If you’ve been shopping for photographers, you’ve probably seen some photographers advertising mini-sessions. A mini session is a very short photo session - usually 15-20 minutes - that’s just bare bones: you get in front of the camera, get a handful of photos, and that’s it. These sessions are lower-cost than a traditional photo session, and from that standpoint, they might seem like a great deal. But from one parent to another, I advise caution about mini-sessions. Here’s why.

Family photos serve so many great purposes. They create an opportunity for a fun family outing, give you a lifelong reminder of this chapter in your family’s story, and give you a way to get stunning custom decor for your home. There’s another handy perk too: they make fantastic gifts. As much as your loved ones might enjoy seeing your family portraits on social media, they’ll be thrilled to be able to enjoy them in their own home too. During this season when you’re looking for special gifts for your loved ones, check out these popular ideas for premium photo gifts.