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when minis are just too mini (and what to do instead)

Oct 20, 2025 | By: Blanck Canvas Photography

A family poses outdoors on grass, dressed in black and white, smiling, with trees in the background.

Minis Are Great... But Not Always Right for YOU

We all love a good mini session — they’re quick, affordable, and a great way to squeeze in updated photos when life’s busy (which, let’s be real, is ALWAYS). But sometimes, a 15-minute whirlwind just isn’t the right fit for every family, or every season of life.

If you’ve ever left a mini session wishing you had “just a few more minutes,” this one’s for you.

Keep in mind, this may very well change for your family over time. Kids grow.  Their attention span changes. There are years when you want extra time to celebrate (new house, new puppy, etc.), and other years when short & sweet is absolutely fine.

However, here are a few situations when booking a FULL LENGTH family session is almost always the better choice.

Child holding a football, smiling while sitting with an adult wearing a knitted sweater in Clarkston MI.
Two children run under a blanket held by parents in a leafy, wooded Clarkston park
Child in a blanket hammock holding a small ball, surrounded by fallen leaves on grass.

1. Your Kids Need Time To Warm Up 

If your little ones are shy, slow-to-warm-up, or prone to meltdowns in new situations (or…pants that feel weird, or snacks that are the wrong shape), minis may actually add MORE stress.

And NO ONE smiles or poses well under stress.

A full session gives us ALL room to breathe.

No rush. No pressure. We can play, explore, and let your kids come around naturally — which is when those REAL smiles show up. 

A family of four sitting on a blanket in a park during autumn, surrounded by fallen leaves and trees in Clarkston MI.

2. You Want "That One Photo"... And A Lot More

Mini sessions tend to be best for “everyone-look-here-and-smile” photos. We strive for more, but generally speaking, poses are the priority.

Full sessions allow us time for it all.

We’ll capture you laughing, hugging, playing with your kids — not just smiling at the lens, but really in it.

We can mix in candid moments, playful shots, multiple locations, and all the different combinations of your family members interacting. 

You’ll end up with a robust gallery that tells the complete story of your family during this season of your life -- not just a single snapshot for your holiday card (although we will get that too!).
Family of five walking in a forest, parents holding hands with children, and one child being playfully lifted during Clarkston photoshoot.
Smiling child holding hands with whole family, walking outside on grass.
Girl in a denim dress and white cardigan standing on a path surrounded by greenery.

3. You Want To Include Extended Family

Grandparents in town?

Cousins joining in?

Great! The more the merrier.

However...  more people = more time.  When we add more people to the session, we need extra time to make sure everyone gets their moment in front of the camera — and to capture those special connections across generations.

A full session lets us mix and match combinations without feeling like we’re racing the clock.

A family of twelve poses together outside a brick house, with dog, in a neatly landscaped yard in Rochester, MI.

4. You Want To Pick The Theme & Location

Mini sessions are fun — but they’re also pre-set: same location, same backdrop, same day as everyone else.

If you have a particular spot in mind (YOUR yard, the lake, a favorite trail), or you want to plan around your kids’ best moods or nap times, a full session gives you that flexibility.

We can create something that fits your family perfectly instead of squeezing you into a predefined calendar.

Grandparents and grandkids sitting on a pink convertible parked in front of a brick house with trees in the background.
Couple smiling beside a bright pink convertible parked in a driveway at their Rochester MI home

5. You Want To Capture Your REAL Selves

This is a big one.

The best photos — the ones that make you feel something — usually happen once everyone’s relaxed and being themselves. Not everyone is capable of unwinding and showing their true self in a 15 min mini session. 

With a full session, your kids have time to warm up, get silly, and show off those real smiles and quirks that make them who they are. This is true for grown-ups too!

The in-between, unposed moments are ALWAYS, ALWAYS my favorites. They are the heart of your family story, and they need time to unfold. 

Woman in a grassy area surrounded by five children playing, autumn trees in the background during Clarkston photoshoot.

Your Complete Family Story... In Photos

Full sessions give you breathing room. They let you and your kids RELAX and your personalities shine.

Ultimately, your photo gallery will reflect who you really are — not just how well everyone can smile on cue.

If that sounds more your speed this season, let’s make it happen 🤎

I'm ready when you are.

YES PLEASE -- LET'S BEGIN
Family walking together through a wooded path in autumn, with trees displaying fall colors and sunlight filtering through.
Family of seven sitting on a blanket in a park during autumn, surrounded by trees with colorful leaves.

Is a Mini More Your Speed?

Of course, full-length photoshoots aren't for everyone.  Mini sessions may be a wonderful fit for you IF:

  • 15 min is all your kids can handle 
  • 15 min is all your husband can handle : ) 
  • a predetermined theme & location sound great!
  • you really only need "one good picture" this year
  • you love multiple minis throughout the year vs. one big session

Take a peek at the latest available mini sessions below.

SEE THE LATEST MINI SESSION LINE UP
female photographer kasey blanck smiling, seated on a wooden stool by a window, wearing a green sweater and jeans

I'm Kasey

The one behind the lens at Blanck Canvas Photography.  I know you have a thousand choices when it comes to photographers, and I'm thrilled you've made it here. 

I'm a mom too. I understand life is hectic, messy and kids grow up waaaaaay faster than I want. I am no stranger to this motherhood roller coaster.

Let's talk soon!

 

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clarkston photographer, blanck canvas photography, family photoshoot, clarkston family photographer, family pictures, holiday mini sessions, extended family sessions, 

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