Let's talk time.

A family session is a beautiful thing and to someone who's excited to participate, the session could even feel short. To a less willing participant, they may feel like it lasted forever. So how long does a session really take?

Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes. The time doesn't reflect in the quality of the image from a technical standpoint, but I've found that taking some extra time helps loosen up all the family members so everyone gets comfortable. Anyone in a family can be wary having their photo taken and that is ok! My job as a professional is to enable them to relax so I can capture genuine emotions and feelings through poses and prompts.

Here's a fun breakdown for your average session:

0-5 minutes: Introductions which is mostly me trying to remember how to pronounce everyones names correctly. It's a fantastic ice breaker explaining how the photographer with great image memory has a terrible time with names.

5-15 minutes: Basic posed shots... think about a photo you'd take after a wedding ceremony or when someone catches you at a family event.

15-30 minutes: Time for fun! Individual and small group prompts. "Mom can you hold up the baby and do nose to nose kisses?" or "Everybody walk toward me... we are going to play a game!". Some recent families have experienced the airplane but I won't spoil that here.

30-45 minutes: Focus on the individuals. Are you here for family photos? Yes. Do you deserve individual photos of each member of the family? Also YES.

That's only 45 minutes, Keely?! Yes, it is because the time in between that is for candids and movement between poses or locations. You must account for many other variables too... late arrivals, impromptu shoe changes, boo boos, hugs and kisses that last too long because you've been focused so much on life and the kids you haven't kissed your husband enough much less had a couples photo.

That's it. As long as an episode of your favorite show. Longer than most commutes but certainly shorter than a movie with your kiddos.

Keely Sayers is a Certified Professional Photographer and the owner of Sweet As Tea Photography LLC, serving Chiefland, Levy County, and surrounding North Central Florida areas. She specializes in timeless studio portraits, family photography, children’s photography, and weddings, with a focus on quality, consistency, and a relaxed client experience.