Disclaimer: No mini sessions, or photographers who do mini sessions were harmed during the writing of this blog post. I'm not against photographers who do mini sessions, I'm just against this type of format.
Let's begin from the start...
What exactly are mini sessions?
Photographers often refer to a brief photo session as a "mini session," typically lasting between 15 minutes and an hour, during which they create around 30-50 images. These sessions usually do not include any pre-session consultation, have a fixed price, and provide the client with 10-20-30 edited images without any retouching or with only minimal retouching.
Why someone provide or choose a mini session?
There are advantages to mini sessions, and I cannot deny them. They are quick, requiring less time from both the client and the photographer. They generally involve less variation in posing, clothing, and lighting, making them easier to handle even for less experienced photographers. Moreover, they are often more affordable than regular sessions. So, they are not entirely without merit, but significant drawbacks also exist.
What are the cons to a mini photography session?
Due to the "quick and dirty" nature of these sessions, they can feel rushed, potentially leading to missed opportunities for poses or lighting that would beautifully complement the client. The time constraint results in fewer variations in the images compared to a regular session. There is no time for wardrobe changes, experimenting with different lighting setups or backgrounds, or exploring various locations in the case of natural light or urban sessions. Consequently, only a limited number of compositions and poses can be captured within such a short timeframe.
Reasons not to do it and my way of shooting
However, the primary reason I choose not to offer mini sessions is that they don't allow sufficient time to connect with the client. There is no opportunity for the person being photographed to relax, let go of their nerves, and get into the flow of being captured on camera. Since there is no prior conversation with the client, I remain unaware of the specific type of images they need or desire. I don't photograph for myself; I photograph for my clients. My goal is for them to have images that support their business objectives or, in the case of personal images, to showcase their incredible essence. I want the images to accurately represent their true selves, style, and personality. While I bring my expertise and photography style to the shoot, it ultimately becomes a collaboration to ensure that the images resonate with them, speak to them, and leave them truly satisfied. They tell me and show me what they like and who they are as individuals, and together, we create something magical. As a result, instead of receiving a limited selection of 20 images, some of which they may not even prefer, my clients have the option to choose from a broader range of images and select only those that truly resonate with them. I provide personalized retouching, tailoring the process to their preferences. Whether they prefer more detailed retouching or only minimal adjustments, I follow their lead. We can review the images together and identify any specific elements they would like to remove or modify, if any.
However, it all begins before the actual photo shoot. I believe it is essential to get to know my clients better in order to create the images they truly need. The method of communication can be flexible, whether it's online, over the phone, in person, via text, or voice. Trust me, this can make a significant difference in the final outcome. I am also more than happy to assist them with any questions, doubts, or guidance on wardrobe choices and makeup before the session.
Let's be honest—I don't want to sugarcoat things. This type of photo session requires more financial investment. It's not just about spending half an hour shooting and another half hour editing the images. With consultations, being readily available to answer questions, assisting the client, conducting the shoot, and post-processing (editing and retouching), it can take me 8-10 hours or more of my time (don't worry, it's not your time, but I need to work my magic behind the scenes too 😉). It also demands more skill, knowledge, and practice on my part (not to imply that photographers who offer mini sessions lack these qualities, but the shorter timeframe places fewer demands on them).
Furthermore, it will require more time from the client as well. A mini session may only take half an hour of their time, whereas a regular session (with me, for example) involves pre-session communication, the actual photo shoot, and a post-session consultation to select the preferred images and discuss retouching options. The method of communication before the shoot is entirely up to the client. As an introvert at heart, I completely understand if someone prefers not to meet in person or finds it difficult to converse face-to-face or over the phone. However, meeting in person can be beneficial for building a relationship and establishing trust. Ultimately, I am flexible and adapt to the client's preferences. The length of these discussions can also vary. If you're pressed for time, we can exchange brief messages, and that will suffice. On the other hand, if you're open to it, we can delve into more detailed conversations (but do keep in mind that I have a personal life and a business to manage, so my availability does have limits 😄). The pre-session consultation can range from 15 minutes to 4-6 hours—it's entirely up to you. The actual photo shoot can last between 1 hour and 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule and the variety of images you'd like to capture. We can decide whether to complete the session in one go or take small breaks during the shoot. The post-session consultation typically takes between half an hour and 1-1.5 hours.
So, yes, this type of session does require a bit more time on the client's part as well, but it's not an excessively long commitment. When you consider everything, including the pre- and post-shoot processes, as well as the session itself, it can be completed in less than 2 hours if you're particularly busy. Therefore, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker for anyone 😊.
In summary, a regular session may require more time and come with a higher price tag, but in the end, it offers a far superior experience. You will receive a comprehensive and personalized service, a wide variety of images to choose from, and the opportunity to have a greater say in how you are portrayed. In my opinion, if someone chooses to be photographed by a professional rather than relying on the next-door neighbor's kid with an iPhone or a colleague, they deserve to have remarkable images and a fantastic experience.
I have made a conscious decision to invest more energy and time into this type of photography because I am committed to serving my clients to the best of my abilities. I want them to have images they genuinely love—not just ones they find acceptable or merely like.
Now, the decision is yours to make!