Full Session or Mini Session? Choosing the Right Session for Your Family.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a full session or a mini is the better fit—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get, so let’s walk through it together…
Full Sessions
At Jess Palmer Photography, you can book a Maternity, Newborn, or Family session any time of the year. Full sessions are great for families who want to create a collection of images that truly tell your story. With more time and flexibility, we capture everything from playful games to quiet connections, giving you images that will fill your gallery wall or the pages of an heirloom album.
Because of the slower pace, full sessions are especially helpful if you have children who need time to warm up, want to include a pet, or plan an outfit change. Every child will receive an individual portrait, and I capture many family combinations so no moment is missed.
The best part? These sessions are customizable. Want to shoot in your own backyard? Visit Grandma’s farm? Document a favorite tradition like apple picking, baking cookies, or cutting down your Christmas tree? You choose the location and date from my booking calendar that works best for your family, and I’ll be there to capture the magic.
Session Fee: $125 non-refundable deposit to reserve your date; $325 balance due at the session
Gallery: You’ll receive at least 30 edited images for viewing and ordering
Digital Files: Can be added during booking or once you’ve seen your gallery
Print Products: Order directly from your gallery—albums, canvas, and more from Miller’s Professional Imaging, made with archival, bleach-free materials that are designed to last
Mini Sessions
Minis are ideal for busy families, those wanting just a few updated images for frames or holiday cards, or anyone looking to book multiple sessions throughout the year. They’re short, sweet, and focused on capturing the essentials.
The quicker pace makes minis great for kids who don’t need much warm-up time—and yes, they tend to be Dad-approved too.
Mini sessions are offered on select dates throughout the year, with set locations and limited availability. Everything’s pre-scheduled, so all you have to do is show up and let your family shine.
For 2025, Jess Palmer Photography is offering the following minis:
Fall Minis at Webster Park on October 18th
Reindeer Sessions at Shortsville Reindeer Farm on November 15th
Holiday Minis at Studio at the Wilder on November 16th
All mini sessions are first-come, first-serve, and my email list always gets the jump on booking once they open.
Session Fee: $125 non-refundable deposit; remaining balance due at your session
Gallery: You’ll receive at least 10 edited images for viewing and ordering
Digital Files: Add-on 1 or the complete set during booking or after viewing your gallery
Print Products: Holiday cards, albums, canvas, and gifts can all be ordered directly from your gallery—making gifting easy and stress-free
Which session is right for my family?
Let’s do a quick recap so you can feel confident booking the session that best suits your family right now.
FULL SESSIONS
Great for Maternity, Newborn, or Family shoots
Slower pace with time for individual portraits and multiple combinations
Custom date and location
Includes at least 30 edited images for viewing and ordering
MINI SESSIONS
Ideal for busy families, multiple sessions per year, or a few updated images
Faster pace, great for kids (and grown-ups!) who warm up quickly
Pre-set date, location, and limited availability
Includes at least 10 edited images for viewing and ordering
No matter which you choose—full session or mini— your session will celebrate your family’s story exactly as it is right now. These photos aren’t just for today… they’re milestones, memories, and heirlooms in the making.
Ready to book? I’d love to see you on my calendar soon. Your family, in this season, is absolutely worth remembering.