You have probably already heard multiple times people talking about « Photo Mini Session » – specially after the summer break when everyone starts thinking about their greeting cards! But what is a Photo Mini Session?!

What is a Photo Mini Session?

To go straight to the point, a photo mini session is a small version of a regular photo session. Think of it as a reduced scope, a small slice of a cake.

Here’s a little overview of what a photo Mini Session – with Laure Photography – is:

• a 15-minutes long session

A photo mini session is a session that is shorter in length than my regular sessions. A typical photo session usually lasts 1 hour of shooting in multiple locations.

Minis are all about having a few pictures in a short time. Yes, 15 minutes is enough to get great photos to choose from!

• Back-to-back with other families 

Mini sessions are not stand alone sessions, they are back-to-back. It means that other families will book the 15-minutes spots just before and just after yours. To make the most of it, the best is to arrive a few minutes early.

• On a specific date, during a given time range

Each set of mini sessions is organized on a specific date selected in advance. The time range is also given. From there, clients can choose the time slot that fits the best into their schedule.

If a client prefers to do a session at a specific location or on a specific date, we will organize a regular session to answer these specific needs. 

• At a nice location selected in advance so everyone know where to go

I try to vary the locations so that my returning clients can have their pictures taken in different parks if they want to. I only select locations with a parking lot (or easy parking), with no more that a couple of minutes walking (usually you can see me from the parking lot). Having 3 kids, I know easy and fast access is a must! 

• and includes 5 images to be selected from a gallery of about 25 images

Mini photo sessions include a smaller number of edited photos to choose from compared to a regular session. I typically deliver a galleries of 25 images and let my clients pick the 5 they like best, or purchase additional images.

• offered only a few times a year 

I usually offer mini sessions one Saturday in Spring and a few Saturdays in Fall. If you want to know the dates in advance, join my email list as the spots go quickly. I promise I won’t spam you!

Mini Session are not « cheap » sessions, I want to give my families the best experience and pictures. That’s why before each mini-session, I send:

– A short online questionnaire (it doesn’t take more than 2 minutes!) to know a little more about each family and anything I should know before the session

– a Session Style Guide I created to answer any questions including outfits.

Is a mini-Session right for me?

Mini-sessions are very popular with families with young kids or busy schedules. 

We all know toddlers attention span is limited so asking them to focus for only 15 minutes is perfect. They are also easy to fit in your busy schedule.

The mini session price is also more affordable, and can be a fast way to get professional photos for holiday cards, family announcements, or just a few great images to share with friends. It gives you the opportunity to book both Spring and Fall mini sessions instead of doing a single session per year.

But mini sessions are not for everyone as you need to agree on the date and location. Also, due to the time frame, I usually don’t encourage them for newborn or maternity pictures. 

If you want to include grandparents or get extended family pictures, my families usually book 2 back-to-back mini-session spots so I have enough time to get all the pictures combinations they would like.

How to make the most of your family mini session?

Show up about 10 minutes early. Everyone needs a little transition time. Those few minutes also help the kids to see and get acquainted with the location. Getting your photos taken can be such a fun experience if you are ready to enjoy it.  

As the sessions are only 15 minutes long and are back-to-back, planning on arriving early is the best way to give me enough time to capture images you will love. I know that it takes time to have everyone ready. There is always a shoe missing, a face to clean… To help you, check my blog « 10 tips for a successful family photo session ».

That way we can enjoy our time together and create great memories.

Families usually write it down in their questionnaire, but if you want a specific picture, or pose, let me know at the beginning of the session. I want to make sure you get photos you love.

I only offer mini sessions a couple of times during the year, usually one date in Spring & a few dates in Fall. There are only a few spots for each date, so join my email list to be the first to know as the are booked quickly!  I promise I won’t spam you!

You can also check my blogs: 

“ 10 tips for a successful family photo session “

“Example of spring mini-sessions“

“What to bring to your family photo session“

Laure Pascal-Glorieux is a lifestyle photographer that specializes in family photography and personal brand photography. Laure lives in Atlanta, GA.