Are Limited Edition Sessions Right For You?
What does “Limited Edition” mean, who are they good for and when are they beneficial? Well, that answer may be different depending on the photographer you are working with. For the sake of this blog post I will be talking about what my Limited Edition Sessions look like, when and why they might be a good fit for you.
PURPOSE
The first thing to consider is what do you want to do with your pictures? This is the most important question that rarely gets asked! What is the purpose of getting pictures taken? What is your “why”? Most people I work with would say things like “memories”. As time passes the family (including your pets) get older! You don’t want time to slip away and never have a beautiful photograph to remember the laughs, puppy kisses and love you feel today. Then people think about how hard it is to get a good photograph of their pet! One where you can see them without being blurry or sleeping. One where you can be in the photo with them. One where you can see their personality. These are great reasons for wanting to book a photo session. But what you want to do with the pictures is going to help determine what kind of session is right for you. If you are going to spend money on photographs, it makes sense to spend money on the type of session that will work best for your needs.
As the name suggests “Limited Edition” usually denotes a session type that is limited in some way. This has its pluses and minuses. I typically curate something extra special that you can’t get year round for my Limited Edition Sessions. Just like a “Limited Edition” piece of artwork from your favorite artist, a “Limited Edition photo session is similar. There will only be a limited number of people who are able to have artwork featuring that particular backdrop/theme/curated look.
Limited Edition Sessions are also less of a time commitment. The sessions are generally about 25 minutes as opposed to 1-2 hours. But remember that is not always better. It depends on your needs. Less time means less images. Usually with a traditional session you would receive anywhere from 35-60+ images to choose from. With a Limited Edition Session it’s anywhere from 5 -15 images. This session is geared toward creating a few statement pieces for your wall, or small image collections like a photo box or desktop display and gift prints for other people. If you want a more authentic set of images that really tell a story so you can do a series of wall prints or a photo book, then a Limited Edition Session is not the session you should be considering.
LOCATION
The other thing to consider is location. If you love modern and classic looking studio photographs, then Limited Edition Sessions might be a consideration. Unlike traditional sessions you do not get to select the location. Limited Edition Sessions are done in the studio, or somewhere specific like a sunflower field that has a curated look. You sign up for a time slot and come to our location.
This can work well for most situations. However, you need to consider your pet. Are they nervous at different places? Do they travel well? Depending on your pets personality the shorter time of the session and location specificity might make the Limited Edition Session difficult. But, if your pet is pretty comfortable traveling and exploring new places, it might be perfect for you. (Yes, even if they are rambunctious. Don’t worry, my camera is fast!) If you are unsure I would love to talk through it with you.
HOW MANY PETS?
One more consideration is how many pets and people do you want in your pictures? Mini sessions are great for 1-2 pets and 1-2 people. If you want to include your pets, kids, parents etc. then consider a traditional session. Mini sessions can include pets only, or you can get in the pictures with them. Space and time is limited. So the more people and pets you have, the more time it will take setting up the shots and making everyone look at the camera.
EXPERIENCE
Now let’s talk about the experience. In the spring I have a curated artisan set that typically is colorful or bright and just plain special. In the fall I have something geared more toward holidays. (These are custom designed each year). The spring sessions are perfect timing for unique mothers day gifts, or redecorating for the spring and summer. Fall sessions are perfect timing for holiday cards and gifts.
One thing I focus on with all of my sessions is making sure you have meaningful images that you will see and appreciate every day. Your photographs are not meant to get lost and forgotten on a hard drive somewhere. I want these memories to put a smile on your face every day for years to come. This is why I also include an image reveal, ordering sessions with each Limited Edition Session. Before the session we will talk about how you would like to enjoy your images for years to come. During the image reveal you get to see your images for the first time. I know that selecting favorites and what you want to do with them can be daunting and hard. That’s why I have a system to help you through all of that. I’ll help you select the perfect wall art, image collection, desktop displays and gifts that work best for your needs.
Now that you know a little more about Limited Edition Sessions, you can decide if it’s right for you and your best friend(s). Contact me with any additional questions. If you would like to receive information about our Limited Edition Sessions when they are launched (along with all kinds of other helpful things), sign up for my VIP email list!