Family Photo session length in Connecticut


How Long Does a Family Photo Session Last?

One of the most common questions I get asked as a photographer is, “How long will our family photo session take?” While the answer can vary depending on the style of the session, the location, and the number of people involved, here's a general breakdown of what you can expect.

1. Mini Session: 20 Minutes

A mini session is a shorter, more compact version of a typical family photo shoot. These sessions are usually designed to capture a few key moments or poses and are ideal for families with young children who may have shorter attention spans.

If you’re looking for a quick update to your family portraits or just want to capture a few memories, a mini session can be perfect. I offer them several times a year at specific locations. In the spring and summer I offer mini sessions at Wickham Park in Manchester/ East Hartford, CT. In the summer I offer mini sessions at Harkness State Park in Waterford, CT , Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT, Elizabeth Park in Hartford, CT, Valley Falls Park in Vernon, CT, and Long Sands Beach in York, ME. In the fall I offer mini sessions at Bolton Heritage Farm in Bolton, CT, and the covered bridge in East Hampton, CT. Leading up to Christmas I offer tree farm mini sessions in Ellington, CT.

2. Half Session: 30 minutes

For most families, with younger children who want more than a mini session, I suggest a half session. This gives enough time to explore different poses, locations, and styles while still keeping the session fun and relaxed.

During this time, we’ll have the opportunity to take both posed family portraits and more candid, lifestyle shots. It’s also enough time for breaks, especially if younger children need to recharge or if you want to incorporate different outfits or settings into the session. For half and full sessions, location and date is set based on the unique session that we design for the family.

3. Full: 1 Hours or More

If you’re looking for a more in-depth session or want to incorporate multiple locations or outfit changes, an extended session might be right for you. These can last an or more, allowing for more flexibility and a variety of photos.

Extended sessions are great for families with older kids or larger groups who want more time to get different looks and compositions (think extended family reunion). We can take the time to experiment with lighting, try different backgrounds, and really take advantage of a slower pace for natural, relaxed shots.

Factors That Affect Session Length:

  • Location: Travel time to and from the location can add time to the overall session.
  • Group Size: Larger families or extended family groups may require more time to ensure everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.
  • Children: Young children may need more breaks or might take a little extra time to warm up to the camera but also generally need a short session.
  • Outfit Changes: If you want to switch outfits during the session, this can extend the time needed.

In the end, the goal is to create lasting memories without feeling rushed. The right length of time will depend on your family's needs, but whether it’s a quick mini session or a full day of fun, we’ll work together to capture beautiful moments that will last a lifetime.