Updated October 13, 2026
Two hours is not too long for a family photoshoot, because a good session is not two hours of posing. It is walking, exploring, playing and stopping for breaks, with photos happening along the way. That said, a mini session of 30 to 45 minutes is a good fit for most families. I’m Katie Donnelly, a Paris family photographer, and here is how to choose.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
- 1. A Two Hour Session Is Not All About Standing and Posing
- 2. Two Hours Is Perfect If You’d Like Different Backgrounds
- 3. More Time Means More Activities
- 4. More Time for the Kiddos to Get Comfortable
- 5. Your Photo Session Should Never Be Stressful
- How to Choose the Length of Your Family Photoshoot
- What to Bring to a Family Photoshoot with a Toddler
- Family Photoshoot Length Questions
- Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
Most of my family sessions are around 1 to 2 hours and many of my clients, especially with little ones, wonder if 2 hours is just going to be too much. I don’t agree for 5 reasons:
1. A Two Hour Session Is Not All About Standing and Posing
We do tons of walking, exploring, sometimes stopping at a jungle gym along the way, swinging and playing games. 2 hours of posing is simply out of the question, but two hours of fun it a totally different story!
2. Two Hours Is Perfect If You’d Like Different Backgrounds
During that time, we can make our way around the city or neighborhood on foot or via taxi. This way, your session is still cohesive but you get more locations! A little bonus is that travel time gives a little bit of down time where I can get more documentary style photos! Whether you’re walking together across the street or you’re laughing in the back of the taxi, it’s a time where you don’t have to be ‘on’ but we can still take advantage of.
I loved that they brought along Lammy, A’s stuffed bff! He was so happy to get Lammy kisses when we needed him to distract him a little!
3. More Time Means More Activities
How about having a picnic for the last half hour or heading over to a cafe? We can go to the kiddie amusement park or ride the carousel. All of this stuff takes time but makes for incredibly fun memories and real moments in front of the camera. If you’re spending some of that time in your home what about a board game or jumping in the pool together? What about adventuring it and going for a hike together ? There are tons of activities that you can do that both take time, and make for great photos!
4. More Time for the Kiddos to Get Comfortable
Some kids are just plain shy. It’s their nature and that is totally A OK. If your kids need a bit more time to be themselves then make sure you have it! We can start at the beginning of your session by doing fun activities like feeding ducks or running with Mom and Dad rather than expecting them to take smiley photos if they’re not comfortable with me yet!
5. Your Photo Session Should Never Be Stressful
Even with kids who are misbehaving, it’s not a good idea to scold or make them feel bad in front of the camera. They’ll just shut down. The best thing we can do is transition their silliness into a game where they’ll feel like they can be happy, and goof around, but in a good way without just spoiling photos. If you have extra silly kids, you may need the time to show them that we can have fun, play games AND get great photos!
Little do you know that A stared at the garbage truck for about 5 minutes! It took a while to get the shot where finally the truck was close enough, yet right out of frame, that A was just modeling it up rather than craning his neck to see the truck!
How to Choose the Length of Your Family Photoshoot
In the end though, regardless of my reasons, YOU KNOW YOUR KIDS. You know how they are and how much you guys can handle as a family. Today our mini sessions run 30 to 45 minutes in one neighborhood, with a ton of variety, and they are a good fit for most. Our longer sessions run up to 2 hours and cover two neighborhoods. Photo sessions shouldn’t be stressful! Enjoy!
This family’s session went from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Eiffel Tower, which is exactly what the extra time is for. Read how to choose the right Paris photoshoot package, planning a family photoshoot without all the stress and creative family photoshoot ideas in Paris parks.
Not sure which session length fits your family?
Tell us your kids’ ages and what you would love to see, and we will recommend one. Family sessions with our English-speaking team start at €150.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
What to Bring to a Family Photoshoot with a Toddler
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- A favorite toy. This little guy brought Lammy, his stuffed best friend, and Lammy kisses saved the day.
- Snacks and water for breaks.
- Comfortable shoes for walking between locations.
- Outfits that fit now. See our what to wear guide and my favorite pieces on ShopMy.
Family Photoshoot Length Questions
A mini session of 30 to 45 minutes in one neighborhood is a good fit for most families. If you want two locations, activities, or more time for shy kids to warm up, choose a session of up to 2 hours.
No, because it is not two hours of posing. There is walking, exploring, playing and travel time between locations, which gives everyone a break.
In 30 to 45 minutes we stay in one neighborhood. In a 2 hour session we can cover two neighborhoods.
Extra time helps. We start with fun activities, like running with Mom and Dad, instead of expecting smiley photos before your child is comfortable.
Yes, extra time can be added if it is scheduled in advance. It cannot be added during the session.
“Zoë put us at ease right away during our family photoshoot in the Jardin de Luxembourg and had some great ideas for different settings and poses.”
Clementine D., family photoshoot
5-star Google review
About the author
Katie Donnelly, Paris Photographer
Katie Donnelly is an American photographer who opened her Paris studio in 2013 and was voted Best Portrait Photographer in Paris in 2017. She and her English-speaking team photograph families, couples and solo travelers at sunrise, so visitors go home with relaxed, real portraits instead of rushed selfies. Meet Katie and the team.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
Two hours of fun is a totally different story. Come play in Paris with us.
- When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
- Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
- Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Session fee: From €150. Inquire for our full price list.
Tell us your dates and we will help you plan the rest.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
