Here’s a controversial opinion – not every great session needs to take hours.
When you’re researching photographers, it’s easy to assume that longer equals better. You might see photographers offering two-hour sessions for babies and families and wonder why mine are often shorter. But here’s the thing: shorter doesn’t mean rushed, and it certainly doesn’t mean less care or quality. In fact, shorter sessions are often better—especially when you’re working with little ones (or adults who aren’t keen on being in front of the camera!).
Let’s be clear at the outset though, this doesn’t apply to newborn photo shoots – those are always booked in the studio for two hours. I don’t very often need to use all of that time but newborns really are the exception to this rule as they can need a little while to get themselves into that comfy deep sleep!
It’s About Knowing What Works
After years of working with babies, toddlers, families, and even the occasional camera-shy teen or reluctant dad, I’ve learned that magic happens quickly. Children have limited attention spans, and asking them to smile, stay still, or keep engaging for hours on end? It just doesn’t work—and it doesn’t need to.
My studio is set up so we can work efficiently and naturally. I’ve got everything we need close to hand, and I’m always ready to adapt. That means we can get a full, beautiful gallery without wearing anyone out.
You’ll Still Get a Full Experience
Whether you’re booking a newborn session, a family shoot, or a birthday celebration, you’ll still get everything you came for: meaningful, high-quality images that truly reflect the people you love.
And because the sessions are well-paced and relaxed, you’ll leave with happy memories too—not just photos.
Less Time, Less Stress
Let’s be honest: two hours in a studio can feel like a very long time, especially if you’re managing feeds, naps, snacks, and small attention spans. Keeping sessions shorter means everyone stays happier, which makes for much more natural and relaxed portraits.
If we do ever need a little longer—because a baby needs a break, or we’re capturing something a little extra—I always allow flexibility in my schedule. But most of the time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much we can achieve in a shorter space of time.
Want to Know More about Baby Photography?
Your baby’s first year is filled with precious milestones that deserve to be celebrated and remembered forever. From their first smiles to their first steps, my baby photography services are designed to beautifully capture these fleeting moments. Discover how I can help you create timeless keepsakes by taking a look at my comprehensive guide to baby photography services. Whether you’re looking for a single session or a full year of memories with my Baby Club, there’s something perfect for every family – explore my comprehensive articles below or, if you don’t see the answers to your questions here, just get in touch and I’m always happy to help..
Baby Photography
You can book a stand alone baby photo shoot for £95 including three digital images or you can take a look at my Baby Photography Club which includes
- Sessions at 4, 8 and 12 months
- The last session as a cake smash / tub splash if you’d like it (no extra charge)
- Your favourite image from each session in a wall frame at the end of the year OR a free digital image from each session
- Online private image gallery after each session (no sales / viewing appointments)
- £39.95 for the sessions and the wall frame
