The Beauty of a Longer Photoshoot Session: Why More Time Equals More Magic
In today's fast-paced world, it's tempting to opt for shorter, quicker photoshoots. Mini sessions are certainly convenient, especially if you're looking for a handful of images. But let me tell you, there's something truly special about a longer photoshoot session—something that goes beyond just more pictures. It's about the experience, the connection, and the magic that unfolds when there's time to capture it all.
Warming Up and Getting Comfortable
One of the key reasons I recommend longer sessions is that it takes time for most people to feel comfortable in front of the camera. The first 15 to 30 minutes can often be a warm-up period, where you're still getting used to the camera's presence. During this time, we capture some lovely moments, but it's usually in the later stages of the shoot where the real magic happens. When you’re no longer thinking about the lens, that's when your authentic, intimate moments shine through.
A Personalized Experience
Take, for example, a recent three-hour couples session with Chris and Katherine, a married couple celebrating their nine-year anniversary. From the moment we met, it was clear that they shared a deep, soulful connection—a bond that took years to build. During our time together, we didn’t just capture images; we created an experience. We laughed, shared stories, and allowed the moments to unfold naturally. That’s something a shorter session just can’t provide.
Capturing the Intimate and the Adventurous
My photography brand’s tagline is "for the intimate moments + adventurous souls," and longer sessions allow me to capture both in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. With Chris and Katherine, we started at sunrise, capturing the soft, early morning light as they played on a cliffside and danced by the ocean. We moved to the beach for some playful shots in the sand, and finally, ended our session in the ocean itself. The time we spent together allowed us to explore different locations and moods, resulting in a collection of images that truly tells their story.
Why Time Matters
The beauty of a longer session is that it gives us the freedom to explore and experiment. In the first hour, you might still be conscious of the camera, but by hour two, you're immersed in the experience, allowing your true selves to emerge. This is when the "intimate moments" naturally unfold, and the "adventurous souls" come to life. Whether we're chasing the light across the water or diving under waves for that perfect shot, having more time allows us to capture those genuine, spontaneous moments that make your photos unique.
The Artistic Value of Time
For me, photography is more than just taking pictures—it's an art form. And like any art, it takes time. Some of my favorite images from Chris and Katherine’s session were the ones we captured in the ocean at the end of our time together. These shots are more than just photographs to me; they’re pieces of art. The way the water danced around them, the way they held each other against the waves—it all came together in a way that wouldn't have been possible without the luxury of time.
Final Thoughts
While mini sessions certainly have their place, if you're looking for a collection of images that truly reflects your relationship and tells your unique story, I encourage you to consider a longer session. There's a certain magic that happens when you take the time to slow down, connect, and let the moments unfold naturally. After all, life is made up of these intimate, adventurous moments—why not capture them in a way that does them justice?