If you’ve been Googling how long does a family photoshoot take or wondering how much time do I need for family photos, you’re not alone. As an Atlanta family photographer, this is one of the most common questions I get from parents. And honestly? My answer is usually one hour.
But why one hour? Let’s break down why 60 minutes tends to be the sweet spot for Atlanta family portraits.
5 Reasons Why 1 Hour Is The Sweet Spot Fot Atlanta Family Photos
1. Kids (and adults) have short attention spans
The first 15–20 minutes of a session are usually warm-up time. Your kids are getting used to me, the camera, and maybe the idea of standing still for a second. Parents are usually shaking off nerves, too. By the halfway mark, everyone is relaxed and natural—that’s when the best family photos happen. But go much longer than an hour, and little ones (and even teens) start to lose patience.
P.s. Head to this blog for 5 Tips for Stress-Free Family Photos
2. It allows for variety without overwhelm
In one hour, we can capture:
- Candid family moments
- Individual shots of the kids
- Sibling photos
- A few sweet couple photos of just the parents
That’s plenty of variety without dragging things out. Longer sessions can feel like too much of a good thing—more outfit changes, more locations, more directions, which can lead to stress instead of joy.
Curious about shorter sessions? I also offer Atlanta mini sessions, which are quick 20-minute sessions perfect for holiday cards, milestone photos, or families who just want a handful of updated portraits.
3. The light stays consistent
Whether we’re chasing golden hour in Piedmont Park or soaking up the moody tones of a cozy in-home shoot, one hour gives us the right amount of time to capture a full gallery without the light shifting too dramatically. That means your gallery feels cohesive and cinematic.
Thinking about getting your Atlanta family portraits in a studio? This blog will help you decide!
4. It’s easier to fit into your family’s schedule
Life with kids is busy. Soccer practice, nap times, after-school activities—it’s a lot. An hour-long session makes it easier to slot Atlanta family portraits into your routine without turning the day upside down.
5. When you might want more than an hour
Of course, there are exceptions. If you’re planning a large extended family session, want multiple outfit changes, or are dreaming of photos at multiple locations, we’ll want to book more time. Otherwise, an hour is the perfect balance of fun, variety, and comfort.
Mini vs. Full vs. Extended Sessions: Which is Right for You?
| Mini Session | Full Session (1 Hour) | Extended Session (90+ Minutes) | |
| Length | ~20 minutes | ~60 minutes | 90 minutes–2 hours |
| Best For | Holiday cards, milestones, or families who just want a handful of updated portraits | Storytelling galleries with a mix of candids, posed shots, and variety | Large families, multiple outfit changes, or multiple locations |
| Variety | One outfit, one location, fewer combinations | Multiple groupings, individual shots, and parent portraits | Time for all groupings, outfit swaps, extended family combos, or a location change |
| Energy Level | Short + sweet, great for little kids with limited patience | Relaxed pacing, time to warm up, no rush | Lots of movement + variety, works best for older kids or families who want an adventure |
| Gallery Size | Smaller, curated set of images | Full gallery with wide variety | Largest gallery with the most variety |
| Investment | Lower, limited availability | Standard pricing, available year-round | Higher, customized based on vision |
The Verdict?
When families ask me how long does a family photoshoot take, my answer is almost always: an hour is just right. It’s long enough to capture beautiful, natural family photos you’ll love, without stretching your kids’ patience (or yours).
So if you’re looking for an Atlanta family photographer, let’s make it happen—I’d love to capture your people just as they are, in the perfect amount of time. Get in touch here!
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