How Long is a Family Photo Session?

An adult and a child are playing with bubbles in a fenced backyard. The adult is blowing bubbles while the child, holding a bubble wand, looks on. Both are barefoot and dressed in summer clothing.

As an in-home family photographer, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “How long will our family photo session take?” While every session is different, my family photo sessions typically last around 2 hours long. This may seem long to some, but there’s a reason I dedicate this much time to each session. It leads to authentic, candid moments that truly capture your family’s unique dynamic.

In this post, I’ll tell you why my sessions take about two hours and how this compares to shorter, more traditional sessions.

I’ll also include images from a recent at-home session with a Mom and daughter. (and all their pets!) We had such a fun time in their yard with bubbles and playing inside and outside their beautiful home in the Aspinwall neighborhood of Pittsburgh!

Two children in leopard print outfits play with numerous bubbles in a yard complete with a playhouse and slide, captured beautifully by an Aspinwall family photographer.

Why I Offer 2-Hour Family Photo Sessions

When everyone (especially the kids) has time to get used to myself and my camera, the results are more natural and meaningful. Here are some reasons why my at-home family photo sessions last around two hours:

A young child stands on the balcony of a wooden playhouse painted in dark colors, with a slide attached. A sign reading "PLAYHOUSE" is visible on the railing—a perfect moment captured by an Aspinwall family photographer.

No Rushing:
I don’t believe in rushing through a session. Instead of pushing for immediate perfect poses, I allow everyone to take their time. If the kids need a break, want to play, or just need a moment to settle in, I encourage it. This relaxed pace allows for a stress-free environment where kids (and parents!) can feel comfortable.
Flexibility Based on Family Size:
Larger families or those with multiple children often require a bit more time to get everyone comfortable. I make sure that each child gets their time to shine and that the family as a whole feels seen and captured.
Consideration of Kids’ Ages:
Younger children can be unpredictable. Babies and toddlers might need extra attention and time to adjust. By allowing for these moments, I can capture the best of each family member.
Kids’ Moods Matter:
Sometimes, kids are bursting with energy and eager to engage. Other times, they may be tired, grumpy, or feeling shy. Whatever their mood, I’m experienced in working with all types of temperaments and I allow the necessary time to let them open up and be themselves.
Capturing Candid Moments:
Instead of focusing solely on posed shots, I want to capture your family doing what they love together. Whether that’s playing, reading, or cooking—these everyday moments create the most genuine images. A longer session allows for these candid moments to unfold naturally.
Incorporating Family Activities:
During the session, I encourage your family to engage in activities you enjoy, like playing games, reading books, or simply hanging out together. These interactions create beautiful, natural moments that make the session feel less like a photo shoot and more like a family day.
Time for Play and Breaks:
Children, especially younger ones, sometimes need breaks to recharge or reset. I’m always open to pausing for a snack, drink, potty breaks, some downtime, or even an outfit change. These breaks are built into the session, allowing everyone to stay relaxed and happy.

An aspinwall family photographer captures a blonde woman in a black dress lifting a child in a leopard-print outfit in their backyard with a playhouse. With the child smiling and holding her foot, the woman carries her to the playhouse’s slide.

A girl jumps and plays with bubbles in a backyard while a woman stands nearby holding a bubble wand. A bubble machine sits on the grass producing more bubbles around them.

How My Sessions Compare to Shorter, Traditional Portrait Sessions

Keep in mind that most traditional family portrait sessions with other photographers are shorter—lasting on average, around 1 hour or less. (mini sessions can be anywhere from 10-30 minutes long) While this may seem like a more convenient option, especially for busy families, these shorter sessions come with limitations that affect the overall experience and quality of the final images.

Two images of a young girl with curly blonde hair wearing a leopard print dress standing in a backyard with a wooden fence.

Not Enough Time to Relax:
In a shorter session, there’s little time for everyone to get comfortable, particularly children. Kids may need extra time to warm up to a new person or the idea of having their picture taken, and parents might feel pressured to get everything right in a limited window.
Pressure for Perfect Poses:
Shorter sessions tend to focus on quickly capturing posed shots, which can feel rushed and lead to stiff, less natural images. There’s often not enough time for kids to get comfortable or for families to relax into candid moments.
Limited Candid Moments:
With shorter sessions, there’s typically less opportunity to capture the genuine, candid moments that happen when families feel at ease. These spontaneous interactions are what make family photography truly special, and they need time to develop naturally.
Rushed Experience:
The fast pace of shorter sessions can add unnecessary stress, especially if someone needs a moment to adjust, fix an outfit, or tend to a child’s needs. My 2-hour sessions allow for breaks, which leads to a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Less Time for Play:
Shorter sessions often don’t allow for much flexibility. If your kids need time to play, laugh, or do what they naturally do at home, a short session simply won’t provide enough space for that. My longer sessions, however, are designed around giving kids the chance to be themselves.
More Time = Better Photos:
The goal of family photography is to capture your family’s authentic spirit. By taking our time, I’m able to produce a collection of images that reflect the love, playfulness, and connection that makes your family unique.

