Mini vs Custom Portrait Sessions: What You Need to Know

This portrait is a from a family portrait session and it's the perfect example of a Custom Portrait Session. We spent about two hours together, exploring the beautiful grounds at Perimeter Church, located in Johns Creek, GA. We photographed a variety of family poses, kid poses, mom & dad poses, and even included the adorable pup in a few of the images. 

If you’re in the midst of planning a photography session, whether it’s for your newborn baby or just a general family session, you’ve probably heard the term ‘mini session’ mentioned quite a bit.

There are a few differences when it comes to a mini photography session vs a custom session. Here’s what you need to know before you decide which session is best for you.

Time Limits

This is of course one of the main differences between the two sessions. A custom photography session will last an hour or two while a photographer will usually book several mini sessions in one day since they only last about 20 – 25 minutes at most.

Number of Poses

Secondly, a custom photography session will allow for as many poses as possible within the time booked while a mini session offers less time so your photographer will use their skills to capture as many candid moments as possible in a shorter period of time.

Number of Photos

While your photographer will still try and photograph as many photos as possible during your mini session, you will naturally end up with fewer photos than you would if you had booked a custom session. A custom session generates between 30 - 40 images while a mini session will give you about 10. There will also usually be minimal retouching, if any at all, of the photos taken at a mini session.

So which photography session is best for you?

You may be surprised to find that many of our clients actually choose both! Often our clients will opt for the custom session for the entire family at a location of their choice. This gives them more time to play around with poses, backdrops, props and wardrobe changes. While they opt for mini sessions to get a few great photos of the kiddos as a compliment in between the custom sessions.

Regardless of which you choose, we look forward to working with you!

Cindi Fortmann Photography is a full service studio, specializing in Professional Headshots, Portraits and Commercial Photography.  We are located in the heart of Johns Creek, also serving the surrounding areas including Alpharetta, Suwanee, Cumming, Peachtree Corners, etc.