Mini vs Custom Photography Sessions: What You Need to Know | North Oaks, Minnesota Child & Family Photographer

If you’re in the midst of planning a photography session, whether it’s for your newborn baby or just a general family session, you’ve probably heard the term ‘mini session’ mentioned quite a bit.

There are a few differences when it comes to a mini photography session vs a custom session. Here’s what you need to know before you decide which shoot is best for you.

Time Limits

This is of course one of the main differences between the two sessions. A custom photography session will last an hour or two while a photographer will usually book several mini sessions in one day since they only last about 20 – 25 minutes at most.

Number of Poses

Secondly, a custom photography session will allow for as many poses as possible within the time booked while a mini session offers less time so your photographer will use their skills to capture as many candid moments at possible in a shorter period of time.

Number of Photos

While your photographer will still try and shoot as many photos as possible during your mini session, you will naturally end up with fewer photos than you would if you had booked a custom session. A custom session generates between 30 – 40 images while a mini session will give you about 10. There will also usually be minimal retouching of the photos taken at a mini session.

So which photography session is best for you?

You may be surprised to find that many of our clients actually choose both!  Often our clients will opt for the custom session for the entire family at a location of their choice. This gives them more time to play around with poses, backdrops, props and wardrobe changes. While they opt for mini sessions to get a few great photos of the kiddos as a compliment in between the custom sessions.

The next set of mini sessions are our Valentine Mini’s on January 21st scheduling from 11am to 1pm.  For more information or to get on the calendar send me a message (or click on the image)  Hope to see your littles there!

Regardless of which you choose, we look forward to working with you!

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs children and their families both on location and in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer | North Oaks, Minnesota Child & Family Photographer

With the current digital camera market and smart phones that take such good photos, is there really a reason to hire a professional photographer? Below are just some of the reasons why a pro is a better choice.

1. An expensive camera does not automatically result in photographic skills. Just because your friend, co-worker, or relative has a high-speed, top quality digital camera doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing behind the camera. While quality equipment does help the average consumer improve their photography game, a professional photographer offers an artistic approach, creative eye and experience that cannot be purchased at a camera store.

2. Professional equipment has its perks. Shooting with top of the range cameras and professional lighting equipment helps us to take the best shots, even in less than optimal circumstances. Capturing low light, nighttime and even high-speed action shots can be tricky for the amateur photographer but a professional knows what’s required to capture those types of shots. 

3. Posing is our thing. Ever tried to get friends and relatives, including kids, to stay still and pose for a big group shot? It’s easier said than done. Need a little inspiration for your own special portraits? A professional photographer can help. Photographers perform these tasks sometimes daily, so they have perfected the skills required to get the best results while making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera.

4. They’re hired. Using a friend or family member to take your photos could mean missed moments. A professional photographer is exclusively hired to capture the day and won’t miss out on photos because they’re chatting with the other guests, grabbing a drink or dancing. Hiring a professional photographer guarantees you capture as many perfect moments as possible.

5. The end result is part of the process. Professional photographers not only capture your photos, they also edit and retouch images in order to achieve a beautiful finished product. They can also assist with extras such as albums, custom prints and canvases.

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Michele is a lifestyle photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota photographing children and their families on location and in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photographer | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

In Home Session | North Oaks, Minnesota Lifestyle Photographer

I love doing in home sessions.  Everything is usually so much more laid back and fun.  No stress involved.  This mama and her two beautiful daughters are such a treat to photograph. Grandma and Grandpa came to visit so we made sure to get some with them; as well as their nanny too.  There was lots of laughter and fun, just the way I want my sessions to go.  Here is just a sneak peek.  I can’t wait to show more favorites once I finish up the gallery.  Stay tuned . . .

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs on location as well as in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

6 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Photographer | North Oaks, Minnesota Photographer

How long have you been a photographer?

The longer a photographer has been in business, the more likely it is that it’s not just a hobby for them. I’ve been photographing children and their families since 2009; that’s going on 8 years!

This image was captured at one of my first sessions ever in July 2009

Which types of photography do you specialize in?

It’s uncommon for a photographer to specialize in several different types of photography as they often only specialize in one or sometimes two genres. For example, I specialize in children and families and while I do dabble in newborns and seniors I might not be the best candidate to shoot weddings but I do second shoot weddings so I do have a wonderful photographer who I will refer you to.

mQn Photography specializes in children and families

Do you have many repeat clients?

This is a great litmus test of not only the quality of a photographer’s work but of their customer service too. I pride myself on having so many repeat clients, I also believe many of my clients have become my friends over the years and I feel blessed because of it.

I have been photographing this beautiful family since I moved to Minnesota in 2013. I have actually photographed them 10 times in the last 4 years!

What is your policy on rescheduling a session?

An experienced photographer will definitely have a policy in place when it comes to a customer cancelling or rescheduling a photography session. A photographer with policies indicates that they have experience with different types of customers and situations and have created policies accordingly. I have many policies that I have to be strict on to keep it fair but I am very flexible when it comes to rescheduling or cancelling a session.  I certainly don’t want to go through a session if it’s not the right time for you.

Have you had any experience with (name your specific concern)?

If you have any specific concerns regarding your photo session such as the photographer’s ability to work with a special needs child for example, find out if they have ever handled that type of situation before. Do not dismiss a photographer and their abilities based on their answers to your concerns. If given adequate notice, an experienced photographer should be able to deal with any situation you present them. This is the hallmark of a true pro.

I’m honored to a participating photographer for The Tiny Footprints Project. I photograph babies and their families living in the NICU free of charge. Many times these rooms are dark and we are not allowed to pose or use flash but the images always turn out beautiful. Sometimes these are the only professional images families get of their newborns.

Silent Question:

Use your gut to judge their personality and rapport. A photographer’s main job is to capture emotions and moments. If your photographer doesn’t mesh well with you on the phone or in person, chances are you and your family will not mesh well with them at your session and this will show in your photos.

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs children and their families either on location or in her studio located in northeast Minneapolis.  To book your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | North Oaks, Minnesota Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

The Extending Roach Family | North Oaks Family Photographer

It’s so fun when I do an extended family session and the family in fact has “extended”  by adding new faces.  This family added another beauty to their family.  Big ol blue eyes.  And the other kiddos growing so fast too!  Time just gets away from me.  Anyway I’m just posting some sneak peeks here of this extended family session and in another week or so I’ll post more favorites on Facebook.  In the meantime enjoy your family!

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Michele is a lifestyle photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota and the surrounding twin cities areas.  She photographs mainly children and their families on location or in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com