Which is right for you and your family??


I loveee this topic because as we are about to hit a season where mini sessions are popular there are so many misconceptions on which of these is right for you! Back before I became a photographer, I have to be honest, when I would sign up for mini sessions, I thought to myself, is this really worth it? How can I possibly get that many images in that short of a time? Plus if you add kids in the mix... I always thought mini sessions just don't have the value. Oh my goodness, was I WRONG or what! In this blog, I am going to dive in looking at full and mini sessions from a photographer's viewpoint. I will touch on the benefits of each and then compare them against each other so you can determine which one is the best fit for you!!


Plus at the end the blog, you'll get my first sneak and recap of all the mini session events I have coming up for the rest of the year!

A family stands together on a nature path surrounded by tall trees and greenery in casual outdoor attire.

Full Sessions


RG Photography by Courtney's full sessions last 30-60 minutes (senior sessions are up to an hour and half due to location and outfit changes)! Full sessions are the FULL package you can receive. After your session, you will receive access to an online gallery where you'll find at least 50 edited images! You are welcome to download and print your images, or use my professional print store to order high quality products to display your gallery!


I want you to picture sessions as a piece of pizza (since my family loves pizza). With my full sessions, you get the whole piece of pizza. There is no holding back with what you get! Full sessions are fully personalized to your family from the date, time and location to a specific vision you have! You experience the full RG Photography by Courtney's experience which is relaxed, fun, and laid back while capturing precious moments!

A happy family sharing joyful moments together in a wooded outdoor setting during a sunny day.
Happy family enjoying time together on a dirt path surrounded by greenery on a sunny day.

Mini Sessions


RG Photography by Courtney's mini sessions are usually 15 minutes, which doesn't seem like a long time (which it isn't), but in photographer's time.. made that term up... it is more than enough time to capture precious wonderful pictures! Clients receive 10 digital images back with the option to purchase more, including their full gallery! Similar to full sessions, your pictures will be available through an online gallery where you can download and print your images, as well as, have access to my professional print store!


Back to the pizza analogy... mini sessions are a slice of the pizza. You still get the same great taste, where the quality is just as good, without getting the full deal. Mini sessions are faster pace to allow every combination to be captured and come at a lower cost, but with less images in return.

Three people wearing casual outfits stand together on a gravel path in a wooded outdoor setting, all coordinated in black tops.

Pros for Full & Mini Sessions:


Full Sessions

  • Fully personalized to your family!
  • You pick the date, time, and location!
  • Full client experience!
  • Allows children to warm up and get comfortable!
  • More time for candid moments!
  • Multiple locations allowed!
  • 50+ Images in return!


Mini Sessions

  • It's quick! You don't have to block off a full afternoon or long time out of your family's busy schedule!
  • Kids don't have time to lose interest and get bored!
  • Still fun and personable
  • Same great quality!
  • Lower cost!
A loving family poses together for a group photo outdoors among tall pine trees on a sunny day.

Cons to Consider:


Full Sessions:

  • Kids can lose interest before the session is over (however, I make sure they still have fun along the way).
  • Costs more than full sessions.

Mini Sessions:

  • Predetermined location and date
  • They aren't great for extended families
  • Time slots are strict. I often have another family's session right after yours, so your 15 minute time slot does not have wiggle room.
  • Less images included with session fee and less variety.
Casually dressed siblings stand together on a wooded path, smiling at the camera on a sunny day.
Two young children holding hands and laughing while standing together on a dirt path surrounded by greenery.
A mother and son together smiling by a waterfront with trees and vegetation in the background on an overcast day.

Determining which one is right for you!


After reviewing the pros and cons, go ahead and think about your family!


Do you have a large family, young children that take a longer time to warm up, or a specific vision of how you want your session to go? If so, a full session might be the best fit for you! The benefits of a full session are numerous, and you can never really go wrong with it! I base my photography business on turning clients into friends, and with full sessions you get that full experience that I take pride in!


Or, do you have children that quickly lose interest or a busy schedule? Are you looking to update your family photos at a lower cost and only needing a few quality images? Then you might want to lean towards mini sessions! Mini sessions are also great because you can book more sessions throughout the year and different seasons since they are lower cost and less of a time commitment!


REGARDLESS of which session you book, just know I will always make your time worth it, and deliver timeless and memorable images for you to look back on for years to come!

A casual family group stands together on a wooded path, wearing coordinated denim and casual clothing.

What's in store in the future:


  • October 12 - 3:00 to 6:00 PM - Walk Up Minis - The Glow Up Lantern Fest - Illinois State Fairgrounds (Conservation World), Springfield, IL - There are several different packages to choose from to fit everyone's budget (this is special pricing for this event only) - 15 Minute Session - Limited number of pre-scheduled bookings available; so, reach out if you are interested!


  • October 19 - Fall Minis - Pumpkin Creek Farms, Sherman, IL - 15 Minute Session - 10 Edited Images - $150 - I ONLY HAVE ONE... JUST ONE... SPOT LEFT!!!


  • November 16 - Christmas Farm Minis - Cassen's Christmas Trees and Crafts - 15 Minute Session - 10 Edited Images - $175... 8 Spots Left!


  • December 22 & 28 - Home for Christmas Minis - I will have very limited availability for these sessions due to the time of year, but I wanted to offer these for those that had family traveling from out of town! So often, we cannot get the whole family together for a good picture, especially when they live further way, which is why I want to offer these! Every family deserves to have AT LEAST one great picture with their whole family in it; so, this is your chance to make that happen! These mini sessions stemmed from the idea that those family members that live further away might be back in town for the Christmas holiday, and I invite you to take 20 minutes to get a professional session done together! Since larger families might be included in these, these mini sessions will be 20 minutes, and you will receive 10 images back in return (option to purchase more)! Just remember once these are posted, the availability will be extremely limited so snag them quick, and make sure you are signed up for my email list to get first dibs!
A promotional calendar displaying four seasonal mini photo session dates with sample photos for fall and holiday themed shoots.