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More Resources: Episode 107| Prep Week

Here's What We'll Cover:

Define a Full Session Vs. Mini Session (2:52)
Pricing Mistakes (5:42)
Sessions that are NOT Minis (10:29)
Key Take Aways (15:01)

Why Full Sessions Set the Foundation for Your Photography Pricing Strategy

Full sessions play a crucial role in your photography business. They offer clients a full-service experience while establishing the foundation for your pricing structure. As the premium option, full sessions set the perceived value of your work and help differentiate your services from mini-sessions. Mini-sessions should be a lower investment, but they must still reflect your expertise and not undercut the value of full sessions. A common mistake photographers make is pricing minis correctly but then realizing their full session pricing no longer makes sense! Often this requires an adjustment to maintain profitability. By positioning full sessions as the high-end choice and aligning your pricing strategy effectively, you can create a sustainable and profitable photography business while ensuring that both session types attract the right clients.

How to Price Photography Sessions for Profitability and Alignment

Setting the right price for your full sessions starts with understanding your target client… their budget, what they value, and how to position full sessions as a premium experience. Next, calculate your costs and desired profit by factoring in session time, editing, and business expenses to ensure your pricing reflects your expertise and brand. A good rule of thumb is to set your full session price at least double your mini-session price to maintain a balanced structure. For example, if your full sessions are $500, your minis should be in the $200–$250 range.

Finally, communicate the value of full sessions by emphasizing their benefits—longer session time, more variety in locations, all-digitals included, and a fully personalized experience. Educating your clients on the differences between full and mini sessions is essential because not all sessions can be a mini. Certain session types, like newborn and cake smash photography, require a full session to provide the best client experience. By aligning your pricing structure strategically, you ensure both session types complement each other while maximizing your profitability.