I love the holiday season in California. The beaches are wide open and the weather is beautiful. This morning photo session was a holiday session for this gorgeous vacationing family. A family vacation is truly the perfect time to do family portraits! I love doing family portrait sessions in the morning. In my opinion it is the best time of day for the light! The closer we can get to sunrise, the better. I know this is so hard with children but it’s so worth it and as you can see with this beautiful soft pastel light, it paid off. I loved working with this family on the beach and love the photos we got!

 

Are you considering booking a beach session for your family portraits?

Beach sessions can be a great option for families looking for a nature location to capture some beautiful photos. However, they may not be the best choice for every family. As a family portrait photographer here in San Diego, I’m here to help you decide whether a beach session is right for your family.

Mini Sessions vs. Regular?

Mini sessions are shorter, condensed versions of a regular family portrait session. In my experience, a regular session is a little bit stressful for everyone because there’s less pressure for the kids to nail the perfect shot and a short amount of time. Regular sessions give a little more space for fun candid photos.

Do Your Kids Need Time to Warm Up?

One of the things to consider when deciding whether a mini session is right for your family is how your kids handle being in front of the camera. If your kids are shy or need some time to warm up to new people and new situations, a mini session may not allow enough time for them to feel comfortable and relaxed. All of my sessions are what’s considered a regular session because there’s no pressure to be done in 10 to 15 minutes.

The Pros and Cons of Mini Sessions

There are definitely some benefits to booking a mini session. They’re quick, and if you’re looking for only digital photos just to update your phone and maybe do a Christmas card then this could be the way to go for you.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. With only 15 minutes of shooting time, there’s not a lot of time to relax and let the natural moments unfold. Plus, if your kids need some time to warm up, a mini session may not allow enough time for them to feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.

The Benefits of a Longer Session

In my experience, I’ve found that longer sessions are usually better for most families, even though they may think they only need a little bit of time. With a longer session, there’s more time to relax and let the natural moments unfold. Plus, there’s time for breaks if needed, snacks, and outfit changes.

A longer session also allows me to get to know your family better and to capture a wider variety of images. Whether it’s silly moments, quiet moments, or everything in between, a longer session gives us the time we need to create beautiful and authentic photographs that truly capture the essence of your family.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

At the end of the day, the decision of whether to book a mini session or a longer session is a personal one that depends on your family’s needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a quick and convenient option for updated family photos, a mini session may be the right choice for you. However, if you want a more relaxed and personalized experience with a wider variety of images, a longer session may be the better option.

No matter which option you choose, I’m here to help you create beautiful memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. With all my custom sessions we can shoot for as little as 15 minutes or we can take the full hour and just take our time so it’s really your choice. There won’t be another client waiting in line behind you that puts a hard stop to your photo shoot even if you haven’t captured what you wanted. Reach out to me today to discuss your options and to schedule your family portrait session.

 

Planning your own photos? Lets chat!