Mini Session Booking Software for Photographers: The Complete 2025 Comparison
Choosing the wrong booking software costs photographers $10,000+ annually in lost bookings, manual work, and hidden fees. This definitive guide compares every major platform to help you make the right choice for your photography business.
The Hidden Cost of Manual Booking: Photographers waste an average of 6 hours per mini session event on scheduling, payment follow-up, and managing waitlists. At $50/hour, that's $300 in lost time per event. Double-bookings, no-shows, and payment delays add another $500+ in lost revenue per event.
Quick Comparison: Top Mini Session Booking Platforms
Not all booking software is created equal. Here's how the leading platforms stack up on the features that matter most for mini session photographers.
| Platform | Monthly Fee | Commission | Hold System | Waitlist | Add-Ons | Mobile App | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MiniShoots Starter | $0 | 4.9% | ✓ 10-min | ✓ Automated | ✓ Yes | ✓ iOS | 0-80 bookings/year |
| MiniShoots Pro | $39 | 0% (Square OAuth) | ✓ 10-min | ✓ Automated | ✓ Yes | ✓ iOS | 80+ bookings/year |
| Session | $19 | 0% | ✗ No | ✓ Manual | ✗ No | ✗ No | Budget + galleries |
| HoneyBook | $49+ | 0% | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ iOS/Android | General service biz |
| Picsello | Undisclosed | 0% | ✓ 10-min | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | All-in-one studio |
| Pixieset | $0 (limited) | 0% | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | Gallery users |
| Setmore | $0 (basic) | 0% | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ iOS/Android | Very low volume |
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Use our calculator below to compare real costs at your booking volume
Calculate My Savings →What is Mini Session Booking Software?
Mini session booking software is a specialized platform designed to automate the entire booking lifecycle for short photography sessions typically 15-30 minutes long and priced between $150-$300. Unlike general appointment scheduling tools, mini session platforms are purpose-built for photographers who need to book multiple clients back-to-back in a single day or weekend.
Why Mini Sessions Need Specialized Software
Mini sessions present unique challenges that generic booking tools can't handle well. When you're filling 20-50 time slots in a single weekend, you need specialized features:
- Time Slot Management: Prevent double-bookings when multiple clients try to book the same slot simultaneously. The best platforms use "hold systems" that reserve slots for 10 minutes during checkout.
- Automated Payment Collection: Collect deposits or full payment upfront to prevent no-shows. Photographers using automated payment collection see no-show rates drop from 10-15% to under 2%.
- Intelligent Waitlist Management: When events sell out, waitlists automatically notify interested clients when slots open due to cancellations. This can recover $1,000-2,000 in revenue per event.
- Rain Plan Capabilities: Outdoor mini sessions often need rescheduling. The best platforms can mass-notify all clients and open rebooking with a single click.
- Revenue-Boosting Add-Ons: Offer clients optional upgrades like extra time, additional family members, or digital files at booking. This can increase average booking value by 30-50%.
The ROI Framework: Time vs. Money
When evaluating booking software, photographers should calculate both time savings and revenue impact. A platform that costs $500/year but saves you 20 hours and increases revenue by $2,000 has a net ROI of $3,500 (assuming $50/hour value of your time). Conversely, a "free" platform that causes 5 double-bookings costing $250 each has a real cost of $1,250.
Industry data shows successful mini session photographers run 4-12 events annually with 15-50 slots per event, generating $15,000-$75,000 in mini session revenue alone. The right booking software typically pays for itself within the first event through saved time and prevented booking errors.
Platform Deep-Dives: Detailed Reviews
MiniShoots: The Revenue-Maximizing Hands-Off Solution
Best for: Photographers who want maximum automation with minimum fees
MiniShoots is the only mini session platform built specifically for photographers who want true hands-off automation. Unlike general scheduling tools adapted for photography, every feature is designed to maximize revenue while minimizing your time investment.
Standout Features:
- • 10-Minute Hold System: Prevents double-bookings when multiple clients compete for slots
- • Automated Waitlist: Notifies top 3 waitlist members when slots open, awards first-come first-served
- • Add-Ons System: Increases average booking value by 30-50% with zero sales effort
- • Rain Plan Activation: Mass reschedule entire events with one tap
- • Square OAuth: Pro users connect their own Square account for 0% commission
Pricing Breakdown:
Starter: $0/month + 4.9% commission (lowest in industry). Perfect for 0-80 bookings/year.
