There is nothing like photographing families and seeing their love and connection. For many family photographers, mini sessions are popular because it allows them to photograph more families in a shorter amount of time. I have absolutely loved my past mini sessions, as I’ve met so many incredible families, The Rice family being one of them. However, after years of photographing this family during mini sessions, we finally met for a full family session and it was an entirely different experience. Their session confirmed my decision to no longer offer mini sessions. My heart craves the connection full-sessions bring and the art I was called to create.
Craving Connection
I crave connection with my clients and that’s nearly impossible to do in 15 minutes. This short time period moves so fast. I know mini sessions are purposely designed that way, but it isn’t what I want anymore for my clients or my sessions. In 15 minutes there is no time to chat or learn more about the family aside from surface level information. Children can’t warm up to me and there isn’t enough time for them to settle and allow their personalities to emerge. I want to build connections with my families, have real conversations with them, and create a long-term relationship.
15 minutes isn’t enough time for me to truly get to know a family or them to settle, and it also isn’t enough time to capture a genuine connection between them. I love capturing family moments that are candid and unforced. When families can just be together and enjoy each other, the most beautiful moments unfold. Mini sessions eliminate that natural connection, because we have to move on quickly to get the most important shots. However, I no longer want to force these rushed sessions.
This in-home lifestyle family session changed everything and made my decision to move away from mini sessions abundantly clear. This is the first time I have spent more than 15 min with this family in over three years.
I realized I knew their names, but not much else. Their full family session changed that relationship and we were able to have a true conversation. Even the mom wasn’t used to the slower more relaxed pace. As a former mini session client, she was used to the faster-pace and asked at one point, “Shouldn’t we move to the next thing?” I loved being able to say, “no, we aren’t on a time limit today.”
Full Family Sessions Create More Meaningful Photos
The value in these photos is undeniable. The children were able to play in their backyard and enjoy time together without being rushed. There wasn’t any looming stress of we’ve got to get to the next little pose or get to the next little spot because we only have 15 minutes and the next family’s coming right after you.
This full family session meant so much to me because I could connect with the mom and encourage her. I was able to fully see her and she could be fully seen in her role as mother. She’s going to be able to look back on these photos and see herself, how strong she is, and how her children look up to her. Most importantly, she’s going to be able to remember what it actually felt like in these ordinary, beautiful moments playing and enjoying time with her family.
These images truly hold memories. Years from now, when she looks back on these images she’ll be able to relive this moment and season of life in a way you can’t with a mini session. In the same way, her children will be able to remember their joyful childhood in their family home and all the love shared. This is always my goal for family sessions. I want them to look back on their photographs with fondness, remembering the love that surrounded them, as opposed to memories of them rushing out the door, fixing shirts, brushing hair, and stressing over time. Mini sessions are a very different vibe compared to the relaxed feel of full family sessions.
Why I’m No Longer Offering Mini Sessions
Moving forward, there will be less mini sessions and more full family sessions. I want this connection and vulnerability that isn’t possible in 15 minutes. After experiencing a full session for herself, this mom agreed that the experience was much more enjoyable. Her encouraging words were exactly what I needed as she told me that whatever I choose to do, they are going to stay with me, which meant so much to me.
The heart behind what I do is to create photographs that transport you back to a feeling or moment. I also want moms to be seen and acknowledged and children to have images where you can literally feel the love and connection. While mini sessions served a purpose for a season, I’m choosing to make space for something deeper and more meaningful, because ultimately, I need more than 15 minutes to create the art I was called to create.
Reach out today to book your full family session!
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Check out my latest work on Instagram and follow me at tjane_photo!
Teresa Jane Photography, is a San Antonio Newborn Photographer, that offers lifestyle in home and on location maternity, newborn and family photography. She services families in San Antonio, Austin, New Braunfels, Dripping Springs, Boerne, Bulverde, Fredericksburg and surrounding areas.
