Mini Sessions vs Full Sessions. Which Is Right for You?

Jade Collins
Feb 26
3 min read

If you've been looking at booking a photographer and found yourself wondering what the difference actually is between a mini session and a full session, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions I get asked, and honestly, it's such a good one because choosing the right option can make a huge difference to your experience and your photos.

I'm Jade, a Devon-based family and wedding photographer, and I'm here to break it down for you in a way that actually makes sense.

What Is a Mini Session?

A mini session is exactly what it sounds like a shorter, focused shoot designed to capture beautiful images quickly and efficiently.

Here's what you get with a mini session at Jade Photography:

20 minutes of shooting time
10 hand-edited images delivered in an online gallery
Your choice of location
Gallery delivered within 48 hours
All for just £70

Mini sessions are brilliant for moments that don't need a lot of time to capture think smash cake sessions, baby showers, maternity announcements, or simple portraits where you just want a handful of gorgeous, polished images without a big investment of time or money.

What Is a Full Family Session?

A full session gives you so much more breathing room. This is where the magic really happens where we slow down, let the moment unfold, and capture the real, candid side of your family.

Here's what's included in a full family session:

1 hour of shooting time
20–30 hand-edited images delivered in a private online gallery
Your choice of location
A pre-session guide to help you prepare
All for just £100

That extra time makes a world of difference. Kids warm up. Families relax. You stop thinking about the camera. And that's when the best photos happen the ones where everyone looks genuinely happy, not just posed.

So Which One Is Right for You?

Here's an honest guide to help you decide:

Choose a mini session if…

You need a quick turnaround (gallery within 48 hours!)
You're celebrating a specific moment — smash cake, baby shower, simple portraits
You have a smaller group and don't need a lot of variety
You're working with a tighter budget
You know roughly what you want and don't need much time to settle in

Choose a full session if…

You want a relaxed, unhurried experience
You have younger children who need time to warm up
You want a bigger selection of images (20–30 vs 10)
You'd love candid, natural shots alongside the posed ones
You want a pre-session guide to help you prepare and feel confident

The Honest Truth About Mini Sessions

Mini sessions are genuinely wonderful but they're not for everyone. If you're hoping for lots of outfit changes, multiple setups, or a relaxed pace where we can just see what unfolds, a mini session won't give you that. Twenty minutes goes fast, and while I make every second count, it's simply not the right fit for families who need longer to settle in or clients who want a wide range of images.

That's not a criticism it's just about matching the right session to the right person. And I'd always rather be upfront with you so you're not disappointed.

Why Book with Jade Photography?

Based in Devon, I specialise in family and wedding photography with a warm, relaxed approach. Whether you're booking a mini or a full session, you'll get hand-edited images that truly reflect the moment, delivered quickly to a private online gallery you can treasure forever.

Every session no matter the size gets my full attention and care.

Ready to Book?

Whether you're leaning toward a mini or a full session, I'd love to work with you.

Get in touch today to check availability and book your session with Jade Photography.

Jade Photography Devon-based family & wedding photographer.