Pro Monthly: $39/month + 0% commission. Break-even at ~80 bookings/year.
Pro Annual: $299/year ($24.92/month) + 0% commission. Best value for high-volume photographers.
✓ Pros
- No monthly fees on Starter plan
- Lowest commission rate (4.9% vs 10-15% competitors)
- True hands-off automation (waitlist, holds, add-ons)
- Native iOS app for on-the-go management
- Photography-specific features (rain plans, LTV tracking)
✗ Cons
- No built-in gallery management (integrates with existing galleries)
- Photography-focused only (not for general service businesses)
- Currently iOS only (Android coming 2025)
Best Use Case: Mini session photographers who run 2+ events annually and want automated revenue growth without managing multiple systems or paying high monthly fees.
Picsello: The All-in-One Photography Business Suite
Best for: Photographers wanting combined booking, galleries, and CRM
Picsello takes an all-in-one approach, combining booking with galleries, contracts, and business coaching. It's designed for photographers who want everything in a single platform rather than integrating multiple tools.
Standout Features:
- • Smart Profit Calculator for accurate pricing
- • Business coaching included with membership
- • Unlimited storage for client galleries
- • 10-minute booking hold system
- • Combined CRM and client management
Pricing:
Picsello doesn't publicly disclose pricing but operates on an annual subscription model. Based on photographer reports, expect $500-1,200/year. Stripe payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.30) apply separately.
✓ Pros
- True all-in-one platform (booking + galleries + CRM)
- Business coaching adds value beyond software
- Good for photographers managing full-service bookings
✗ Cons
- Undisclosed pricing requires sales call
- Annual commitment required (no monthly option)
- Relatively new platform with limited track record
- No waitlist automation or add-ons system
Best Use Case: Full-service photographers who shoot weddings, portraits, and mini sessions and want a single platform for all client management.
HoneyBook: The Service Business CRM (Not Photography-Specific)
Best for: Service businesses needing robust CRM and workflow automation
HoneyBook is a comprehensive client management platform used by photographers, planners, designers, and other creative service providers. While powerful, it's not mini session-specific, meaning you'll adapt general features for photography workflows.
Standout Features:
- • Smart Files combine scheduling, contracts, and payments in one
- • Powerful workflow automation (Essentials tier and above)
- • Strong client relationship management (CRM)
- • Pipeline management for tracking leads
- • Templates for contracts and proposals
Pricing:
Starter: $29-39/month (NO automation, manual processes only)
Essentials: $49/month (includes automation features)
Premium: $109/month (advanced automation + team features)
Note: Pricing increasing in 2025
✓ Pros
- Excellent CRM and pipeline management
- Comprehensive workflow automation (on higher tiers)
- Works across multiple service business types
✗ Cons
- NO automation on entry-level Starter plan
- No gallery management (requires separate platform)
- Not photography-specific (generic scheduling)
- Minimum $588/year on Essentials for automation
- No hold system, waitlist, or add-ons features
Best Use Case: Multi-service creative businesses (photographers who also do design, consulting, etc.) who need robust CRM and aren't mini session-focused.
Session: The Mini Session Specialist with Built-in Galleries
Best for: Photographers wanting mini sessions + galleries in one affordable platform
Session (usesession.com) is purpose-built for mini sessions with built-in gallery delivery, making it an attractive all-in-one option at a low monthly price. It's one of the few platforms designed specifically around the mini session workflow.
Standout Features:
- • Built-in client gallery system (no third-party needed)
- • Golden Hour scheduler for outdoor sessions
- • Waitlist feature (manual notification)
- • Multiple payment processors (Square, Stripe, PayPal, Venmo)
- • Direct deposits with no platform commission
Pricing:
$19/month ($228/year). No commission on bookings. Payment processor fees apply (typically 2.9% + $0.30 for Stripe/Square).
✓ Pros
- Affordable flat monthly rate
- Built-in galleries eliminate need for separate platform
- Mini session-specific features
- Flexible payment processor options
✗ Cons
- No mobile app (web-only)
- Manual waitlist management (not automated)
- No hold system (double-booking risk)
- No add-ons or upsell features
- Limited to photography use case only
Best Use Case: Budget-conscious photographers who need both booking and galleries and don't mind manual waitlist management. Good for 20-50 bookings annually.
