Mini Sessions vs. Full Family Sessions: Choosing the Right Fit in Victoria, BC
Choosing the right photography session for your family can feel overwhelming. You want to capture beautiful memories, but time, budget, and personal preferences all play a role.
Here in Victoria, BC we're so lucky to have stunning backdrops for family photos, and I offer both mini and full sessions to cater to different needs. Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which option is the perfect fit for your family.
Mini Sessions: Quick, Convenient, and Budget-Friendly
Time: Mini sessions are designed for speed and efficiency. Lasting just 15 minutes, they're perfect for families with young children who have short attention spans or for anyone with a busy schedule.
Location: To maximize efficiency, mini sessions are held at a pre-selected location, chosen for its beauty and accessibility. This allows me to focus on capturing genuine moments without wasting time on travel.
Availability: Mini sessions are offered 1-2 times per year, typically during early spring and early fall. These sessions are held on specific days (typically weekdays) and times. Due to their limited availability, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Price: Mini sessions are significantly more budget-friendly than full sessions, making them a great option for families looking for a quick update to their family photos or holiday cards.
Mini Sessions Are Ideal For:
Updating family photos for holiday cards or social media.
Families with young children who may not last through a longer session.
Those on a tighter budget or who want regular updated family photos.
Families who want a quick, stress-free photography experience.
Those with weekday availability.
Full Sessions: A Comprehensive and Personalized Experience
Time: Full sessions offer ample time for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. This allows for a variety of poses, candid moments, and even outfit changes. We can take breaks as needed, especially important for little ones, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and happy.
Location: Full sessions offer more flexibility in location, allowing your family to help choose a setting that reflects your personality and preferences. Whether it's a favorite park, a scenic beach, or your own backyard, we can create a backdrop that's meaningful to you.
Personalization: With a full session, we have more time to connect and create a truly personalized experience. I can provide more in-depth posing guidance, capture a wider range of emotions and interactions, and tailor the session to your family's unique dynamics.
Image Variety: Full sessions result in a larger gallery of high-resolution images, providing you with more options to choose from. This allows you to create stunning wall art, albums, and gifts that will be cherished for years to come.
Extended Families: Full sessions are perfect for capturing the beauty of extended family gatherings. Mini sessions are generally limited to immediate family members, but full sessions allow us to include grandparents, cousins, and other loved ones.
Weekday & Weekend Availability: Full sessions can be booked on weekdays and weekends, offering greater flexibility.
Full Family Sessions Are Ideal For:
Capturing milestone moments or creating lasting family heirlooms.
Families who want a more relaxed and personalized photography experience.
Those who want a wider variety of images and locations.
Those who want to create wall art for their home.
Extended family photos.
Families who want to help choose their location.
Which is Right for You?
If you're looking for a quick, affordable, and convenient way to update your family photos, a mini session is an excellent choice.
If you want a more comprehensive and personalized experience with a wider variety of images and tailored location, a custom family session is the way to go.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your family's needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a mini session or a custom family session, my goal is to capture beautiful and authentic moments that you'll cherish for years to come.
Ready to book your family photography session? Contact me today to discuss your vision!
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About Erin Clayton Photography
Erin Clayton is a family and portrait photographer based in Victoria, BC, who loves helping families preserve the meaningful moments that make life special. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in outdoor photography, using natural light and beautiful Vancouver Island settings to create timeless images.
Erin’s relaxed, thoughtful approach puts families at ease, making sessions enjoyable and stress-free. She takes pride in guiding her clients through every step of the process, from choosing outfits to delivering keepsakes that can be cherished for years to come.
When she’s not photographing, Erin enjoys exploring local trails and beaches with her family and diving into creative projects like web design.