Dallas Family Photographer’s Guide: Full Session vs Mini Session for Fall Photos
As a Dallas family photographer, I get asked this question constantly as soon as the leaves start turning: “Should we book a full session or a mini session for fall photos?”
Here’s the thing—there’s no wrong answer. But there is a right answer for your family specifically, and it has everything to do with what you’re hoping to get out of your time in front of my camera.
The Mini Session Reality
Let’s talk minis first. These condensed sessions (usually 20-30 minutes) have gotten incredibly popular, and I totally understand why. They’re budget-friendly, they feel less intimidating if you have camera-shy kids, and honestly, sometimes that’s all the time your toddler can handle before they’re done cooperating.
Mini sessions work beautifully when you need updated family portraits for holiday cards or you want a few solid shots for your walls. You’ll walk away with 10-15 great images, maybe one outfit change if we move quickly, and your kids won’t have time to completely melt down.
But here’s what I’ve noticed: mini sessions can feel rushed. We’re on a timeline, which means if your four-year-old needs five minutes to warm up to me (totally normal), that’s eating into our shooting time. If you wanted shots with just the kids, then just you and your partner, then all together, then with grandma—we’re going to be sprinting through poses rather than capturing genuine moments.
What a Full Session Actually Gives You
Full sessions are typically 60ish minutes, and the difference isn’t just more time—it’s a completely different experience.
With a full session, your kids have time to relax and be themselves. That awkward, forced smile phase? We work through it. By the time we’re twenty minutes in, they’ve usually forgotten I’m even there, and that’s when the magic happens. That’s when I catch your daughter whispering secrets to her little brother, or your son making dad laugh with his ridiculous joke.
You can bring multiple outfits; We can move to different spots if the lighting shifts or if we want variety in your gallery. And if someone needs a snack break or a minute to reset? No problem. We have time.
Your gallery will be 15-40 images instead of 7, which means more options for printing, more variety, more of the in-between moments that you’ll treasure in ten years. Full sessions are also customizable for your specific family and your vision.
So Which One is Right for You?
Think about what you actually need from these photos.
Go with a mini session if:
- You mainly want one great family portrait for cards or a single wall print
- Your kids are very young and can’t handle longer shoots
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want professional fall photos
- You’re okay with a more streamlined, efficient experience
Book a full session if:
- You want to capture your family’s actual dynamic and personality
- You’re planning to print multiple images or create an album
- You want outfit changes or different groupings (siblings only, parents only, etc.)
- You want extended family included
- You want to feel relaxed and not rushed during your session
My Honest Take as Your Dallas Family Photographer
If your budget allows for it, I almost always recommend the full session for fall photos. Fall in Dallas is gorgeous but fleeting—we get this narrow window when the weather is perfect and the colors are peak. Why not take full advantage of it?
These photos aren’t just for this year’s holiday card. They’re going to be on your walls, in your albums, and honestly, they’re probably going to make you cry someday when your kids are grown and you’re remembering exactly how small they were in fall 2025.
But I also know that mini sessions serve a real purpose, and if that’s what works for your family right now, we’re going to make the absolute most of those thirty minutes together.
The best session is the one that fits your family’s needs, your budget, and your goals. I’m here to capture your people either way—whether we have twenty minutes or two hours, my job is to make sure you walk away with images you’ll love.
Ready to book your fall session? Let’s chat about what makes sense for your family.
