Photographed above is a Black Background Mini session I did of Rosie, AQHA mare in Kingston, IL.

What is a Mini Session to me?

For me, Mini Sessions are smaller versions of larger sessions I offer. I currently offer Mini Natural Portraits, Black Background Sessions, White or Painted Background Sessions, and even Black Background Holiday Wreath and Gold Leaf Equine Sessions (seasonally and for limited times). My Minis are currently available for previous clients, clients booking multiple types of sessions for the same horse, or for barns with 3+ owners booking sessions the same day. So far, this model has worked for me and provides some great benefits for my clients while also posing some limitations I will briefly explain as well.

Why do I offer minis?

I offer Mini sessions for several reasons. Firstly, it allows my previous clients who may have already booked a similar type of session can get updated images without re-booking the larger session. Additionally, we already have that past relationship that makes it worth it to me to come out for smaller sessions and continue to work together for years to come.

Secondly, it benefits clients with multiple horses or booking multiple types of photography for one horse. It allows them to afford the variety of getting sessions for all of their horses or multiple types of photography for their single horse and can also help people on a smaller budget afford to work with me if they have a group of friends also interested the same day and limited the number of trips I am making to a single barn. I pride myself in inclusivity and providing luxury photography to fit most budgets while still allowing me to continue to run my business sustainably.

What are the limitations of Mini sessions?

They are more limited because you are provided less images and they do not all come with print credits. So while the cost is lower, you are getting a smaller version of larger packages and lose some benefits of more poses for fine art or more outfit and location changes for portrait sessions. My full sessions allow much more creativity, outfit changes, and flexibility to create something more unique and less "cookie cutter".

For example, my current Black Background Mini session includes one full body pose and two headshots, and I have a few go-to poses for Mini Black Background sessions because they include a mix I feel encapsulates the most inclusive angles of your horse. I typically do a side profile full body angle, a headshot from the side, and a headshot where we ask the horse to turn their head to the side.

Please let me know if you have any questions about Mini sessions or any other topics you would like me to discuss on the Blog!

Hopefully talk soon,

Julia