Family in snow

Why you may not want (or need) a Mini-Session

You probably see mini-sessions advertised all over the place, especially on Facebook. While mini-sessions are an inexpensive way to get quick portraits, they may not be what you are looking for, or you didn’t even realize the alternatives!

So here are some benefits to booking a full portrait session when you want to capture something truly special!

  • Short time block— If your child/pet/husband isn’t cooperating, that’s your one shot to get something good. You might all leave very frustrated and probably not with good results. With a full session, your time isn’t limited except by the sun, so we can take our time, relax, and have a fun experience! Sometimes with mini-sessions it’s hurry up and wait. Sometimes people are early, sometimes they’re late, and it can cause major issues with timing. And as I said earlier, if you’re not getting great results and you’re running out of time, it can be very stressful!
  • Clothing Planning— With our full sessions, you have an expert to guide you to select your clothing to create a harmonious look. I will personally even come to your home and into your closets to help you choose complementary outfits and help you shop your closet. You don’t have to do a bunch of stressful shopping (unless you love shopping and want to!). Most of the time there is no guidance with mini-sessions, so outfits aren’t really cohesive and it doesn’t provide the best result. Unless, of course, you have matching jammies! Ha ha!
  • Location— Mini-sessions take place in one location. Full sessions are customized to you and your desires, your style, and your decor. What might be great for some people may not be what you had envisioned. Our sessions have the option of taking place in our studio, your home, your yard, or MANY local locations that we have used over the years and we know what will look great. I want to create portraits in a location that is meaningful to you.
  • Posing Variety— Since mini-sessions are so quick and usually in one spot, there may not be a variety in poses and settings. Even in an hour session, I can do many combinations of the group in many different ways, so you have a great selection of portraits and poses to choose from. As well as being able to take plenty of time with each pose to make sure everyone looks great from hair to clothing to even your fingers!
  • Control of lighting— with an outdoor mini-session only a few people get the best light. If they are too early then we have harsh midday light. I schedule all of my outdoor sessions around sunset and the best light of the day! It makes a huge difference in the quality of the portraits as well as flattering light which makes people look great!
  • Time for more than one outfit— we allow time if you would like to wear multiple outfits then that is no problem. Not really an option for a quick session.
  • Luxury products— almost all mini-sessions offer a certain number of digital images, but what do you do with them after you post on social media? I truly believe in the inherent value of printed artwork, that it is a legacy for your family instead of being lost in digital dust. Having a treasured album or a luxurious collage of wall art that makes your heart sing every time you look at them- that’s true value!
  • Taking the time to get to know you and your family is actually number one!!! We start with a phone consultation to ask questions and walk through the process as I find out more about you and your vision, and learn about each family member and their unique qualities. Then we meet in person at your home or my studio for a design consultation where we dig deeper and design your session and experience. We want to make sure the family feels involved and a part of the process! I want you all to be comfortable and looking forward to the session, not dreading it. It should be a family memory that brings you closer every time you look at your portraits.
  • Fast turnaround— You can view and order your portraits in-person with me, or even by Zoom, within a day or two of your session most of the time. You don’t have to wait days or weeks to see if we got anything good! And you are in control of what you choose to order, I don’t pick for you. The portraits go straight to the retoucher and get back to you within a few days also, so you have them super quick! Then your products are ordered, which take longer but totally worth the wait.



If you would like more information about planning a unique custom session designed just for you, get in touch! Give me a call at 775-745-0445 or email sue@sierraelegance.com

I’d love to get to know you and chat about your vision!

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