Should you choose a mini-session or a full portrait session for your lifestyle photography session?

Hey y’all! Welcome to my cozy little corner of the internet. Today, we’re going to dive into a delightful dilemma that many of my awesome families face when booking a Birmingham lifestyle photographer. It is the classic choice between a 15-minute mini-session or a more relaxed family session. Both have their charms, so let’s unpack it!

Lifestyle Mini-Sessions

First things first, mini-sessions are like little pockets of joy and come with a handful of your favorite images from our session together. They’re perfect for families who want a quick update for their holiday card photo. In just 15 minutes, we will work our magic, capturing some precious smiles and authentic moments among your family members. It’s quick, efficient, and gives you an updated picture of your family and each of your children.

Full Lifestyle Family Session – How is it different?

On the other hand, if you’re up for a more laid-back experience the full family session might be right up your alley. With up to an hour to play, laugh, and make memories, we’ll have the chance to capture the bigger picture of your family’s love and connection. This session allows for a more relaxed experience. Often times that means more time to capture those heartwarming candid and close-up detailed shots that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Perks of a Full Lifestyle Family Session

I will also book you with my fabulous hair and make-up artist should you wish to do so. She is fantastic and will even come to your house to get you all glammed up! Full portrait sessions come with my wardrobe and session prep guide. My wardrobe guide includes links to my favorite sites for wardrobe selection as well as sample style boards. I will also guide you through outfit selection along the way. Additionally, with full sessions, you choose your location. I can recommend one of my favorite outdoor sites, or you choose a place that’s special to your family.

If you have energetic little ones running around, the full family session might just be the perfect fit for you. Let’s face it, wrangling toddlers can be an Olympic sport in itself. I totally get it – they’ve got boundless energy and curiosity. With up to an hour to play and explore, we can let your little bundles of joy be themselves, capturing their genuine laughter, playfulness, and adorable antics. No rush, no pressure, just pure fun!

This extra time allows us to take breaks when needed, ensuring everyone stays happy throughout the session. Plus, with a more relaxed pace, there’s plenty of opportunity to capture those sweet moments when they snuggle up to Mom and Dad and the mischievous grins as they chase each other around. A full family session could be the key to creating a treasure trove of heartwarming memories to cherish for a lifetime. Let the kiddos be themselves, and I’ll be there to freeze those magical moments in time!

Everyone loves MORE images!!

And let’s not forget about the fabulous 50+ images that come with the full family session! It’s like unwrapping a present on Christmas morning – so many delightful moments captured. From playful giggles to warm embraces, these images will tell the beautiful story of your family’s journey, preserving all those fleeting moments that make life so special.

Which one is better for your Birmingham lifestyle family session?

So, which one should you choose? Well, that depends on your family’s style and what you hope to achieve from our time together. If you’re looking for a quick and easy update with some stellar shots, the mini-session might be your jam. But if you want to savor the experience and have a more extensive collection of memories to cherish, then the full family session could be just the ticket.

But hey, here’s a little secret – there’s no wrong choice! Whichever session you choose, we’ll have a blast and create some magical moments together. Also, regardless of choice, I do have a few wardrobe suggestions to share with everyone!

I am excited to be your family’s Birmingham lifestyle photographer, so let’s chat and figure out which session suits your family’s style best. Whether you’re up for a quick mini-session or a leisurely family session, I can’t wait to be a part of your family’s story. Let’s capture those beautiful moments that will warm your heart for years to come. See y’all soon! 📸💕

Whitney Carr is a Birmingham, Alabama lifestyle family photographer, serving Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Trussville, Chelsea, Pelham, and surrounding areas. Whitney photographs a variety of sessions from maternity, newborn, and young families to heirloom and senior portraits. She offers a full client experience, from wardrobe and location planning to selection of wall portraits and albums after delivery of your digitals. Her clients appreciate her attention to detail and how effortless and enjoyable sessions are.

If you’re looking to see what makes Birmingham special, check out this recent Redfin post. You might just run across a snippet on my favorite Birmingham restaurants.