How long do family photo sessions take?
Family Portraits Session tips in Elk Grove, CA.
Family photo sessions are an excellent way to capture lasting memories that you and your loved ones can cherish for years to come. However, many families often wonder how long their photo sessions will take, especially if they have young children. This answer varies depending on the photographer and what type of session a family has signed up for. However, there are some key factors that can determine the length of a family photo session, including the number of family members included, the location size, attitudes, and moods of the children, and how much light is left before sunset.
What is the size of your family?
Firstly, the number of family members is a crucial factor that determines the length of a family photo session. The more people there are, the longer it takes to capture everyone in a perfect shot. For example, if you have a large extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, a session can take up to an hour or more to ensure everyone is included. On the other hand, smaller families with just a few members can have their sessions completed in as little as 30 minutes. The number of combinations and poses that you ask for can make the session go longer as time is needed to go through all the poses. I offer two different family session options. For a basic family there is a 1-hour session. Most of the time the full hour is not needed as we can get to all the poses fairly quickly. For an extended family there is a 2-hour session which is needed to make sure we get the large family poses as well as all the other combinations.
What is the size of your location?
Another factor in determining the length of a family session is the size of the location. This can play a significant role in determining how long a family photo session will take. When using an outdoor location, such as a park or beach, the session may take longer depending on how big of a location it is. Some locations don't require much walking and the spots used are close together. Outdoor locations provide more opportunities for different shots and poses, and the photographer may need to move around to capture the perfect lighting and background.
What is the age and mood of your children?
One of the biggest factors that affect the timing of a family session is the age and the mood of children. Young children can sometimes become restless or uncooperative, making it challenging to get them to sit still and smile for the camera. A skilled photographer will work with the children to make the session fun and engaging, which can help to keep them happy and cooperative. However, if the children are particularly fussy or unresponsive, the session may take longer than anticipated. Just to be clear it isn’t only young children that can be moody. Sullen teenagers who don’t want to be there at the session or are in a bad mood can also make the session go longer as the photographer must work hard to get them to smile and act like they are into it.
How much light is left during the session time?
The amount of light left before sunset is also a critical factor that determines the length of a family photo session. Natural light is an essential element in photography, and the time of day can significantly impact the quality of the photos. A lot of outdoor photographers like me will schedule the session during golden hour, which is the hour or two just before sunset. During this time, the light is soft and warm, creating a beautiful glow that can enhance your photos. This factor is contingent on the other factors mentioned above. If all the other factors come into play and we begin to lose the light the session will have to be concluded. One of the biggest things I have my clients do is to prioritize their poses in order of importance so we make sure we get to all those first and then can proceed to the others.
What is the natural stopping point?
Finally, the last factor is determining a natural stopping point. With over 15 years of experience in family photography, I have developed a keen sense of when we have captured all the necessary shots and when it's time to wrap up the session. Typically, I will ask if there are any additional shots you would like me to take before we conclude.
In conclusion, the length of a family photo session can vary depending on several factors, including the number of family members, location size, ages, and moods of the children, how much light is left before sunset, and determining a natural stopping point. When planning your family photo session, it is essential to consider these factors to ensure that you are prepared at the session and know what reasonable expectations to have, especially with younger children. By working with a skilled photographer who understands the needs of your family, you can create lasting memories that you and your loved ones will treasure for years to come.
If you are interested in booking a family session, please reach out via my contact page, and I would love to send you my welcome brochure that walks you through the booking process, highlights my pricing, answers FAQs and more.
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