What makes sense for my family?

If you have been following my socials this year you will have seen I am offering mini themed photos sessions each month. If you’re wondering should I book a mini session or go for the full session?, you’re not alone. I often get asked, which one is better for my family? The answer is going to be different for each family, and may change from year to year as your kids get older and their needs and attention spans change.

Here’s a run down of the differences between FULL sessions and MINI sessions, and some advantages to each and you can decide which one fits your family’s preferences and needs.

ALL SESSIONS ARE FOR UP TO 6 PEOPLE. IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 6 PEOPLE THERE WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE

MINI SESSION - $90

  • 10-15 minute time slot
  • Predetermined theme
  • Predetermined location
  • Predetermined date
  • 3 images + option to purchase extra images or a full gallery

FULL SESSION - Silver $399

  • 45min - 1 hour session
  • YOU choose the location
  • YOU choose the date
  • YOU choose your outfits
  • 10 images + option to purchase extra images or a full gallery

FULL SESSION - Gold $650

  • 2 hour + session
  • YOU choose the location
  • YOU choose the date
  • YOU choose your outfits
  • 25 + images (You receive all the images)



Full Session Advantages


  1. More time means a more relaxed session. If you have kids that like to run and go crazy, or on the opposite end children that are more reserved and need time to warm up to new people and places, the longer session format will be your best friend. The fulls session gives plenty of time to explore the location, run around, get the crazies out, get to know me and feel more comfortable with me.
  2. A more diverse gallery. If you love all the sweet genuine natural moments, the snuggles, kisses, giggles, belly laughs then a full session is what you’re looking for. We have time to get the standard shot the grandparents will want on the wall and that everyone loves for their Christmas cards, while also having time to get creative and artistic with your images. You will also be able to walk around your location, and we can move to several different spots for a much more diverse final gallery.
  3. More images in your gallery. A full gallery is a minimum of 50 images to choose from (if you have had photos done with me in the past you know there will be more than 50!). So many more options to choose from.
  4. You choose the location & time. Maybe there’s a spot that’s incredibly special to your family, or a location that you think is absolutely gorgeous and have been dying to get pictures taken in. You get to choose where your session takes place! You can choose from many amazing local locations, from The Esplanade to the Beach and everywhere in between. I can send you a list of suggestions or you can suggest a place that’s best for you. Full sessions also have the option of taking place at golden hour, which takes advantage of the most beautiful golden light of the whole day!


A family standing together on a wooded trail surrounded by tall trees.
Palmerston North Manawatu Family Photographer
A family portrait taken under a large twisted tree branch in a natural setting.
Palmerston north Manawatu Family Photographer
A spring portrait under blooming cherry blossoms with soft natural lighting.
Palmerston North Family Photographer
First Birthday
A joyful moment shared between parent and child against a natural outdoor backdrop.
Palmerston North Family Photographer
First Birthday

Mini Session Advantages


  1. Price!!! A full photo session is a big investment. This lower price point is a more manageable option for families who love to get updated images every year, but don’t necessarily need to have “the works” every single time. It also gives the financial option of having more than one session done in a year. You could do a Spring and an Autumn session or Mum and Kids and Dad and Kids and it not break the bank. I also have a subscription option where you can pay off over the year and get either 3 or 5 sessions of your choice over the 12 months
  2. Short & Sweet. You know your children best, and some littlies can truly ONLY hang for 20 minutes and then they are past the point of no return. I TOTALLY understand! If you know your child will be ready right out of the gate, mini sessions absolutely may be your best bet. (As a warning that goes along with this one, mini sessions are scheduled in a tight block and typically book completely up, so we have much less wiggle room when it comes to lateness, cooperation, etc.)
  3. Just need a few photos. Mini sessions include 3 images. After all, sometimes you don’t need a full gallery of 100 images. You are just looking for a few photos for your annual holiday card. THIS is the session to take advantage of!
  4. Option to upgrade: When you receive your proof gallery from your mini session, you will see more than 3 images, typically 15+. I know that you will have different favourite images than I do, and I don’t want to be the one deciding which are your top 3 images. I would much rather give you a selection of the very best images from your gallery, and let you decide your favourites. If you can’t narrow down your session to your Top 3, you have the option to upgrade your mini session package to download all of the images shown in your proof gallery for an additional cost. The cost of this depends on many great photos I managed to get in the session, this be differ from family to family.


A cozy indoor family portrait with greenery and festive holiday decor.
Palmerston North Family Photographer
Christmas
A tender embrace under blooming spring trees beside a tranquil pond.
Palmerston North Family Photographer
A smiling baby in pink overalls sits on fluffy white fabric with floral decorations.
Easter Photos
Three people standing together under blooming cherry blossom trees on a spring day. 
Palmerston North Manawatu Family Photographer
Mini

No matter which session you choose, we are going to make some beautiful images of your family and some special memories. I am so excited to help you create these special memories this year and in the years to come,


Yvette