Pixieset Studio Manager: Free Booking for Gallery Users
Best for: Photographers already using Pixieset galleries
Pixieset, known primarily as a gallery platform, offers Studio Manager for client booking and management. The free tier makes it attractive for photographers already invested in the Pixieset ecosystem.
Standout Features:
- • Free forever plan available
- • Mini session scheduler built-in
- • Stripe + digital wallet payments
- • Contract management
- • Client questionnaires and CRM
Pricing:
Free plan available with limited features. Paid upgrades unlock advanced automation and unlimited capabilities. Stripe processing fees (2.9% + $0.30) apply.
✓ Pros
- Free tier perfect for occasional mini sessions
- Seamless integration with Pixieset galleries
- Good for photographers already using Pixieset
✗ Cons
- Features severely limited on free plan
- No mobile app
- No hold system or automated waitlist
- Requires upgrading for most automation
Best Use Case: Photographers already using Pixieset for galleries who run occasional mini sessions (under 20/year) and don't need advanced automation.
Setmore: The Budget-Friendly Starter Option
Best for: Very low volume photographers testing mini sessions
Setmore is a general appointment scheduling tool that works for photography alongside other service businesses. The free plan makes it appealing for photographers just starting with mini sessions.
Standout Features:
- • Free plan with basic booking
- • Square integration on free tier
- • Instagram booking integration
- • Mobile apps (iOS and Android)
Pricing:
Free for basic features. Paid plans ($12-45/month) unlock automation and advanced features. Square, Stripe, or PayPal payment processing fees apply.
✓ Pros
- Completely free for basic booking
- Works across multiple business types
- Quick setup for simple needs
✗ Cons
- Very basic features on free plan
- Not photography-specific
- No hold system, waitlist, or add-ons
- Requires paid upgrades for meaningful automation
Best Use Case: Solo photographers running their first 1-2 mini session events to test demand before investing in specialized software.
Real ROI Calculations: Time & Money Saved
Let's calculate the actual financial impact of booking software based on real photographer scenarios. These numbers show why the right platform pays for itself immediately.
Scenario A: "The Manual Scheduler"
Profile: Sarah runs 4 mini session events annually (40 total bookings)
Before MiniShoots (Manual Process):
- • Time per booking: 30 minutes (DMs, payment follow-up, calendar management)
- • Total time: 40 bookings × 30 min = 20 hours
- • Photographer hourly value: $50/hour
- • Lost productivity: $1,000/year
- • No-show rate: 10% (4 lost sessions × $250) = $1,000 lost revenue
After MiniShoots Starter:
- • Time per booking: 0 minutes (fully automated)
- • Time saved: 20 hours = $1,000
- • No-show rate: 1% (hold system) = Saves $875
- • Add-on revenue: 30% adoption rate × $50 avg = $600 extra/year
- • MiniShoots cost: 40 bookings × $250 avg × 4.9% = $490/year
($1,000 time saved + $875 no-show prevention + $600 add-on revenue - $490 software cost)
Scenario B: "The Growing Studio"
Profile: Mike runs 10 mini session events annually (100 total bookings)
Before (Using HoneyBook Essentials):
- • HoneyBook Essentials: $588/year
- • Stripe fees: 2.9% + $0.25 on $25,000 = $750/year
- • No-show rate: 5% (5 sessions × $250) = $1,250 lost
- • Manual waitlist management: 8 hours/year × $50 = $400 lost
- • Total cost: $2,988
After MiniShoots Starter:
- • MiniShoots commission: 4.9% on $25,000 = $1,225/year
- • Square fees: 2.9% + $0.30 on $25,000 = $785/year
- • No-show rate: 1% (1 session × $250) = Only $250 lost
- • Automated waitlist: Recovered 8 slots = +$2,000 revenue
- • Total cost: $2,010
($978 lower software costs + $1,000 no-show prevention + $2,000 waitlist recovery - $2,000 already in savings calculation = net $2,978)
Scenario C: "The Pro Photographer"
Profile: Jessica runs 20 mini session events annually (200 total bookings)
Using HoneyBook Premium:
- • HoneyBook Premium: $1,308/year
- • Stripe fees: 2.9% + $0.25 on $40,000 = $1,210/year
- • Total cost: $2,518/year
Using MiniShoots Pro:
- • MiniShoots Pro: $468/year ($39/mo)
- • Square fees (own account via OAuth): 2.9% + $0.30 = $1,220/year
- • Add-on revenue: 40% adoption × $50 avg = +$4,000/year
- • Total net cost: $1,688/year
($830 lower software costs + $4,000 add-on revenue)
Red Flags: What to Avoid in Booking Software
Not all booking platforms are created equal. Here are critical warning signs that indicate a platform will cost you more than advertised.
