What’s the difference between a Mini Session and a FUll Session?
I wanted to really quick explain and evaluate the differences between a full session and a mini session.
A full photo session with any photographer typically includes an hour to 2 + long photo shoot. A photographers signature session is usually what their full session is.
For Fortis Media, for example, our signature session is our bold branding photo package. This photo package is a 2+ hour long session session with strategy sessions before the shoot and hands-on help with outfit and location prep.
Mini sessions are typically not more than 20 to 30 minutes time. Sometimes they’re even shorter and can range from anywhere between 5, 10 or 15 minutes long. The point is they are quick and beneficial for those that are in a busy season of life where they are unable to endure a full signature session.
At Fortis Media, our standalone mini sessions are 30 minutes long. And there’s a good reason for that. I’m the type of person who likes to be able to get to know people a little bit before I just start putting my camera in their face. During a 30 minute photo session, I will typically not even pick up the camera until about three or four minutes into the session just so that I can make sure that you are comfortable and ready to go. It also allows me to talk to you and see how you’re feeling and ask you any last-minute questions that I have.
Only on the rare occasion will I do mini sessions that are shorter than 30 minutes. Usually with mini sessions that are shorter than 30 minutes, those ones are the ones where they are 10 or 15 minutes and I am doing multiple of them at a time in one day. So 10 AM I’m doing a 15 minute shoot. 10:30 AM I am doing another 15 minute photo shoot, 11 AM. I’m doing yet another 15 minute photo shoot and so on.
The reason that I don’t do many mini sessions is because I value the relationship that we build when doing a session that is 30 minutes or longer. With a 5, 10 or 15 minute session I have just long enough to say “hey, how are you?” And then immediately start posing you and capturing pics so we make the most of our time.
That’s why most all sessions at Fortis Media are a little longer. So if you’re ready to build a relationship with your photographer that lasts a lifetime, and isn’t a grab and go type of situation, I would love to get you on my calendar.
Full photo sessions typically provide more time for planning, preparation, and creating a wider variety of images, while mini sessions offer a shorter, streamlined option for clients with limited time. At Fortis Media, full branding sessions include strategy and hands-on preparation, while standalone mini sessions are intentionally 30 minutes long so there is still time to build a connection, answer questions, and help clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. While shorter mini sessions can be useful in certain situations, Fortis Media values creating genuine relationships with clients rather than treating photography as a quick, grab and go experience.
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