How flexible session lengths help capture authentic moments for families and brands.
Last week, I had a family session booked for two hours.
Three hours later, we were still together – chatting, laughing, and making photos.
Was it part of the plan? Not exactly.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.
The thing is, I never want your session to feel rushed. Whether I’m documenting your everyday family life or creating an image library for your business, the goal isn’t to “get it done” in a set number of minutes – it’s to capture the moments that matter most to you.
Family Photography Session length: Why I keep it flexible
My family sessions are about two hours, but every family is different — and life doesn’t run on a stopwatch.
- Sometimes the kids disappear after an hour. If a bedroom door closes, I’m not barging in. Respecting boundaries is just as important as making photos.
- Sometimes kids need a break. Overtired, hungry, overstimulated – I’ll happily photograph the real moments (meltdowns included), but if my presence isn’t helping, I step back.
- Sometimes we’re in the middle of something great. A two-hour plan can turn into four when we’re out exploring or doing something fun together.
The point is: I’d rather stay a little longer to make sure your gallery tells the whole story than stop just because the clock says so.
Branding Photography Session Timelines: Why output matters more than time
I offer branding packages for different needs and budgets – 30 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours – but the times are really just a guide. What matters is the output:
Do you need:
- A handful of fresh headshots?
- A varied set of photos for your website and social media?
- Or an extensive image library that could last you a year or more?
Even my shortest “30-minute” sessions have always run longer, so I’ve now changed them to up to an hour. That way, we can work without feeling rushed, and you still get the results you came for.
Shifting the Focus – Time vs. Output
I understand that budgeting is easier when you compare hours – but instead of asking “How long is the session?”, ask:
- For families: “What moments do I want to remember?” Whether that’s kitchen-table crafts or a day on the hiking trail, the time it takes will vary – but the result is still your unique story.
- For brands: “How will I use these photos, and how long do I want them to last?”
Because in the end, whether we spend 90 minutes or half a day together, the focus isn’t the stopwatch – it’s creating images that feel like you.