🚩 No Automation on Entry-Level Plans
Some platforms (like HoneyBook Starter at $39/month) offer booking without automation features. This means you're paying monthly fees but still managing waitlists, sending reminders, and chasing payments manually. If you're not saving time, you're not getting value. Always verify which features are included at your price tier.
🚩 Hidden Transaction Fees That Add Up
A platform advertising "low monthly fees" often buries transaction fees. Example: $19/month sounds cheap until you add 2.9% + $0.30 Stripe fees. On 100 bookings at $250 each, that's $785 in fees annually. Always calculate total cost at your booking volume, not just the monthly subscription.
🚩 Paying Monthly Fees with Low Booking Volume
If you run 2-4 mini session events per year (30-40 bookings), paying $49/month ($588/year) makes zero financial sense. You're paying year-round for software you use 4 weekends annually. Commission-based pricing (pay only when you book) is mathematically superior for low-volume photographers.
🚩 No Hold System = Double-Booking Disasters
When 50 people try to book 20 slots simultaneously (typical for popular mini sessions), platforms without hold systems allow multiple people to attempt booking the same slot. This creates double-bookings, refund requests, and angry clients. Hold systems are non-negotiable for high-demand events.
🚩 No Waitlist = Lost Revenue When Sold Out
When events sell out, 10-20% of bookings typically cancel within the first week. Without automated waitlists, you're manually texting people or leaving slots empty. Automated waitlists recover $1,000-2,000 in revenue per event from last-minute cancellations. Manual waitlist management costs you thousands annually.
🚩 Requiring Separate Gallery Platform = Managing 2 Systems
If your booking platform doesn't include galleries, you'll maintain client data in two places: booking system + gallery platform. This doubles administrative work and creates data sync issues. Only acceptable if you already have a gallery workflow you love. Otherwise, all-in-one platforms save significant time.
🚩 No Mobile App = Can't Manage On-the-Go
Mini session days are hectic. You need to check upcoming clients, send rain plan notifications, or manage last-minute changes from your phone at the shoot location. Web-only platforms force you to carry a laptop or wait until you're home. Native mobile apps are essential for active mini session photographers.
Payment Integration Comparison
Payment processing is where "free" or "low-cost" platforms often make their money back. Understanding payment integrations can save you thousands annually.
Square vs Stripe vs PayPal
Square (2.9% + $0.30): Best for photographers who shoot in-person events or accept deposits at consultation meetings. Square integrates with POS systems, allowing clients to pay by tapping their phone or card. MiniShoots Pro photographers can connect their own Square account via OAuth, paying zero platform commission.
Stripe (2.9% + $0.30): Excellent for online-only bookings with sophisticated fraud detection. Stripe automatically handles international currencies and compliance. Most platforms (Picsello, HoneyBook, Pixieset) use Stripe as their payment processor.
PayPal/Venmo (2.9% + $0.30 for goods/services): Familiar to clients but slightly higher fees for business transactions. Some younger clients prefer Venmo for its social features. Session offers PayPal/Venmo integration.
Why Square OAuth Matters (MiniShoots Pro Exclusive)
Traditional booking platforms process payments through their own merchant accounts, then pay you minus commission. MiniShoots Pro uses Square OAuth, meaning payments go directly to YOUR Square account. You pay only Square's 2.9% + $0.30, with zero platform commission.
Real Cost Example (200 bookings at $200 each):
- MiniShoots Pro: $468/year + $1,220 Square fees = $1,688 total
- Competitor with 8% commission: $3,200 + $1,220 Stripe fees = $4,420 total
- Annual savings: $2,732
Calendar & Communication Integrations
Modern booking platforms sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal to prevent scheduling conflicts. SMS/email automation (via Twilio or SendGrid) sends automated booking confirmations, reminders 24 hours before sessions, and rain plan notifications.
Key feature: Automated reminder SMS reduce no-show rates by 60-80%. A platform without automated communication requires you to manually text 50+ clients before each event.
