The #1 Mistake New Photographers Make with Mini Sessions
(And how to fix it so you’re not losing money every time you shoot)
Let’s have a quick come-to-Jesus moment about mini sessions.
Because while they seem like an easy way to make fast cash (spoiler alert: they can be), most new photographers are out here treating mini sessions like discounted full sessions and wondering why they’re burnt out, underpaid, and low-key resenting their clients.
Here’s the truth:
The biggest mistake I see new photographers make with mini sessions is undervaluing their time and pricing them like a clearance sale.
You are not a budget photographer.
You are a small business owner.
Your time, talent, and energy? They matter.
So when you’re charging $75 for a 30-minute session and delivering 25+ digitals, you’re not running a business. You’re running yourself into the ground.
I know this because I’ve done it. I used to think I had to price minis super low just to get people in the door. I was afraid that if I raised my rates or added rules or boundaries, people would ghost me.
Guess what happened when I stopped doing that?
I booked out faster
I worked less
I made more money
And I started getting clients who respected my time and talent (and weren’t just price shoppers)
So what should you do instead?
Let’s keep it simple:
1. Price for profit, not panic.
Your mini sessions aren’t a charity. Determine what your actual cost of doing business is - and don’t just pull a number out of thin air. Start with how much you want to make for the day, then work backwards. Include editing time, setup, location rental, childcare if needed... all of it. Then add a buffer because, life.
2. Offer fewer images.
I include 3-5 digital images with my minis. That’s it. Want more? Clients can upgrade. The full gallery is available, but it costs more. Upselling is where the magic happens.
3. offer fewer minis.
Mini sessions should not be something a client can book instead of a full session any day of the year. Minis work best when scheduled on predetermined dates/times/locations of your choosing (I typically only offer them seasonally). This will increase the demand for them!
4. Batch like a boss.
Stack your minis into one day or weekend and book them in a row. You save time, energy, and so much mental space when you batch them all together.
The Bottom Line:
Mini sessions can be incredibly profitable, but only if you treat them like the high-converting offer they are. That starts with valuing your time, pricing intentionally, and creating a client experience that doesn’t run you ragged.
If you're ready to finally get your mini session strategy locked and loaded without second-guessing every step, check out my step-by-step E-book:
👉 The Mini Session Manual
I’ll show you everything from determining your cost of doing business, mini session No-No’s (and how to fix them), automating your upselling and so much more!