Choosing the right photography session length is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when booking your family photography session, and we’re here to make it easy! We offer three different photography session options, each designed with specific needs in mind.
As you read, start by thinking about your family’s personality and what matters most to you do your kids warm up quickly, do you want lots of variety, or do you just need a few timeless family portraits?
Whether you’re wondering how much time you need for a photography session, trying to decide between a mini session vs. a full session, or figuring out the best fit for your children’s photography session, here’s a breakdown to help you find the perfect fit.
Your Family, Your Session — Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Fit
Every child is different. Every family is different. And that’s exactly what makes this work so meaningful to us. We don’t believe in rushing, forcing smiles, or making anyone feel pressured.
Our sessions are designed to give your family the space and time to simply be yourselves, and that’s where the magic happens.
If you’re still not sure which session is the right fit, we would love to hear from you! Reach out before you book, and we’ll help you figure out exactly what your family needs.
We’ve guided hundreds of families through this process, and we’re confident we can find the perfect option for you, too.
Mini Session – 30 Minutes
A mini session is ideal if your goal is simply to document what your child looks like at their current age, think 7-year-old photos, 4th-grade milestone portraits, and similar keepsakes.
These sessions are short and work best for older, post-toddler children who can follow directions quickly and comfortably.
While there will be some natural variation in the photos, we don’t change locations or outfits, so the focus is on clean, beautiful portraits rather than a wide variety of creative shots.
*Please note that mini sessions are offered in theFall only.
A mini session may be right for you if:
- Your child is school-age or older
- You want a quick, simple update portrait
- You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option
- Your schedule is limited
Standard Session – 1 Hour
This is our most popular session, and for good reason! The standard session is especially well-suited for younger children, giving us the time we need to capture more creative, varied photos.
An hour also gives younger children the opportunity to warm up and settle into the session naturally, which a mini session simply doesn’t allow for.
To help your child feel comfortable, we recommend bringing along a favorite toy or a small snack, something familiar can make all the difference and turn the session into a fun, relaxed experience for everyone.
The result? More genuine smiles, more relaxed expressions, and more images you’ll love.
A standard session may be right for you if:
- You’d like a well-rounded gallery to choose from
- You have toddlers or younger children
- You want more creative variety in your photos
- Your child takes a little time to open up
Extended Session – 1.5 to 2 Hours
For larger families or sibling sessions with four or more children, we highly recommend the extended session.
This generous amount of time allows us to photograph your children both together and individually, with plenty of room to find those perfect, genuine smiles and heartfelt interactions.
For big groups, we suggest having a few small snacks, some water, and maybe a favorite activity or game on hand so everyone can take a short break if needed.
Little breaks and a bit of fun between shots go a long way in keeping everyone engaged and happy throughout your session.
The extended session also allows for:
- Up to two outfit changes for sibling group shots
- Up to three to four outfit changes for individual children
- Two location choices within the session
An extended session may be right for you if:
- You have four or more children
- You want both group and individual portraits
- You’d like the option to change outfits or locations
- You want a relaxed, unhurried experience
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Note About Weather and Rescheduling
Living in the Pacific Northwest, or anywhere with unpredictable weather, means that Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our plans.
While we do our absolute best to work with whatever the day brings, there are times when rescheduling is simply the safest and smartest choice for your family and for the quality of your images.
What Happens If It Rains?
A little overcast sky is actually nothing to worry about! Soft, cloudy light can be absolutely beautiful for portraits and often produces some of our most stunning images.
However, heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme weather are a different story. In those cases, we will reach out to you as early as possible to discuss rescheduling options.
Who Makes the Call?
We monitor the weather closely in the days leading up to your session. If conditions look questionable, we’ll be in touch ahead of time so you’re never left guessing.
We ask that you also feel comfortable reaching out if you have concerns; we’d always rather have a conversation early than have your family standing in a downpour.
How Much Notice Will I Get?
We do our best to make the call at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible. In cases of sudden severe weather, we may need to make a same-day decision, but we will always communicate with you as quickly as we can.
Will I Lose My Deposit If We Reschedule Due to Weather?
Weather-related rescheduling will never result in the loss of your deposit or booking fee. Your deposit will be applied in full to your rescheduled session date.
Please note, however, that if you choose to cancel your session completely rather than reschedule, your deposit will be forfeited.
We always encourage rescheduling over canceling so that your deposit is protected and we can still create the beautiful images your family deserves!
How Do Reschedules Work?
Rescheduling is simple! We’ll work together to find a new date that works for your family. Please keep in mind that Fall is our busiest season, so if your session is rescheduled during that time, availability may be limited.
We recommend being as flexible as possible with your new date to ensure we can get you back on the calendar quickly.
A Few Tips for Session Day Weather:
- Check the forecast the night before and the morning of your session.
- Dress in layers if temperatures are uncertain
- Don’t cancel based on a cloudy forecast alone — some of our favorite sessions have happened on overcast days
- Trust us to guide you! We shoot outdoors regularly and know how to make the most of all kinds of light and conditions
We never want the weather to be a source of stress for your family. Our goal is always for your session to feel relaxed, joyful, and completely worth it, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen, rain or shine.
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Conclusion
We know that choosing the right session can feel overwhelming, but we promise it doesn’t have to be!
Whether you’re looking for a quick and sweet mini session to capture this exact moment in time, a relaxed standard session with your little ones, or a full extended experience for your whole crew, we are here to make it beautiful, stress-free, and something your family will treasure for years to come.
We encourage you to book your session early, especially during popular seasons like fall. Booking in advance gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date and helps you avoid any last-minute stress.
This way, you can look forward to your session knowing everything is set and ready for your family.
If you’ve been meaning to update your family photos or capture a new season of life, this might be your sign to do it.
As a photographer, I don’t just capture images; I help you create photos that are meant to be printed, displayed, and enjoyed in your home for years to come.