If you’ve ever looked at your child mid–cereal spill, mid–tantrum, or mid–zooming-around-the-living-room and thought, “There’s no way they could cope with a photoshoot,” you’re not alone.
And usually, the first instinct is: “Let’s book a mini shoot – quick and painless, right?”
But here’s the thing most people don’t realise: Kids who “can’t sit still” actually do better in lifestyle sessions.
Not because they magically calm down…
…but because they don’t have to.
Mini Shoots: Fast, Fun, but Structured
Mini shoots are brilliant for what they’re designed to be:
Short
Simple
Seasonal
Consistent
They’re usually 10–20 minutes, at a set location, with a specific style or backdrop. Perfect for quick updated photos or special occasions.
But mini shoots do move fast. There’s a bit more direction.
A bit more “Okay, over here! Now this way! Quick – smile!”
A lot of kids can manage that. Many enjoy it. But children who need space to warm up or who don’t love being told what to do in a short window might find the pace a bit overwhelming.
And let’s talk about parent stress – because it really matters.
One thing I see often in mini shoots is parents worrying that their child isn’t “following instructions” or doing things “right.” And honestly? I never expect kids to follow instructions perfectly – not in mini shoots, not in lifestyle sessions, not ever. Kids wiggle. They run. They say no. They get distracted. It’s totally normal.
And we will still get great photos. I promise.
But because mini shoots are short, parents sometimes feel pressure for everything to go smoothly instantly. And when parents feel stressed, kids pick up on it. The whole experience can suddenly feel like a rush to “perform” rather than just be.
This doesn’t mean mini shoots are bad – not at all. They’re wonderful for what they’re meant to be.
But it’s important to understand the energy they naturally carry.
Lifestyle Sessions: More Time = More Real Moments
Lifestyle sessions are slower, calmer, and much more child-led. We’re not rushing. We’re not forcing poses. We’re not trying to squeeze everything into 10 minutes.
Your child gets to:
Explore
Chat
Play
Climb
Twirl
Run
Hide Behind You
Warm Up Naturally
And here’s the key:
Once children stop feeling like they’re “performing,” they start being themselves. And that’s when the best photos happen.
Parents also feel more relaxed in lifestyle sessions, which makes a huge difference. There’s no pressure to make your child behave a certain way or follow a plan. You can just let them be who they are – and that comfort ripples through the whole session.
A really nice balance? Many families do both.
Something I see a lot – and genuinely love – is families starting with a lifestyle session first.
It gives their child time to get to know me, feel comfortable, and learn that photoshoots aren’t scary or strict. Then, when they come back for a seasonal mini shoot later in the year, everything feels easier and calmer because the child already recognises me and knows what to expect.
It’s honestly the best of both worlds: a relaxed, child-led session to build trust. Followed by quick, fun, seasonal photos once they’re familiar and confident.
“But what if they’re chaotic?”
Perfect. Honestly.
Chaos is full of expression. Full of movement. Full of personality.
Lifestyle sessions embrace that. There’s no rush. No pressure. Just time… and space… to capture who they really are.
So Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a Mini Shoot if:
You want a quick, seasonal photos
Your child warms up instantly
You like something short & simple
You’re looking for a specific themed set
Choose a Lifestyle Session if:
Your child needs time to feel comfortable
You want natural, candid moments
You love photos that tell a story
Your child is busy, shy, energetic, unpredictable, or ‘won’t sit still’
You prefer a calmer, less pressured experience as a parent
(And remember: plenty of families choose both at different times – there’s no right or wrong.)
The Bottom Line
Mini shoots and lifestyle sessions both offer something special – and neither is “right” or “wrong.”
It’s simply about what suits your family best.
If your little one moves at 100mph or takes time to warm up, a lifestyle session isn’t just “fine”…
It’s genuinely the best way to capture them as they are.
Real moments.
Real personalities.
Real memories.
Because the more freedom they have to be themselves – and the more relaxed you feel – the easier and more beautiful the photos become.