**Why I Schedule Family Photo Sessions for One Hour (Even Though We Rarely Use the Full Time)**
When booking a family photo session, you might notice that I schedule an hour for our time together. Yet, if you’ve had a session with me before, you’ve probably realized we often wrap up in less than an hour. So why schedule an entire hour when we typically finish faster? Here’s the reason behind my approach, and how it benefits you and your family.
1. Flexibility for Unpredictable Moments
Family photo sessions, especially with kids, can be unpredictable. Toddlers need time to warm up, or older kids might be a little camera-shy at first. By scheduling an hour, we have the flexibility to ease into the session and give everyone time to feel comfortable. Whether it’s taking a break for a snack, calming a cranky little one, or letting kids explore a new location before we start shooting, that extra time allows for a relaxed, unhurried experience.
2. Allowing for Natural Interactions
My photography style emphasizes capturing natural, candid moments. It’s important to let your family interact and engage with each other without feeling rushed. Scheduling an hour ensures we have time for silly games, casual conversation, and genuine connections. Some of the best photos happen when families are just being themselves, and a little extra time allows for those organic moments to unfold.
3. Minimizing Stress
Family photos are meant to be enjoyable, not stressful. Rushing through a session because of a tight time limit can make everyone feel anxious, especially parents who are trying to wrangle their children. By scheduling an hour, we reduce the pressure, and if we finish early, it’s a win! You get beautiful photos without feeling like we’ve rushed through the process.
4. Better Variety of Shots
Even though we may not need a full hour, having that extra cushion allows us to capture a wide range of images. From posed family portraits to candid moments, we can take the time to experiment with different setups, locations, and angles. This leads to a more diverse gallery of photos for you to choose from.
5. Handling the Unexpected
Sometimes, life happens. A diaper blowout, an unexpected spill, or a shy child needing extra encouragement—these moments are part of real family life, and we embrace them during sessions. Scheduling a full hour ensures that we can handle any unexpected hiccups without cutting into your session time or missing key shots.
6. More Fun, Less Stress
Ultimately, family sessions should be a fun and memorable experience for everyone. By scheduling an hour, we allow for an environment where everyone can relax, play, and enjoy the process. Often, we don’t need the full hour to capture great images, but having that time available ensures that when the session ends, it’s because we’ve truly captured everything we need—without stress or rush.
While we may not always use the entire hour for a family photo session, scheduling that time ensures we can relax, be flexible, and capture your family’s unique dynamics in a fun and stress-free environment. So, when you book your session, know that the hour is there for you—even if we finish early, it’s all about creating the best experience and the best images for your family.
Let’s make the most of your time and create lasting memories together!