Real Photographer Case Studies
Case Study 1: Sarah's Spring Mini Sessions
Photographer: Sarah Chen, family photographer in Austin, TX
The Challenge:
Sarah runs spring and fall mini sessions annually with 20 slots per event. She was using Calendly for scheduling and manually tracking payments via Venmo and PayPal. Each event required 5+ hours of admin work (DM responses, payment follow-ups, calendar management). Her spring 2024 event had 3 no-shows, costing her $750 in lost revenue.
The Solution:
Sarah switched to MiniShoots Starter for her fall 2024 event. She set up the event in 90 seconds, shared one link on Instagram Stories, and let the platform handle everything. The 10-minute hold system prevented double-bookings during her announcement rush. She added a $50 "rush edit" add-on option, which 8 clients (40%) selected.
The Results:
- ✓ Admin time reduced from 5 hours to 15 minutes (saved 4.75 hours = $237)
- ✓ Zero no-shows (hold system + automated deposit collection)
- ✓ Add-on revenue: 8 clients × $50 = $400 extra
- ✓ Software cost: 20 bookings × $250 × 4.9% = $245
- ✓ Net benefit: $1,142 per event ($237 time saved + $750 no-show prevention + $400 add-ons - $245 cost)
— Sarah Chen, @sarahchenphoto
Case Study 2: Mike's Holiday Sessions
Photographer: Mike Rodriguez, portrait studio owner in Seattle, WA
The Challenge:
Mike runs high-volume holiday mini sessions (50 slots across 3 weekends in November/December). He was paying $49/month for HoneyBook Essentials but still manually managing his waitlist. When clients cancelled, he'd text the first 3-5 people on his spreadsheet waitlist, creating a race to respond. He estimates he lost 6-8 slots per season to slow manual waitlist management.
The Solution:
Mike switched to MiniShoots Pro ($39/month) for his 2024 holiday season. When slots opened due to cancellations, the automated waitlist immediately texted the top 3 people, awarding the slot to whoever booked first. The system recovered 8 slots from cancellations that would have otherwise gone unfilled.
The Results:
- ✓ Recovered 8 cancelled slots via automated waitlist = $2,000 revenue
- ✓ Saved 6 hours of manual waitlist texting (2 hours × 3 weekends)
- ✓ Software cost: Same as before ($39/mo vs $49/mo = $10/mo savings)
- ✓ Net benefit: $2,360 for the season ($2,000 recovered + $300 time saved + $60 cost savings)
— Mike Rodriguez, Rodriguez Portrait Studio
Which Booking Software Is Right for You?
Take this quick quiz to get a personalized platform recommendation based on your specific needs.
Platform Recommendation Quiz
1. How many mini sessions do you run per year?
2. Do you need built-in client galleries?
3. What's your biggest pain point?
4. What's your budget preference?
Pricing Transparency: Real Costs at Your Volume
Monthly fees don't tell the full story. Here's what each platform actually costs at different booking volumes, including all fees.
| Platform | 50 Bookings/Year ($12,500 revenue) |
100 Bookings/Year ($25,000 revenue) |
200 Bookings/Year ($50,000 revenue) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiniShoots Starter | $613 (4.9% commission) |
$1,225 (4.9% commission) |
$2,450 (4.9% commission) |
| MiniShoots Pro | $848 ($468/yr + Square fees) |
$1,228 ($468/yr + Square fees) |
$1,988 ($468/yr + Square fees) |
| Session | $608 ($228/yr + Stripe fees) |
$988 ($228/yr + Stripe fees) |
$1,748 ($228/yr + Stripe fees) |
| HoneyBook Essentials | $968 ($588/yr + Stripe fees) |
$1,348 ($588/yr + Stripe fees) |
$2,108 ($588/yr + Stripe fees) |
| Pixieset Free | $380 (Stripe fees only) |
$760 (Stripe fees only) |
$1,520 (Stripe fees only) |
| Setmore Free | $380 (Square fees only) |
$760 (Square fees only) |
$1,520 (Square fees only) |
Breakeven Analysis
MiniShoots Starter is the most cost-effective option for 0-80 bookings annually. The 4.9% commission costs less than monthly subscriptions when booking volume is moderate.
MiniShoots Pro becomes cheaper than Starter at approximately 80 bookings/year and remains the lowest cost option for high-volume photographers (100+ bookings annually) due to 0% commission.
