What’s the Right Photo Package for Me — Mini or Full Session?
Updated: Sep 30
At Nicole Jones Photography, I believe every photo session should be as unique as the people in front of my camera. One of the most common questions I get from clients is:
“Should I book a mini session or a full custom session?”
The answer depends on your needs, your schedule, and the type of memories you want to capture. Let’s break it down so you can choose the perfect fit.
Mini Sessions
Mini sessions are short, sweet, and oh-so-convenient.
Perfect for you if:
You just need a few updated photos.
You love the idea of a quick, focused shoot.
You have the flexibility to fit into available time slots, and you're open to a pre-chosen location within the Chicago North Shore.
You’re looking for seasonal portraits (think holiday cards, spring blooms, or fall leaves).
You have a family that can arrive ready-to-go! Consider a full session if you have shy kids who take a while to warm up, or kids who don't like quick transitions. Sessions will be booked before and after yours, so I won't be able to extended your session if your family isn't ready to go.
What to expect: Mini sessions are 20 minutes long, held on specific dates and set locations. Because they’re short, we move quickly and focus on getting a handful of beautiful images you’ll love. To help prepare young children, arrive early so they have a chance to adjust to the environment and be ready for their turn in front of the camera.
Pros:
Affordable
Quick and easy
Great for themed or seasonal looks
Things to keep in mind: Mini sessions are not ideal if you want a specific location (ie. your home), you're looking for a wide variety of poses / lots of candids, you have a large group, or you have shy, unpredictable kids that don't like quick transitions or may need breaks. Choose a custom session under these circumstances to allow the session to be built around your specific family's needs.
Full Custom Sessions
Full custom sessions are an hour long and all about creating an experience just for you.
Perfect for you if:
You want a relaxed, unhurried shoot, where kids can take breaks if needed.
Your want candid photos plus posed images. We can play games and be a little more creative!
You’d like photos with multiple backdrops, or clothing changes.
You have a large group and want a variety of photo groupings.
You want to choose the specific location, date and time.
You're celebrating a milestone - anniversary, birthday
Your kids need time to warm up, time to transition between shots and would benefit from breaks.
What to expect: Full sessions are 60 minutes and can be tailored to your style. We’ll choose locations that inspire you and take our time capturing a mix of candid and posed moments.
Pros:
Fully personalized
More time for creativity, play and breaks
You have an extended family group
A larger, more diverse gallery of images
Things to keep in mind: Full sessions are a bigger investment of both time and budget — but the results give you a collection with a wide range of pictures to cherish.
Contact me at nicole@nicolejonesphotography.com to find out about full custom session availability.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
If you just need a few gorgeous, polished photos — maybe for a holiday card or to update your walls — a Mini Session is perfect. If you want the freedom to create a wide variety of images, tell a bigger story, and make the most of your time together, go with a full custom session.
Still not sure?That’s what I’m here for! Reach out and I’ll help you figure out the perfect session for your needs. No matter which you choose, you’ll walk away with images you’ll treasure for years to come.
Nicole Jones Photography — Your memories, beautifully captured.
Comments