How Long of a Session Do You Need?
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Explore the Planning Tools →Short answer: it depends what the session is for, but here’s how to think about it instead of guessing at a number.
Family portraits. Enough time to work through a few locations, get the group shots done while everyone’s patient, and grab some candid, unposed moments once the formal part is finished. Rushing this means you get the posed shots and miss everything else. Going too long means tired kids and forced smiles by the end.
Engagement sessions. Long enough to actually relax in front of the camera. The first fifteen minutes of any session is usually the stiffest, people warming up to being photographed. A session that’s too short only captures the awkward part.
Individual or headshot sessions. Shorter, more focused, usually fewer locations and outfit changes, since the goal is a specific set of images rather than a full story.
What actually determines the right length for you:
How many people are involved. A family of four moves faster than a family of twelve. More people means more time to get everyone looking at the camera at once.
How many locations you want. Each move between spots eats into the session. One location, unhurried, often produces a better gallery than three locations rushed.
Outfit changes. Each change adds real time, not just the changing itself but resetting hair, adjusting light, finding the next spot.
Kids and pets. Build in more buffer than you think you need. Patience runs out faster than adults expect, and rushing a tired toddler never produces the photo you wanted.
If you’re not sure what fits your situation, tell me what you’re picturing for the session and I’ll tell you honestly how much time that actually needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a family portrait session be?
Long enough to cover posed group shots and still leave room for candid moments once everyone’s relaxed. The right length depends heavily on family size and how many kids are involved.
Does an outfit change add much time to a session?
Yes. Each change involves resetting hair, adjusting for the new outfit, and often moving to a new spot, so it adds up faster than people expect.
Should I build in extra time for young kids?
Yes, more buffer than feels necessary. Kids run out of patience faster than adults, and rushing a tired child rarely produces a good photo.
Still thinking? That's what the consultation is for.
Every MDKauffmann commission starts with a conversation — not a sales pitch. We talk about your day, your priorities, and what "forever" looks like for your family. If we're the right fit, you'll know. If we're not, I'll tell you honestly.
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