Occasionally, I receive an inquiry that says something like, “My child has a short attention span, so we just need something quick.”
I completely understand where that comes from.
That mindset usually isn’t about wanting less… it’s coming from experience. It comes from days spent asking a little one to sit still when they can’t. From errands that take twice as long. From moods that unravel the second something wasn’t done right 🫣😘 ( I see you holding it together during the epic melt down because you opened the cheese stick the wrong way)
After a while, expectations lower. Not because you don’t care… but because you’re tired.
You still want photos. But there’s a sense of “Let’s just get through it and hope for a few usable images.” (actually if I had a dime for every time someone has actually said that😉)
And that makes sense. Really… but…
I’d like to challenge that idea
A short attention span doesn’t mean your child can’t be photographed beautifully… it just means they shouldn’t be asked to sit still or to behave a certain way.
My approach is more of a baby-led approach. Which means it isn’t built around compliance. It’s built around patience, movement, and letting children be exactly who they are. Those “wild” little ones often have the most expressive faces, the biggest energy, and the most unforgettable personalities.. when we give them room to show up.
What changes when we allow a little space
With mini sessions, you might get a few cute images… and maybe that’s all you’re looking for.
The difference with my approach is that I don’t set a strict timer. I’m not cutting it off at a certain time or trying to fill up time. We begin with connection. Sometimes that means easing in and letting things unfold as I interact with your little one. Other times, they may immediately engage… they’re playful, curious, fully themselves… and we create a full, beautiful set of images quickly.
When there isn’t pressure to hurry, something shifts.
Children relax and personality starts to come through.
Allowing that freedom doesn’t always mean a long drawn out session. Sometimes it’s still brief simply because we’ve already captured a full gallery of beautiful images. The difference is that the pace comes from your child… not from a clock.
Even though I don’t work off a strict timeline, I know it helps to have a general sense of how long things usually take. For planning purposes, here’s what sessions typically look like.
Single Child or Baby — Studio
About 20–30 minutes
When I’m photographing just one child or baby in the studio, we’re able to move efficiently while keeping things playful and relaxed. We can usually connect quickly and capture expressive, personality-filled images in a shorter window.
This pace tends to work well for milestone portraits, or more traditional portraits
Single Child or Baby — In-Home
About 60- 90 minutes
In-home sessions naturally move a bit more slowly. We might read a book, explore a room, play on the floor, or simply follow your child’s lead. This creates space for curiosity, movement, and storytelling—without feeling rushed.
Families often choose this option when they’re drawn to a more lifestyle feel and want their child’s personality to unfold in a familiar, comfortable environment.
Family Sessions — Studio
About 30–60 minutes
I am always focused on connection and interaction but studio family sessions are a little more structured and efficient. With fewer distractions, we’re able to move through groupings and moments smoothly while still allowing space for connection and breaks when needed.
This can be a great fit for families who want clean, cohesive portraits in a predictable setting—without the experience feeling hurried.
Family Sessions — In-Home
About 90–120 minutes
In-home family sessions are intentionally slower and more fluid, and they’re also thoughtfully planned. That planning isn’t about scripting moments… it’s about creating space for kids to relax, play, and enjoy the experience without pressure.
If an activity is part of the session, we keep it simple and realistic. For example, if baking cookies feels meaningful to your family, I might suggest having dough already made and cookies already baked prior to the session. That way, kids can crack eggs, sprinkle flour, make a mess, decorate cookies, or sneak a bite… without anyone worrying about following a recipe or waiting on timers.
The experience still feels natural and playful, but the flow is intentional. That lets us focus on connection instead of logistics, and the images reflect the same joy and personality… often with even more freedom and fun.
Newborn Sessions — Studio or In-Home
Anywhere from 1–4 hours
Newborn sessions are designed to be deeply relaxed—never rushed.
This time allows space for feeding, soothing, diaper changes, and breaks whenever your baby needs them. There’s no expectation for your newborn to “perform.” Whether at home or in the studio, the pace is quiet, patient, and fully centered around your baby.
