Why We Don't Offer Mini Sessions

If you've been looking for a portrait photographer, you've probably come across Mini Sessions.

They can look incredibly tempting.

A short photography session, a handful of beautiful photographs and a price that is a fraction of what the photographer normally charges.

MINI SESSIONS — ONLY 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

But there is something worth understanding before you hit that "Book Now" button.

At All Saints Photography, we've made the deliberate decision not to offer Mini Sessions.

And it's not because we think Mini Sessions are bad. They're not.

It's because we prefer a different approach to portrait photography — and we think it's important that you understand why.

The "Limited Mini Session" Model

Then there is the wonderful world of the Mini Session.

You know the ones.

The photographer's website proudly displays beautiful, luxurious, all-inclusive portrait collections costing several thousand dollars.

Then, four or five times a year, an announcement appears:

MINI SESSIONS — ONLY 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

Suddenly, that luxury photography experience is available for a fraction of the price.

And because the spots are limited, there is a lovely little sense of urgency.

"I'd better book now!"

And to be fair, this can be a very clever and perfectly legitimate business model.

The photographer gets to fill a day with several shorter sessions, while clients get the opportunity to have photographs taken by someone whose normal pricing may be well outside their budget.

Everybody wins.

But there is a catch when you start comparing prices.

If the photographer's normal portrait experience is $3,000 and their Mini Session is $300, it can feel like you've just discovered an incredible bargain.

And perhaps you have.

But you haven't suddenly found the $3,000 experience for $300.

You've bought a different product.

The session may be much shorter, there may be fewer photographs, less time to experiment, fewer outfit changes, a simpler setup and a very different overall experience.

That's perfectly okay — provided you know that's what you're buying.

Limited Doesn't Necessarily Mean Cheaper

"Limited" is a powerful word in marketing.

When there are only six spots available, it's natural to think:

"I'd better grab one before they're gone."

And if the photographer genuinely only offers those sessions occasionally, then yes, they really may be limited.

But "limited" doesn't necessarily mean you've discovered a once-in-a-lifetime bargain.

It is simply part of the business model.

Some photographers genuinely use Mini Sessions as an occasional special event.

Others make them a regular and important part of their business.

Neither is right or wrong.

The important thing is understanding what you're comparing.

A $300 Mini Isn't a $3,000 Portrait Session

This is probably the biggest thing we would like people to understand.

If one photographer offers a $300 Mini Session and another offers a $3,000 portrait experience, don't assume you're comparing two photographers charging very different prices for the same thing.

You aren't.

You're likely comparing two completely different experiences.

The $300 Mini might be exactly what you want.

Perhaps you only need a few photographs and don't want to spend hours in a studio.

Fantastic.

But if you're looking for a relaxed portrait experience with plenty of time, a large collection of photographs and lots of options, then the Mini may not actually be what you're looking for.

And that's where we think comparing the actual inclusions is much more useful than comparing the headline price.

So Why Don't We Offer Minis?

For us, it comes down to something quite simple.

We don't want to rush you.

People aren't products coming down a production line.

You can't always walk into a studio, stand in exactly the right spot, smile on command and produce your best photograph within 15 or 20 minutes.

Sometimes you're nervous.

Sometimes you're not quite sure what to do.

Sometimes your hair isn't cooperating.

Sometimes the first photograph is rubbish.

Sometimes the fifth photograph is rubbish.

And then, completely unexpectedly, you relax.

You stop thinking about the camera.

You laugh.

You move naturally.

And suddenly we get the photograph.

That's the bit we don't want to miss.

We Don't Want You Watching the Clock

Our portrait sessions are designed to be relaxed.

We want you to have time to settle in and become comfortable in front of the camera.

We want time to try different ideas, different poses and different looks.

We want time for the photographs to develop naturally rather than feeling like we're racing the clock because the next person is waiting outside.

That's particularly important when you're having portraits taken of yourself.

Most people aren't professional models.

You don't arrive knowing exactly what to do.

That's our job.

And sometimes the best photographs happen after you've stopped trying to look good for the camera.

What You Get at All Saints Photography

Instead of offering a series of short Mini Sessions, we've chosen to offer an affordable, all-inclusive portrait photography package.

You know what you're paying before your session.

You know what's included.

And you don't have to make a decision about whether you can afford your photographs after you've already fallen in love with them.

Our package includes a copy of all your images as standard-sized A5 print-sized files.

So no, we're not holding your precious photographs for ransom!

You also select five images to receive as high-resolution files, giving you the option to have those photographs printed much larger for your walls.

And if you'd like us to create something beautiful for your home, we can also supply canvases and high-quality archival framed prints.

But that's completely up to you.

The choice is yours.

You don't have to buy anything else.

It's About Choosing the Right Model for You

This isn't about saying that Mini Sessions are bad.

They're not.

For the right person, a Mini Session can be a fantastic option.

If you want a few photographs, you're happy with a shorter session and the price works for your budget, then go for it.

Just make sure you're comparing apples with apples.

Look at what is included.

Look at how many photographs you receive.

Look at the resolution of the files.

Look at how much time you actually get.

And, most importantly, look at the photographer's work.

Because ultimately, the photographs are what you're buying.

The All Saints Approach

At All Saints Photography, we've simply chosen a different business model.

We don't offer a $3,000 portrait package and then occasionally reduce it to a few hundred dollars for six lucky people.

We don't create artificial urgency around limited Mini Sessions.

Instead, we've chosen to keep our portrait photography affordable, straightforward and all-inclusive all year round.

That means you don't have to wait for a special promotion.

You don't have to watch Facebook for the next Mini Session announcement.

And you don't have to wonder whether you've missed your chance.

You can simply book a portrait session when you are ready.

We'd rather give you the time to relax, have some fun and create a collection of photographs that you're genuinely proud of.

Because that's what we think portrait photography should be.

No Mini required.