Mini Session vs. Full Session

Full Sessions VS Mini Sessions: What’s the Difference?

I can’t count how many times I have been asked what the differences between my full and mini sessions are or when one has been confused with the other! So to clear things up, I thought today I would talk about the key differences between the two sessions as well as the benefits of each.

A major benefit to the full sessions is that they offer multiple locations  and we can meet where it has meaning to you. Your family farm that has been in the family for generations, your favourite ice cream spot, your cabin and beach up at your family cabin. These are NOT just stand in one spot and smile type of sessions. These sessions are intended to capture your family story in a documentary style along with some beautiful posed shots you can use for Holiday cards. Additionally, full session clients have full access to my client wardrobe! If you don’t already know what my client wardrobe is, it is a collection of 50+ dresses I have hand-picked for clients to borrow for their photoshoots. These dresses come in all shapes and sizes and flatter every figure! I find families who struggle with colour coordination, can’t find time to pick out outfits for the whole family, or those who just want to save money absolutely love my wardrobe as it is a quick, easy, and affordable way to style yourself and ensure you look your best in your photos! Finally, when deciding whether to book a full or mini session, you must consider what you would like your pictures to portray. I love full sessions because they capture the beautiful moments between you and your children that you can cherish forever. Mini sessions can be limiting when it comes to time, so full sessions are better for capturing your story and how your family loves. Your family is unique and full sessions do an excellent job of keeping the little moments that are often forgotten, frozen in time. From little chubby toes to a goofy child smile to genuine laugh’s and conversation, full sessions are able to fully capture your story in a way mini sessions can’t. You should also consider your children’s personalities. When you book a full session, we’ll have lots of time to get your children to warm up to me. However, with a Mini Session we won’t have this extra time.

canmore family photographer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although mini sessions are a great alternative to full sessions, they do not provide the same flexibly and variety. For the mini sessions, we shoot in just one location which can sometimes limit the look of the shoot.  We will not be moving around much at all and the background will be the exact same throughout. Additionally, there is no access to the client wardrobe with this session, although I do provide access to my online styling website that can coordinate outfits in a snap!!!  ! If you happen to be interested in mini sessions, keep in mind they are great if you are ok with capturing your kids just as they are, whether that is smiling (or not), climbing, jumping, or everything in between. Or, you have very outgoing, cooperative kids that you know will listen very well during our brief time slot. Mini sessions are great if you just want a few good quality professional photos, have a short wish list of poses, and are willing to go with the flow of a fast, less predictable time slot.  While mini sessions don’t offer quite as much as the full sessions, they are still great because they offer a few quick shots of the family!

Again, the minis are more about creating a timestamp for your family in a professional way.  In contrast, you will see a much greater variety in a full photo session, where the sky is the limit with creativity and collaboration based on the following things:  location, mood, personalities, energy levels, age range, and surprises that pop up. Overall, full sessions and mini sessions are both great ways too capture your family! However, think about how you want to remember this time of your life and which session reflects how you love your family and what you’re looking to get out of your pictures.

 

If you are a big advocate of family memories then I would have a look at my membership plan. It is an amazing program that allows your family to be captured in a unique and personal way. I have  4 spots opening up for August and all of my membership families are really excited about it!  As well membership families get a discount on all printed products.

 

Welcome!

My name is Janna and I currently live in Saskatoon, Sask. I have an in home studio space that I use for shooting newborns, milestones and motherhood sessions.

All in all, I am surviving on coffee and very little sleep but I am happy. I have the privilege to work with absolutely wonderful families who trust me to hold their little bitty babies and honour me with the creation of their memories.  I do feel truly blessed. I would love to meet you and maybe learn a little bit about you and your family!

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Janna Gobeil Photography

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