How Much Time Do I Really Need for My Portrait Session?

One of the most common questions I hear from families is, “How much time should we plan for our portrait session?” It’s a great question, especially for parents trying to schedule around naps, meals, and the wonderfully unpredictable moods of babies and toddlers.

The answer depends on your child’s age and personality, but before I dive into details, let me say this: I do not watch the clock. As a Boston family photographer, my approach is all about quality over quantity. I work until I know I’ve captured a full gallery of portraits that reflect your baby’s personality and the love within your family. Sometimes that happens quickly. Other times it takes a little longer. Either way, I’m here for it.

For newborn sessions, I recommend setting aside a solid four hours. Newborns have their own agenda, and that usually includes multiple feedings, diaper changes, soothing, and snuggles. These sessions are slow-paced and calm, just like your baby needs them to be. There’s no rushing, no pressure, just a quiet space to create beautiful portraits while following your baby’s lead.

For four-month-old babies, things move a little faster, but not always more smoothly. At this age, babies are more aware of their surroundings, which is both adorable and sometimes challenging. I find that sessions around 45 minutes to an hour work best. Many babies at this age become overstimulated fairly quickly. They might start off full of smiles and curiosity, then suddenly decide they’ve had enough. That’s completely normal. I keep things gentle and fun, and we take breaks as needed to help your baby reset if they start to feel overwhelmed.

For all other ages, including older babies, toddlers, and full family portrait sessions, I usually plan for one to two hours. Some children need time to warm up. Others dive right in and start hamming it up for the camera. Either way, I follow their pace and make sure we create a relaxed environment where everyone can feel comfortable and natural.

And yes, I absolutely believe in taking breaks. Snacks, cuddles, diaper changes, and even meltdowns are part of the process. Often, after a little break, babies surprise us with a second wind. That final five to ten minutes can be pure gold. Some of my favorite portraits have come at the very end of a session, right when it seemed like we were done.

At my Boston photography studio, every session is designed to be flexible, family-friendly, and low-stress. Whether we’re photographing your newborn, capturing a baby milestone, or creating timeless family portraits, I want the experience to feel natural and enjoyable for everyone.

The goal is not to stick to a rigid schedule, but to create something truly beautiful together. And sometimes, that means giving your baby a minute to breathe, handing them a snack, and then catching that magical, unexpected smile.