You may have heard families talk about how many times they do portraits every year, and wondered what is right for you. Typically, they fall into these categories: they never do family portraits, they do photos every year, or they do multiple sessions per year. So, how do you know what you should do for you and your crew? Here are some tips for choosing which method might work for you (and why you don’t always have to choose one):
Mini Sessions:
Pros: There are many positive aspects to choosing one or more mini sessions per year, including affordability. For some families, it is much easier to budget for smaller, shorter sessions throughout the year than save up for one larger investment. Minis are also great for families who have little kids who change rapidly, and need to be documented more often (like infants). If you’re a family who doesn’t do photos very often, mini sessions are also great for you to ease your children into the idea and get them comfortable with your photographer. We also recommend sticking with one photographer if you can, so that over the years, your children know what to expect.
Cons: Mini sessions are shorter in length and therefore, produce less images. Often, they are also themed for holidays or seasons, so if you aren’t into the specific theme, they may not work for you.
Full Sessions:
Pros: Several families love a full session because they get more time with the photographer. They also receive more images, and depending on what they agree to with their photographer, sometimes it involves outfit changes or locations. This can vary from person to person, but there is an appeal in getting more variety all at once. A full session also can be displayed or posted on social media throughout the year, which is nice if you’re someone that shares lots of photos. Full sessions are more expensive, but can be more of a luxury experience and are worth investing more money in, especially if you have a busy schedule or older children.
Cons: Obviously, if you cannot afford a full session, it can be a hindrance to booking one, but saving year round is how many families are able to afford this annually. Consider setting aside a little bit each month, or inviting family to contribute to this expense for Christmas or birthdays.
Guess what? You don’t have to choose one of these methods, and it can change from year to year. When your children are little, it is nice to have multiple sessions per year, because their faces change so quickly. As your family grows up, it may be harder to find consistent times to do minis, so full shoots are a bit more conducive. I have many clients who also choose to do some full sessions some years, and then the next year, they choose a mini. Seasons of life can change constantly, and financially/socially, each year can be so different. Please let me know if you have any questions about what might be right for you!
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