Here’s how to choose the right photo session for your family

The number of emails I receive that say “Just want to know the cost for family photos” is way up there. And I get it! Life is expensive. We want our photos taken. What’s the cost going to be?

But before I can answer that question for potential clients, I have my own questions. How long of a session would you like? An hour? A half hour? Ten minutes?

These are the three types of sessions I usually offer to families (although mini sessions are pretty rare for me). How do you know which is best for your family? Cost is certainly a factor, but the way you decide which session suits your family best can depend on other things as well.

Below are some ways to help you determine which session type may be best for you.

60 minute session

Pros

Obviously this is the longest family session I offer, so it results in the most images. This is a great session option for families who need time to warm up and feel comfortable with having their photos taken. If our photo session is taking place in a location that is new for your kids, a 60 minute session helps because it gives them time to enjoy the newness of the location without feeling rushed to get photos taken in a shorter timeframe.

It often starts an hour before sunset time, and it gives plenty of time to move around our session location for lots of different backdrops, poses, games/candid shots, and even allows some time for an outfit change if you want to do that. These sessions also work great for extended family session or if you’d like to incorporate a pet into your photos.

Cons

Since this is the longest family session I offer, the cost for family photos in this case is higher. An hour long session requires more time commitment, which can be tough for some little ones. While we do move around a lot and keep things fresh so nobody gets bored, you know yourself and your kids best. If you think an hour is too long, maybe consider one of the other options.

Bottom line

The extra time in this session lets you capture the “in-between” moments that often become your family’s most treasured photos. If your goal is a wall gallery, heirloom images or an album, this session gives you the most variety to choose from. (And bonus sidenote: if you want a great place to order heirloom products from, I highly recommend Artifact Uprising.)

30 minute session

Pros

The 30 minute family session is a great middle ground. There’s a good balance of efficiency and variety and enough time for a few poses and candid shots. For busy families, a 30 minute session is easier to fit into the schedule, and kids are often able to cooperate for this shorter period of time.

These sessions result in fewer photos than a 60 minute session for obvious reasons, but that doesn’t mean the quality is sacrificed. Some families prefer having fewer photos to sort through and choose from.

Cons

There’s not much warm up time. That doesn’t bother me personally because I pride myself on my ability to make quick connections and make my clients feel comfortable, but if you or your children are more shy, that’s something to consider. Also, if someone arrives late, it eats into your already short session time.

Bottom line

This session is for you if your family wants a handful of great images rather than a large, diverse gallery. Many families see it as the “just right” option when they want updated yearly photos without the intensity of a full shoot.

Mini Session

Pros

Mini sessions are short and sweet: usually in the 10-15 minute timeframe. That means they’re a quick and affordable way to get a few updated family shots. That also makes them perfect for kids with shorter attention spans.

If you’re testing out a photographer for the first time, mini sessions mean a lower cost for family photos with someone new.

Cons

There’s pretty much just one backdrop, and one or two available dates, and they’re chosen by the photographer. And there’s not any time for warming up – kids and parents need to be ready to go.

Mini sessions are not ideal for extended families.

Bottom line

These sessions are really about “just one good photo” rather than a storytelling gallery, which makes them great for holiday cards or photos for grandma. Timing is crucial—arriving even 5 minutes late can mean missing most of the session.

Now book that session!

Hopefully this breakdown helps you decide what your family is looking for when it comes to your professional photo session. I know that sometimes the cost for family photos can seem high. Think of it like an investment in preserving your family’s memories.

And one more note: family portrait photographers are especially busy when fall rolls around, so as soon as you know you want a session, inquire! You can see more about my family photography on my website here: https://ericahurlburtphotography.com/families

How to choose the right photo session for your family

Erica Hurlburt is an award winning Ventura County Photographer who specializes in newborn, family and school photography. Her style tends toward cleaner, classic images, both in how they’re composed and edited. Her goal in every session is to keep things relaxed and fun and to create images that are both meaningful and unique.

Erica serves clients in Camarillo, Ventura County, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake,
Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ojai and beyond.