Maternity Photos Only Come Around Once

Well, that’s not entirely accurate. If you have multiple kiddos, you’ll have multiple maternity sessions! Or you should. But that’s not the point – the point, is that maternity sessions are kind of a big deal, since they’re so time-dependent. Not only do they have to happen at the right point in your pregnancy, but once your little one has joined us in the world… you can’t quite book a maternity shoot anymore.

Which is to say: there’s a little bit of pressure when it comes to maternity photos, just because of how time sensitive they are. So, if you’ve been considering having a mini session for your maternity photos, there are a few things to think about!

Mini Sessions Are Short and Sweet

One of the first things you should think about when it comes to whether a mini session will work for your maternity photos, is actually the length of time included in a mini. By design… they’re short. I mean, they’re supposed to be – they’re called “mini” sessions for a reason! And realistically, that shortened span of time is the overarching characteristic that leads to all of the OTHER questions we’re going to talk about.

There are situations though, where a short session might be BEST while you’re in your maternity period! Every pregnancy is unique, and if you’re having difficulties staying on your feet, for example – a mini session with a time limit might be exactly what you need for your maternity photos this pregnancy! And there is NO shame in that, at all. Like I said, every pregnancy is different, and everyone’s need for photos is different too. So if you were already thinking that you wouldn’t, for whatever reason, be able to handle a full-length maternity photography session… repurposing a mini session might solve that problem!

Mini Sessions Come With Limited Photos, by Design

Partially because of the limited time included in mini sessions, there aren’t as many images included in mini sessions as there are in standard full-length sessions with Jessica Strobel Photography. That’s going to be the case when you’re working with any photographer though, for the most part!

Depending on the way you’re going to use your photos, you may actually only want a couple! And of course, no matter what session you book with Jessica Strobel Photography, you’re going to have the option to upgrade your image package. Following your session, you’ll receive a folder of photos where you can choose the favorites included in your package – but if you can’t weed it down to what was included… upgrade!! Now that being said, because of the shorter length of time included in mini sessions, there are naturally fewer images in that folder because there’s less time for me to capture them. It’s one of those math things.

If you want to have an abundance of images to choose from when it comes to selecting your final images, a mini session might not be the vibe you’re going for. But if you’re really just looking for a quick snapshot of your glow, with a few images you can look back on – a mini might still meet that need really effectively!

There’s No Time For Wardrobe Changes in a Mini Session

Okay so wardrobe for maternity sessions is a BIG deal! We have a client closet here in the studio that you can choose from to use in your session, and most families opt to have at least one wardrobe change during their maternity session. That way there are some more casual images, or images in your favorite clothes/maternity clothes, as well as some more formal, glamor style shots! Which brings me to the point of this section, which is… those kinds of wardrobe changes aren’t included in a mini session.

So if you’re looking to have different wardrobe options included in your maternity session experience, or to pick things from the client closet, then you’re definitely going to be better off with a full maternity session! That way, you’ll have access to the client closet, and because your session will be full length, you’ll have time to switch outfits while we’re capturing your images.

Mini Sessions Include One Location ONLY

Another aspect of mini sessions to keep in mind when you’re choosing whether your maternity session can be a mini session, is where they’re located! Mini sessions, again, by design, take place in ONE location. That location has usually been scouted and specifically chosen by the photographer in question – whether it’s a specific set in their studio, or a location around Minneapolis! These sessions tend to be themed, and it’s pretty much the whole vibe for the mini session itself. For example, when you look at my list of available mini sessions throughout the year, you’ll see they’re even named based on where they’ll be taking place!

If there’s a mini session in the calendar that’s at a location you definitely love, and that you might have wanted images at for your full length session anyway, then maybe having only one location included isn’t a turn off for you. But if you were hoping for more than one set for your images… that’s another reason to turn to a full maternity session for your images!

Is a Mini Session Right for your Maternity Photos?

Mini sessions can be used for all kinds of things – from senior photo sessions, to updating your family pictures in between full sessions. They make great gifts, and so do the images from them! But when it comes to things like time-sensitive sessions, including maternity and newborn, they may not be the best option. It comes down to your unique situation though, as well as what you want/need the experience of capturing your pregnancy to feel like!

If you NEED a shorter session, or you’re not bothered by the idea of having limited images to choose from… a mini session might do exactly what you need. But if you’re looking for a full glamor experience where you’re the absolute focus here in the studio for a lengthier session, then a mini isn’t what you should be looking at!

Have you considered… both?

There’s always a happy medium, as well – because honestly? There’s no reason you have to CHOOSE! You can have both. You can book a full session for the majority of your maternity photos, and then if there’s a mini that you want to add into the calendar too, because it falls in the right time in your pregnancy, or you want to capture a DIFFERENT stretch of your maternity experience… DO IT!

You can absolutely have both, mama! But either way – whether you’re going with one, both, or you’re still undecided – if you’re looking for a maternity photographer to capture the magic of your glow, let’s talk. I would love to make the vision for your maternity photos a reality!