I’m sure this answer will differ depending on which photographer you ask, but I’ll tell you how long I personally take to photograph a family photo session. I don’t put a set time on my sessions because not every family is the same but they usually take between 45-60 minutes. There are a lot of different factors that might determine how long it may actually take so read on to find out!
How many people are in your family?
The number of people in your family could determine how long your session might take. If you have a lot of kids, then I’ll be sure to start with enough time to get all the shots I would want. There are a lot of different combinations that can be made with a large family! But if you only have one or two kids, or you are first-time parents booking a maternity session, then we won’t need as much time.
How much walking is necessary at your location?
Some locations don’t require much walking and the spots we use are close together. But others are a bigger adventure that might require a little more time to walk around.
What kind of mood is your child in?
This can really determine how long your family photos will last. If our child is having the time of their life playing and exploring, then I will just keep going until we run out of light or I feel like we got everything we need and then some. But if someone is having a tough day, I’ll try to be as quick as possible, or maybe give you a bit of time to do whatever is needed for them to be happy again. So this could make the session shorter or possibly longer. This is why I don’t set an exact time limit, you just never know with kids!
Have we run out of light?
Usually, I will book sessions close to sunset so once we run out of light, we have to be done! So I will make a guess for what time we should start based on your family, the location, and the weather for that day. I do sometimes schedule sunrise sessions and in that case, this is not a factor in how long your session will take.
Have we reached a natural stopping point?
I’ve been photographing families for over 10 years and by now I just know when I’m done. I’ve gotten all the shots we need, and it just feels like the right time to be finished. I try not to push it too long to the point where the kids are completely over it because I’d rather end on a high note. I’ll usually ask if there was anything else that you wanted me to photograph and that’s it!
So basically, there is no set answer to this question! I won’t put a time limit on your session, we will just see how it goes and either shoot until the last bit of light is gone, or stop whenever it feels right.
Here are more blog posts in different locations in Toronto both outdoors and in-studio showing why you should hire a photographer to capture your beautiful family.
Family photo shoot at Scarborough Bluffs
Family and maternity photos at Scottsdale Farm
Family and cake smash photo shoot at Mint Room Studios
Family and cake smash photo shoot in The Solarium Studio
Family photos at The Evergreen Brickworks
HOW TO BOOK
There are a few ways you can book. You can book right online using this tab which leads you to my online booking calendar. However, not all available dates are on that calendar so if you need a different date, send me an email! You can reach me at hello@anchorstudio.ca
Anchor Studio Photography specializes providing a full service experience that starts with booking your session and ends with getting beautiful tangible heirloom products being displayed in your home. My style of soft, candid and timeless photos can be seen in all my maternity, newborn, child and family portraits in Greater Toronto Area, including Oakville, Mississauga, North York and Richmond Hill. If you are interested in booking a portrait session for your family, you can click here to book your session. I am now booking sessions for summer 2022, so don’t hesitate to get in touch soon!
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