helpful when you want easy access to snacks, toys, or a change of clothes.

Warm‑Up Time: Let It Flow

With seasoned kids who know the drill, a mini session works great.
But for little ones who need time to adjust or families building trust, the flow of a full session allows for natural moments to surface—the shy smiles, the breath before a laugh, the shift into comfort. Many of the best images come at the end.

Age & Energy: Match the Moment

Toddlers and energetic kids: Keep it short and sweet with a mini session. These pockets of focus often fit their rhythm better.
Older kids or families who love leisurely pace: A full session lets you capture that spark, layered emotions, and real stories instead of surface smiles

Reliability: Time & Timing Matter

Mini sessions run back‑to‑back—lateness eats into your time. If arriving late feels likely, a private session offers needed flexibility.
If tight schedules or traffic stress are a factor, plan for a buffer so that the session doesn’t feel rushed.

Variety vs. Simplicity: What’s Your Goal?

Mini sessions are about one beautiful shot or two. Great if you want something simple for holiday cards or a quick refresh.
Full sessions give variety—different poses, sibling closeness, pauses in between interactions, and more candid storytelling. You get a richer mix of images to choose from.

Cost & Creative Value

Mini sessions offer an affordable way to get polished images without the investment required for a private session.
Full private sessions deliver dozens of hand‑edited photos over a longer time, capturing connections that last. Some families choose prints or albums afterward, making the extra variety worth it.

What’s New in 2025: Fresh Perspectives

STUDIO PERSONALITY PORTRAITS

Looking for a super short session to just capture the kids being kids? Try a personality portrait in the studio. 5-10 minutes just getitng the silly, fun, raw personality of your kids. Quick, simple and silly.