A young girl in a leopard-print dress plays with bubbles in a backyard with a wooden fence and greenery in the background.

An adult and a child play with bubbles in a grassy backyard, with a wooden fence, brick building, and outdoor stairs in the background.

Three photos of a child in a leopard print dress joyfully playing with bubbles in a backyard while an adult watches. The child runs, jumps, and dances on the grass.

A woman and a young girl stand next to a wooden fence, with a green slide and playhouse in the background. They are smiling and looking towards something outside the frame, captured beautifully by an Aspinwall family photographer.

A woman and a young girl are spending time outdoors. The girl performs a cartwheel in a garden, walks along a narrow path, and observes plants, as the woman watches her. A black and white dog is present.

A child with curly blond hair lies on the grass, eyes closed, wearing a leopard-print dress.

A child with curly hair, wearing a leopard-print dress, inspects and picks tomatoes from plants on a wooden deck. Another person is also present in the first frame, assisting the child.

A woman and a young girl play with a bubble maker on a porch. The girl in a leopard print dress appears joyful while the woman, in a black dress, sits and looks on from a wicker chair. Captured by an Aspinwall family photographer, this moment epitomizes pure, heartfelt connection.

A woman sits on a porch, smiling and embracing a young girl holding a colorful toy. They appear happy and engaged with each other.

A young girl with curly hair, wearing a leopard print dress, plays with a bubble toy on a porch while a woman in a black dress sits next to her, smiling.

A child with curly hair holds a bubble wand shaped like a unicorn and a bubble machine toy, accompanied by an adult. The child wears a leopard-print dress and is outdoors on a sunny day.

A woman holds a child under a tree. The child is holding a colorful toy shaped like a unicorn. A brick building is in the background.

A child with curly hair, wearing a leopard-print dress, plays with a bubble machine outdoors on a sunny day. The sequence shows the child holding the machine and creating bubbles in a yard.

Woman and child wearing leopard print clothing sit on the grass near a tree, engaging playfully with a bubble blower. A red brick wall is visible in the background.

A woman and a child sitting on a couch with two dogs. The child playfully places their hands on the woman's face while one dog sits beside them and the other is on the woman's lap.

A woman and a young girl in matching leopard print dresses sit on a porch swing with a black and white dog.

A woman and a child, both smiling, sit on a white couch with a small black and white dog. The child is wearing a leopard print dress. They are in a white brick room with large windows.

A woman and a young girl, both dressed in patterned clothing, sit on a porch swing with a small dog resting on the girl's lap.

A woman and a young girl share an affectionate embrace while sitting on a cushioned swing inside a white brick room.

A woman and a young girl, both in patterned dresses, sit on a swing while holding a black and white dog. They are smiling at the camera in a bright indoor setting.

A woman and a child sit on a wicker couch with a small dog. The woman wears a black dress, and the child is in a leopard print outfit. They are in a bright, enclosed porch with a few boxes in the corner.

A woman stands beside a child napping on a raised bed filled with colorful pillows in a neatly arranged room. Books and toys are organized on shelves next to the bed.

A child in a leopard print dress sits on a bed with a pink comforter and several colorful pillows, including a large plush toy shaped like a unicorn.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lies on a bed with light pink bedding, surrounded by pillows.

You may not be able to tell from the images, but this sweet girl had a moment near the middle of our session and was not feeling in the right mood for photos. She wanted and needed some time in her room before we went any further with the session.

We paused, gave her some space and downtime, then I encouraged her to join her Mom and me downstairs for a few more photos. I was more than willing to be patient rather than force her through more photos or just call it a day. Thankfully, my patience paid off and we were able to get so many more great photos of her and her mom!

A young child with curly hair in a leopard print dress sits on a patterned rug, holding and cuddling a guinea pig in three different poses.

The Value of a Longer Family Session

While shorter, more traditional family sessions may seem like a quicker option, they often miss out on the spontaneity and relaxation that make a family session truly memorable. My 2-hour sessions allow your family the time to relax, have fun, and engage in everyday activities, resulting in candid, heartwarming images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

A woman and a child cuddle with a small black and white dog on a couch. The child, dressed in leopard print, kisses the dog while lying down. Toys and a high chair are visible in the background.

If you’re ready to book your next family photo session, let’s connect. I’d love to capture the genuine, unscripted moments that reflect your family’s unique story!

Three images of a black and white cat, a tabby cat in a circular bed, and a young girl playing with a white and black cat on a rug.

If you’re looking for a family photographer in Pittsburgh, please get in touch to inquire about a session!

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All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over thirteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including Valencia, Mars, Wexford, Seven Fields, Warrendale, Bradford Woods and Adams Township Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!

MARY BETH MILLER

photography

MARY BETH
MILLER

photography

How Long is a Family Photo Session? | Aspinwall Family Photographer