With fall just around the corner, things are beginning to get busy again, so if you’re thinking of hiring a photographer in Virginia, now’s the time to do it! School is in session and schedules are filling up fast. With limited time and very busy days, some people may want to look into minis versus a full photography session. But what exactly are minis and how are they different from a normal session? I'll outline the major differences between the two in this blog!
Mini Sessions
Mini sessions usually last about fifteen minutes and are done in a marathon format. I'll select a great, central location that I love from one of the many locations I’ve found over the years being a photographer in Virginia. It should also work for different times of day, not just at Golden Hour before sunset. I book each 15 minute mini session ten minutes apart. These sessions are fast!
I schedule my mini sessions twice a year, in the spring and the fall. I always try to schedule them during the best parts of spring or early summer and during the peak times for fall colors.
Just the Basics
Each mini has three main poses and anything extra I'm able to capture is a great bonus! I focus on the full family landscape portrait, just the kids, and then each individual kid. If I have time, I'll also try to snap a few photos of mom and dad with the kids. I don't usually focus on individual shots of the parents with each of their children, but I will try if the parents only have one or two children.
For each mini my main goal is to photograph the standard photos that a family would want for things like Christmas cards! These sessions are not often full of many candid shots, or playful photos, so please consider booking a full session if you want more of those kinds of photos for your albums! A mini can be a great option for families with older kids who just want some updated family photos for their walls or to send in their Christmas cards!
Full Sessions for a photographer in Virginia
As a photographer in Virginia, I also offer Full Sessions. These usually last about forty-five minutes and I take over the task of finding a place to shoot for my clients based on their location. I always start these sessions with posed photos, the whole family, the couple, their kids and all of the normal, expected photos. I really try to crank those out to get to the fun stuff!
My full sessions give me the opportunity to capture the more casual, candid, and lovey-dovey type pictures that you may see on some of my social media posts, or on my blog! These photography sessions are the ones where I get photos of the kids playing around, or the parents lifting their kids in the air with all the smiles and laughter that come along with those things!
During a full session I have the time to photograph all of the little moments that showcase a family's dynamic. Everyones personalities have a chance to come out while they hang out, and just do what they do! Not every family is comfortable with those kinds of photos, or just want more traditional photos taken, and I am sensitive to that and will gauge that during the session and adjust based on the family.
I recommend full sessions for maternity and senior photos, as well as extended family , and for families with little kiddos.
Forming Bonds
My full length sessions are especially great for families with many kiddos and small kiddos. The extra time gives time for the littles to warm up to me and get comfortable with their new surroundings.
Creating a good rapport with each family I work with is so crucial to get those special and memorable moments.
I hope this eliminates any confusion surrounding how I do both my full and mini sessions! If you need someone to capture these special moments for you, whether in short form, or long, please contact me for more information, I'd love to chat with you!