What Kind of Family Photo Session Do You Need?

Olga Trofymets
Oct 19
3 min read

When you start researching family photography, you’ll quickly find a sea of options: mini sessions, half sessions, full sessions, newborn sessions, day-in-the-life sessions, and even micro sessions.

So how do you know what’s right for your family?

Here’s the truth — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every family is different. Every photographer is different. And we all have our own definition of what family photos should feel like.

Let’s walk through some of the most common types of sessions and what might work best for you.

Full Family Photo Session

Typical length: Around one hour (sometimes a bit longer)

Why families love it:

There’s enough time to relax and truly connect with your loved ones
You can enjoy doing things together — playing, exploring, or simply being yourselves
You get to choose a meaningful location that reflects your family’s story
Perfect if your family tends to run a little late (no pressure or rush!)
You’ll end up with a broader variety of images to choose from

Things to consider:

Many parents worry: “My kids can’t last an entire hour.” And that’s fair — nobody can if it’s an hour of “look and smile” poses.

Kids love to move, explore, and play — that’s where the real magic happens. If you prefer something quieter and more posed, consider a shorter session or choose a photographer whose portfolio reflects that style.

Half or Mini Session

Why they’re great:

Shorter time commitment and lower cost
Perfect if you like one of the pre-selected locations the photographer offers
Ideal for families with older kids or teens who warm up quickly

Things to keep in mind:

Session length usually ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, and image counts vary too
These sessions are often scheduled back-to-back, with minimal gaps — so arriving late may mean less time in front of the camera.
You’ll have fewer images to choose from, but that might be all you need if you’re looking for just a few favorites.

Micro Session (10 minutes or less)

Best for: One person — such as a child’s milestone portrait or an updated headshot.

To consider: Ten minutes go by quickly. It’s challenging to capture a genuine family connection at that time, especially with multiple people in the frame.

What I Offer — and Why

As a Marin family photographer, I currently don’t offer sessions shorter than 30 minutes for families.

Here’s why:

Connection takes time. I want to get to know you and capture authentic, emotional moments that reflect your family’s dynamics — and that can’t happen in 10 minutes.
Kids need space to be themselves. The “kids will cooperate” plan often meets a very different reality! When we give them time to play and explore, we capture their personalities.
Family photos should be a fun experience. I want this to be something your family enjoys — not just something you check off your to-do list.

That’s my why.

It doesn’t mean shorter sessions are wrong — they just serve a different purpose. My approach focuses on connection, play, and real emotion — the kind that makes you feel something every time you look at your photos.

A Thought to Leave You With

Choosing the right photographer is about so much more than time or price. It’s about finding someone whose approach matches your family and your vision.

If you love traditional, posed portraits, pick someone who creates those beautifully. If you’re drawn to genuine, unscripted interaction — choose a photographer and session type that allows space for that.

And if you’re wondering: “I just want one good picture, in my backyard at sunset. Why can’t we do a 10-minute session for that?”

The truth is that one perfect image is the result of experience, time, and artistry — not luck or speed. Creating artful, meaningful photos is never about rushing. It’s about presence, connection, and trust.