How long does a family photo session take?
Typical duration of a family photo session
How long does a family photo session take? From a quick, 10 minute mini to a complete experience as a Day in the life, you might wonder what will work best for you and your family. Let me give you a clear idea of what to expect, how different session lengths compare, and how to choose the right fit for your family’s needs and personality.
For a relaxed, enjoyable experience that captures genuine family moments, my standard family sessions last 1 hour and 30 minutes. This timeframe allows:
- Plenty of time for kids (and parents!) to warm up to the camera
- A mix of candid and lightly guided moments, for a documentary photo session
- Enough flexibility for nappy changes, breastfeeding or snack breaks if needed
- A natural flow without feeling rushed, and a variety of family activities
In 1.5 hours, we can document all the love, fun, bonds, and little details that make your family unique—without anyone feeling like they’ve been in front of the camera forever!
Depending on your needs…
Some photographers offer sessions that last between 45 minutes to an hour. This can be a good option if you’re looking for a quicker experience with a selection of beautifully posed images.
It’s a time-efficient choice, especially for families with older children who are comfortable in front of the camera. However, if you have little ones who need time to warm up, or if you’d love a variety of natural, in-the-moment shots, you might find that a longer session allows for a more relaxed and engaging experience.
In a shorter session, photographers often lean more on guided poses to ensure a smooth flow and a diverse selection of images within the limited time. Some other photographer can offer 2 hours long sessions, especially for newborn studio sessions. Those often require outfit changes and feeding breaks so it makes sense.
Half-day “Day in the life” sessions (4 hours)
For families who want a more in-depth and storytelling approach, I also offer half-day “Day in the Life” sessions, which last 4 hours. These are perfect for capturing your family’s real, unfiltered moments in a natural, documentary style.
- No posing, no pressure—just your family as they are
- Great for highlighting daily routines, traditions, and connections
- The perfect way to create a time capsule of your family life
These sessions are a fantastic option if you love the idea of preserving real-life interactions: making pancakes on a Sunday morning, reading bedtime stories, or playing together in the backyard.
What about mini sessions?
You may have seen photographers offering mini sessions: shorter sessions (usually 15 to 30 minutes) that are great for quick, seasonal portraits. I sometimes offer them, so if you’d like to be notified please hop on my newsletter!
Mini sessions are a great option for families looking for a quick and budget-friendly way to update their photos. They are often scheduled back-to-back on specific dates and locations chosen by the photographer, which makes them less flexible but also more affordable. Because of the short timeframe, mini sessions tend to be more structured, with the photographer guiding families through a set number of poses to maximize the variety of shots. While they can be a fun and efficient way to get a few beautiful images, they may not allow enough time for young children to fully warm up or for candid, in-the-moment interactions to unfold naturally.
I recommend booking mini sessions as a complement to a full family session. This way, you get the best of both worlds: a relaxed, documentary-style session that captures your family’s real-life moments and connections, plus a quick, guided session that’s perfect for updating your photos or getting a few polished shots for holiday cards.
How long does a family photo session take is up to you: would you like to take your time, or would you rather have a shorter session?
If you’re ready to book your family session or have any questions about what would work best for your family, get in touch—I’d love to help create the perfect session for you!