Lifestyle Session Vs. Mini Session
Which is right for my family?
Laura Ann
Photography, though geared towards personalized, in-home “Lifestyle Sessions”,
also offers “Mini Sessions” yearly (usually in the fall). In a nutshell, “Lifestyle Sessions” are
designed and personalized with the client to create a one-of-a-kind session
that tells your family’s story. These sessions are generally 1-2 hours and take
place in the client’s home, but can also be at an outdoor location. “Mini
(Petite) Sessions” are shorter sessions in a location chosen by me that are
offered at a discounted price and may or may not include special products
and/or pricing.
Here are a
few things to think about when deciding which type of photography session is
the right fit for your family.
1. What is the purpose of your photo
session? If you are looking for a few updated photos
or want to create a nice holiday card, a mini session may be the way to go. If
you want to capture your children as they are and preserve a special time in
your lives, a lifestyle session would be recommended.
2. How old are your children and how
do they react to strangers? If you have
young children that would do best having some time to meet me and play more
comfortably in your home, a lifestyle session would be best. If you have done
sessions with me before, your kids know me already, or are perfectly fine with
someone they don’t know photographing them, then a mini would probably be ok.
3. How much of an investment are you
interested in making? This is a very personal part of
the decision making process. Mini sessions are generally more affordable and a
great way to get images with a boutique photographer. When looking to capture
priceless memories of your children, when looking for wall art for your home or
albums to celebrate special ages or times in your child’s life, a lifestyle
session would be the best choice.
4. How much time do you have for a
session? Minis are short and lifestyle sessions are
longer.
5. Do you want to choose the setting
for your photos and have a customized session or do you like to have everything
planned out for you? Again, this is a personal
decision and something to consider.
I
interviewed a couple of my clients to provide you with their perspective. (And
because this is a photography blog, I am including a few of their session
images!)
Here is what
Jamie Harris had to say about Lifestyle Sessions:
Why did you choose to do Lifestyle Sessions in your home over
Mini Sessions with Laura Ann Photography each year? “I
love the Lifestyle Sessions that Laura has to offer! They are laid back and relaxed. Laura really takes her time to make the kids feel
comfortable and basically forget that there is a camera there.”
What were the benefits of doing a session in your home? “I
love candid shots done in the house.
It is fun to see everyday moments caught on film! Also, the kids are in
their natural element in the home, which to me means that they are being
themselves. This translates into
great shots! These are the type of
shots that my husband and I enjoy looking back on. I highly recommend these
sessions done by Laura!”
Can you offer any tips to families that choose to sign up for a
lifestyle session with Laura Ann Photography? “Be
casual and enjoy!!”
Here are Melissa Julian’s thoughts
on Mini Sessions:
Why
do you choose to do Mini Sessions with Laura Ann Photography each year?
“For me, Mini Sessions are perfect.
They are quick and to the point.
Laura is GREAT at what she does and has never disappointed us. Sure, the first time I was a little
skeptical, as I thought, really, how on earth are you going to capture the best
shot when you are only given such a short amount of time, but she does,
flawlessly.”
Can it be difficult to get your children to cooperate with just
a short amount of time for the session? “Actually, this is why I love Mini Sessions so much, there
isn’t much time for the kids to actually be distracted. We get to our spot, Laura is ready and
we shoot. Kids don’t have time to
really even process what is going on.
She has a way with the kids; they smile and roll with it. No time to get burnt out. It’s perfect.”
