The difference between mini vs full session family photoshoot packages
Planning a family photoshoot in the beautiful countryside of Buckinghamshire?
Whether you're capturing your growing children, marking a special occasion, or simply updating your family portraits, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between a mini session and a full session.
Both offer wonderful opportunities to preserve memories but they differ in experience, flexibility, and outcome.
Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which session suits your family best.
🌿 What Is a Mini Family Photoshoot?
A mini session is a shorter, more streamlined version of a full shoot, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes. These are usually offered on specific dates at pre-selected locations across Buckinghamshire, such as the Chiltern Hills, Black Park, or even a pop-up setup in a local wildflower meadow or forest.
However, my mini adventure package is available at any time of year and at any location
✔️ Mini Session Benefits:
Quick & easy: Ideal for little ones with short attention spans.
Lower price point: A more affordable way to get professional photos.
Perfect timing: Offered during golden hour for soft, flattering light.
Limited gallery: Typically includes 5–10 edited high-resolution images.
📸 Best for:
Holiday cards or seasonal updates
Baby milestones
Families looking for a quick refresh
Parents with younger children
📍 Examples in Buckinghamshire:
You might find mini sessions scheduled in a bluebell wood in spring, or a Christmas tree farm in December.
🌳 What Is a Full Family Photoshoot?
A full session is a completely personalised experience that lasts between 45 to 90 minutes. It allows for more variety, creativity, and time to capture those candid, in-between moments that really show your family's personality.
You can choose your own location—from a favourite park to your family home, a riverside walk in Marlow, or a scenic hike through Wendover Woods.
✔️ Full Session Perks:
Flexible location & timing: Choose a place that has meaning to your family.
More photos: Receive a larger gallery (30+ edited images).
Time to relax: No rush, perfect for capturing natural connections and laughter.
Outfit changes welcome: Add variety and dimension to your gallery.
Tailored experience: We’ll plan your session together to reflect your family dynamic and style.
📸 Best for:
Multi-generational families
Celebrating milestones (birthdays, anniversaries)
Families who want a relaxed, unhurried shoot
Those looking for a rich, storytelling gallery
How Do You Choose?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Do we want just a few updated portraits or a full family story?
Are the kids likely to be comfortable in a quick session, or do they need time to warm up?
What’s our budget?
In general:
Mini sessions are great for quick, styled portraits on a budget.
Full sessions are perfect for capturing your family's personality in a more meaningful, natural way.
Still Not Sure?
As a family photographer based in Buckinghamshire, I offer both session types throughout the year. Whether you’re after a playful mini shoot among the spring bluebells or a full storytelling session at your favourite local spot, I’m here to help you capture those fleeting moments that matter most.
Want to know more about what family packages I offer? You can find all the information about my family packages and examples of my work HERE
📅 Ready to book your family photoshoot?
Let’s chat about what type of session is best for your family