Jacksonville family photography at a park

Families

Choosing the Perfect Family Photography Session Type: A Complete Guide

Jacksonville family photography at a park

If you’re here, you’ve probably been thinking about booking a family photography session—but maybe you’re not sure which type of session is best for your family right now. Whether you’re planning your first photos with a new baby or wrangling toddlers and grandparents for a holiday card, I’m here to help you choose the experience that fits your season of life best.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of sessions Mollie Jane Photography offers and who they’re perfect for:

Jacksonville family photography with toddler boy playing at the park

This is our signature session and, truly, my favorite way to photograph your family!

It’s the perfect amount of time to get those classic, smiling, look-at-the-camera photos and the candid, playful, love-filled moments that capture your family just as you are in this season of life.

I recommend the Full Session for almost every type of session (except newborn and extended family). Even if you have little ones and worry they won’t last—trust me, they often need more time, not less. In fact, 8.5 times out of 10, it’s the second half of the session when their true personalities shine.

Trying to force smiles in a rushed 10-minute mini? That’s often a recipe for stress—for both kids and parents.

If you want fun, relaxed, interactive family photos that feel like you… the Full Session is the way to go.

Mom and baby boy during Jacksonville family photography session

While I don’t offer traditional mini sessions (outside of styled experiences like our Santa Sessions), I created the Petite Session as a more relaxed alternative for families who want something shorter—but still meaningful.

I’ve found that 10–15 minute sessions just don’t allow enough time to create images that truly feel worth the effort. And because I’m all about capturing real connection—not rushing through poses—I decided mini sessions just aren’t part of the Mollie Jane experience.

The Petite Session is perfect for:

  • Milestone moments (think: first birthday, cap & gown, etc.)
  • A quick photo refresh for Christmas cards
  • Families with older kids who don’t need as much warm-up time (though, as a mom of a teenage boy, I’ll tell you—even big kids sometimes need a few extra minutes to relax and open up!)

That’s why I still usually recommend the Full Session for families, even those with teens—because these years go fast, and the photos are even more precious when you realize how short this season really is.

Baby giggles during Jacksonville Family pictures

Petite Sessions, also, only take place on a weekday (Monday – Thursday) within a small radius of my home base. This session that took place here, could not be a petite session because of it’s location. So if you want a weekend or a certain location, a Full session may be what you are looking for.

But ultimately, the choice is yours! You know your family best, and I want you to choose what feels right for you right now.

No matter which session you choose, you’ll get the same thoughtful, joyful Mollie Jane Photography experience from start to finish.

Baby boy running down a dirt path at his jacksonville family pictures


Let’s chat! Click here to schedule a quick consultation call and we’ll find the perfect fit together.