Choosing Your Maternity Photo Shoot: What’s the Difference Between a Custom Session and a Mini Session?
As a photographer who specializes in capturing the motherhood journey, maternity photos are one of my top specialties. When you go book a photo session with me, you might have two different options: a custom session or a mini session. What exactly are these two types of maternity photo shoots and what’s the difference? Settle in because here’s everything you need to know to decide.
What Is a Custom Maternity Photo Session?
My custom maternity photo session is probably the experience you picture when you think of maternity portraits - you book the session for a convenient date and time and I craft the session around what you envision for your maternity photos. Everything is customized to you and we spend a few hours taking portraits in different outfits and locations.
What Is a Mini Maternity Photo Session?
A mini maternity photo session is basically a quickie version of a custom photo shoot. I typically schedule a specific day for mini-sessions and divide the day into time slots you can book. The session is brief and we’re limited on the number of looks and poses, but you still get my full attention and skills for your session. This can be great if you just want one great photo.
What are the Differences Between Custom and Mini Maternity Photo Sessions?
Trying to decide between a custom session and a mini-session? Other than price, here are the differences that can help you decide:
A mini-session is only for you, the mom-to-be. In a custom session, you can also include your spouse or partner and other members of your family if you choose.
A mini session is time-constricted so there’s typically only time for one look, two looks maximum. A custom session has more time so we can capture portraits in many different looks and styles and even in multiple locations.
I set aside specific days for mini-sessions, usually on a Friday, so your mini-session must be on that specific date and in one of the time slots I have available. For a custom session, you can book for any day and time when I’m available so we have a lot more flexibility with scheduling.
With a custom photo session, you’ll get professional hair and makeup services before the session to make sure you look spectacular. With a mini session, you still get professional makeup services but for the sake of time, you’ll only get a touch-up for your hair rather than a full hairstyling.
Custom maternity photo sessions can take place either in my Mercer Island studio or at an outdoor location of your choice in the area (or both!). Mini sessions are only available in my studio.
Ultimately the choice between a mini session and a custom maternity photo shoot comes down to you and what you want for your maternity portraits. If you want the milestone experience, a variety of looks and portraits, and the whole shebang, go for a custom session. If you’re just looking for a quick photo shoot to get one great maternity portrait, the mini session might be the right fit. Either way, reach out to Jaimié Birtel Photography, and let’s chat!
