Mini Session or Custom Portrait Session?

Choosing the Portrait Experience That's Right for Your Family

One of the questions I hear most often from families is, "Should we book a Mini Session or a Custom Portrait Session?"

The truth is, there isn't a right or wrong answer.

Both are wonderful ways to preserve memories, celebrate milestones, and capture your family's story. The difference isn't which session is better—it's choosing the experience that best fits the season of life you're in right now.

Over the next several weeks, I'm excited to share a new blog series designed to help you better understand the portrait experiences offered here at Specialty Photography. My hope is that these posts will answer your questions, give you a behind-the-scenes look at my process, and help you feel confident when it's time to book your next session.

Let's start by taking a look at the two portrait experiences I offer.

Custom Portrait Sessions

Custom Portrait Sessions are exactly what they sound like—completely customized for you and your family.

Whether you're celebrating the arrival of a newborn, documenting your pregnancy, capturing your baby's first birthday with a cake smash, celebrating a milestone, updating your family portraits, gathering your extended family together, or documenting your high school senior's final year before graduation, every session begins with your story.

No two families are alike, and no two portrait sessions should be either.

When you book a Custom Portrait Session, we work together one-on-one to plan every detail. Before your session, you'll receive a questionnaire and welcome guide that help me learn more about your family, your style, and the memories you hope to capture. This planning allows me to create a session that feels personal and meaningful from beginning to end.

Most Custom Portrait Sessions take place here at the Specialty Photography studio. Depending on the type of session and the look you're dreaming of, we may photograph inside the studio, outdoors among one of our many beautiful outdoor portrait areas, or even a combination of both.

Every detail is thoughtfully planned—from colors and props to themes and styling—so your session reflects your family and this special season of your life.

These sessions are intentionally longer than a Mini Session. That extra time allows everyone to relax, settle in, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. It also gives us the flexibility to capture a variety of poses, genuine interactions, and those beautiful in-between moments that often become family favorites.

After your session, you'll receive a private online gallery filled with professionally edited images that are ready for purchase and displaying in your home.

A Custom Portrait Session isn't just about taking pictures.

It's about preserving your family's story in a way that is timeless, personal, and uniquely yours.