How long does a session last?
How long does a session last is one of the top questions that I receive from new customers. It doesn’t matter if it is a headshot session, a family session, an engagement session or a senior session. I am still asked the question. I never give an exact answer. Some people may feel as if I am avoiding the question. However, the reality is that there are so many variables that play into how long a session will take. I can tell you that the average time for sessions are as follows:
Engagement Session – These sessions typically last between 1 and 2 hours. The time depends on if the couple brings a change of clothes, the distance between locations and the biggest factor that usually plays a part is at what point your groom decides he has had enough fun!
Family Sessions – These sessions generally last one hour. However, sessions can last longer if it takes young children time to warm up to me and the camera. Sessions can also run faster if everyone is in a great mood and focused on the session.
Headshots – A headshot session takes a lot less time than other sessions since there is a specific look that is being focused on. You can plan on 20-30 minutes for a headshot session.
Senior Sessions – The sky is the limit with senior sessions. Typically they last between two and three hours depending on the locations and the number of outfits!
Toddlers and Children – this is what I like to call the “wild card” session. I honestly never know what to expect with the little ones. I could photograph the same child several times in one year and each session could last a different amount of time. I tell parents to plan on an hour. However, I have finished in 20 minutes (with 50 great images to show the parents) and I have spent two hours on another session and ended up with the same amount of images to show the parents.
The bottom line is that I will spend the amount of time necessary to make certain that my customers receive quality images that they will cherish for years and generations to come!
After you take a look at the images from Harper and Charlie’s spring session be sure to read the details including how long this session took…..
This session took place at the Butterfly House in Chesterfield, Missouri. Due to the building being climate controlled for the butterflies, I had to arrive 30 minutes prior to the session to allow for my equipment to acclimate to the humid conditions. Once Harper and Charlie arrived with their mom it was time to start shooting. The total amount of time from the first shutter click inside the butterfly house to the last shutter click was 32 minutes and 5 seconds. During this time we moved to three locations within the building and Harper even changed outfits! I did take a few images including the last two featured here after we exited the climate controlled area and we were saying our goodbyes in the lobby. After all was said and done, Harper and Charlie have over 70 images in their gallery!
Anne Canon is an Annapolis, Maryland Photographer serving the greater Washington D.C.
St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas.
