Mini sessions can seem like a tempting way for photographers to fill up their calendars and draw in clients. They’re quick, convenient, and usually come with a lower price tag. However, if you’re not careful, they can also lead to some serious missteps that undervalue your art and make it hard to sustain your business. Let’s chat about why many photographers struggle with mini sessions and how you can do it right.
Don’t Discount Your Services
One major mistake I see photographers making is underpricing their mini sessions. It’s all too easy to think that offering a discount will attract more clients, but that can backfire. When you set your mini session prices too low, you’re essentially telling clients that your work isn’t worth much. Instead, think of mini sessions as a valuable service and price them at a level that reflects your worth. Mini sessions should cost no less than 65% of your regular session rates. This way, clients see the value and understand that even a short session comes with quality work. By establishing a fair price, you encourage clients to appreciate what they’re investing in.
Your Art Matters More Than Time
And here’s another thing to remember: it’s not just about the time you spend shooting. Your clients are hiring you for your unique artistic vision, not just the hours you clock behind the camera. The focus should be on the stunning images you create, not just how long it took to capture them. When you emphasize your art rather than the time it takes, you remind clients that they’re buying into something special.
Limit the Number of Deliverables
Then there’s the issue of how many images to deliver. Some photographers fall into the trap of providing too many final photos for mini sessions, thinking this will wow their clients. But here’s the catch: more isn’t always better. If you flood clients with a ton of images from a mini session, it can diminish the value of your full sessions. Think of mini sessions as a sampler—just a taste of what you can create. By limiting the number of final images to around five to seven, you encourage clients to appreciate the quality and thoughtfulness behind each shot.
Understand Client Motivations
Understanding why clients are interested in mini sessions can help you fine-tune your approach. Many clients are drawn to them because they’re looking for a good deal. While that’s understandable, you can turn this into an opportunity to promote your full sessions. Use this chance to explain the benefits of a full session: more time, more outfits, and many more beautiful images. Highlighting these advantages can help clients see the value in booking a full session instead.
Think Long-Term
Now, let’s talk sustainability. While mini sessions can bring in quick cash, they’re not always the best long-term strategy for your business. If you offer them too frequently, you might end up saturating your client base. It’s crucial to think strategically about when and how often you offer mini sessions. Making them seasonal or changing their timing each year can keep things fresh and exciting for your clients while ensuring that your full sessions maintain their allure.
Embrace Micro Sessions
I personally enjoy the concept of “micro” sessions, where clients get a clear understanding of what to expect. These sessions typically involve a single outfit, a limited number of poses, and a specific number of final images. By setting these boundaries, I help clients see that they’re getting a focused experience that still maintains the quality of my full sessions.
Avoid the Bargain Mentality
It’s also worth mentioning that mini sessions can attract clients who are primarily looking for a bargain. While it’s great to want to accommodate different budgets, this can lead to a mentality where clients expect maximum value for minimal investment. Finding the right balance between affordability and the quality of your art is key to fostering a healthy photography business.
Be Wary of the Quick Cash Trap
Lastly, the appeal of mini sessions can be misleading. While they might bring in quick cash, they can also lead to a lot of hard work for not much reward. Many photographers who rely heavily on mini sessions find themselves shooting many times more often while earning significantly less—up to 70% less—than if they had focused on full sessions. It’s essential to consider the long-term implications of your offerings and not just chase the immediate cash flow.
In the end, mini sessions can have their place in your photography business, but they need to be approached thoughtfully. By valuing your art, setting fair prices, and maintaining the integrity of your full sessions, you can build a sustainable business that keeps clients coming back for more. So, while it’s tempting to jump on the mini session bandwagon, remember to focus on what truly matters—creating beautiful, lasting images that your clients will cherish for years to come.
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