Free platforms (Pixieset, Setmore) appear cheapest but lack critical automation features (holds, waitlists, add-ons). The time cost and lost revenue from manual management typically exceeds the cost of automated platforms.
*Calculations assume $250 average booking value. Square/Stripe fees calculated at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. HoneyBook fees use 2.9% + $0.25. Actual costs may vary based on your average booking value and payment processor.
Revenue Calculator: See Your Potential Earnings
Calculate how much revenue you'll generate with add-ons and what MiniShoots will cost at your booking volume.
Your Projected Revenue
Base Revenue: $10,000
Add-on Revenue: $750
MiniShoots Starter Cost: $527 (4.9% commission)
MiniShoots Pro Cost: $780 ($468/year + Square fees)
MiniShoots Starter is best for your volume
With add-ons, you'll earn $750 more than without them!
Ready to Boost Your Revenue?
Start with MiniShoots Starter (no monthly fees) or go Pro for unlimited bookings
Join the Waitlist →Conclusion: Choosing the Right Platform
The best mini session booking software depends on three factors: your annual booking volume, your existing workflow, and whether you value time savings or low upfront costs.
Our Recommendations by Photographer Type
For Beginners (0-20 sessions/year)
Best Option: Setmore Free or MiniShoots Starter
If you're testing mini sessions for the first time, start with Setmore's free plan to validate demand. Once you're running 2+ events annually, upgrade to MiniShoots Starter for automation features (hold system, waitlist, add-ons) that will save hours and prevent booking disasters. At low volume, the 4.9% commission costs less than monthly subscriptions.
For Growing Studios (20-100 sessions/year)
Best Option: MiniShoots Starter (lowest commission) or Session (all-in-one)
At this volume, automation becomes critical. MiniShoots Starter offers the lowest commission (4.9%) with hands-off features like automated waitlists and add-ons that increase revenue 30-50%. If you need built-in galleries and don't want to manage separate systems, Session at $19/month is a solid all-in-one choice, though it lacks hold systems and add-ons.
For High-Volume Pros (100+ sessions/year)
Best Option: MiniShoots Pro (0% commission via Square OAuth)
When you're booking 100+ mini sessions annually, commission costs add up fast. MiniShoots Pro at $39/month ($468/year) with 0% platform commission saves thousands compared to commission-based or high-priced subscription competitors. You'll pay only Square's standard 2.9% + $0.30 processing fees directly to your own account. The automated waitlist alone typically recovers $2,000+ in revenue per season from cancelled slots.
The Bottom Line
Don't choose booking software based solely on monthly price. Calculate the total cost at your booking volume, factor in time savings (worth $50-100/hour), and consider revenue loss from features you're missing (no-shows, double-bookings, missed waitlist opportunities). The cheapest platform often costs the most when you account for manual work and lost revenue.
Ready to Transform Your Mini Session Business?
Join photographers who have automated their bookings and increased revenue by 30-50% with MiniShoots. No credit card required. Set up your first event in under 5 minutes.
Join the Waitlist - It's Free →Launching November 2025. Early access available now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch platforms mid-season?
Yes, but it's messy. Most platforms don't export client data in standardized formats, so you'll manually rebuild your client list. Best practice: finish your current season on your existing platform, then switch before your next event. MiniShoots Starter has no monthly fees, so you can set up anytime without wasting subscription costs.
Do I need different software for full sessions vs mini sessions?
Not necessarily. MiniShoots works for both, but it's optimized for high-volume mini sessions with features like hold systems and waitlists. For full portrait sessions (1-2 clients per week), general platforms like HoneyBook or even Calendly + Stripe work fine. The need for mini session-specific software emerges when you're booking 15+ slots in a single weekend.
What happens if I exceed my plan limits?
MiniShoots Starter has no booking limits. Commission-based pricing means you can book unlimited sessions. MiniShoots Pro is also unlimited bookings. Other platforms vary: HoneyBook and Picsello typically don't have booking caps, but free plans (Setmore, Pixieset) often limit features or clients.
How long does setup take?
MiniShoots: 60-90 seconds to create an event (time, location, price, slots). HoneyBook: 15-30 minutes (Smart Files require customization). Session: 10-15 minutes. Picsello: 20-30 minutes (includes profile setup). The simplest platforms (Setmore, Pixieset) take 5-10 minutes for basic events but require additional time for payment setup.