Every photographer gets asked the question, “How long does a photoshoot take?”

The standard question is 1 hour or more, depending on how many pictures you want or the package you picked out. 

However, this hour doesn’t allow for time spent prepping for your photoshoot, like picking out outfits, consultations, location scouting, etc. 

We want you to get the full picture when it comes to your photoshoot experience. 

So, here’s our exact timeline:

RELATED: BEST TIME OF DAY FOR BEACH PHOTOS IN TAMPA

First: When To Book Your Photoshoot

We always recommend booking your photoshoot as soon as possible, especially if you need a particular date or your fav photographer has limited availability. 

For example, we schedule throughout the year, but at certain times of the year, we are pretty busy and have a waitlist. 

Every photographer has a different schedule, so it’s important to consider how “in-demand” your photographer may be. 

A sign that your photographer has a line of clients waiting is when they have information on their website or in their social media profiles, such as: 

• Now Booking for Fall (when it’s currently Summer)
• We are booked until March
• Sign up to get on our waiting list

In those cases, you can expect to wait 3 or more months for your photoshoot session date. 

How Soon Can We Take Photos After a Consultation?

The general process of working with a photographer looks like this:

Step 1: Book a Consultation Call (30-60 minutes) 

To see if you “click” and to discuss scheduling over the phone. We’ve found that setting a date over the phone is easiest because it ensures all of your questions are answered and there is no confusion. 

Once we have all the information we need to schedule, we will collect the applicable payment/retainer and send a contract for your signature.

Step 2: Nailing a Location (30 minutes to 3 weeks)

This is the most challenging part of planning a photoshoot for some people. Ideally, your photographer will have location recommendations with examples of how your photos will look at each location (check out ours!).

Some clients know exactly where they want to take their pictures during their consultation call, while others don’t settle on a location until 2-3 weeks before their official session! Of course, the sooner, the better, so we can better help you with Step 3!

Step 3: Picking Out an Outfit (1-7 days)

We personally share our Prep Guide (most photographers will have something like this!) as soon as you sign a contract.

It will walk you through everything from choosing outfits to tips for getting the kiddos to cooperate. If you don’t like anything in your closet, we always recommend trying something like Rent the Runway for a temporary outfit for photos that will last a lifetime!

RELATED: What To Wear: A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Outfits for Your Next Photoshoot

How Long Does a Photoshoot Take, Really? Our Exact Day-Of Timeline!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tampa Golden Hour Photographer (@angelacliftonphoto)

You should plan on taking a whole day for a photo shoot, whether for family portraits, an engagement session, or senior photos. 

So, in case you were wondering if you should take the day off of work— yes, we highly recommend it!

Again, every photographer is going to have their own process for the day, but it’ll typically go something like this:

• Early morning: Prep time! While you’re practicing poses, getting your hair/makeup done, and getting ready, Brent is cleaning equipment, packing it up, and reviewing client notes.
• 2 hours before the session: Brent leaves to go to the location (he’s a stickler for time and leaves way too early sometimes!)
• 1 hour before the session: Brent drives around to ensure the area isn’t too busy.
• 1/2 hour before the session: While waiting, he’ll look over ideas one more time and memorize everyone’s names. 
• 5 minutes before session: Client arrives!
• Session starts! Brent likes to hit the ground running, so we’ll head to the location site ASAP.
• Golden Hour Glow: This is the perfect for our beach sessions. Golden hour is roughly 1-hour before sunset. We also shoot a little after the sun sets when the colors really come out!

RELATED: 7 TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

How Long Should It Take To Get Professional Photos Back?

Again, every photographer is different, but on average, you should expect to wait 2 weeks to get your professional photos back. 

Within 2 weeks of your session, you’ll receive your slideshow link. This is when you get to choose which photos you want to keep!

The selection process is the hardest part for most clients. Keep in mind, however, that you will not have unlimited time to pick out your photos since your photographer may still need to edit the ones you pick out!

RELATED: TOP 3 BEACH LOCATIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY IN TAMPA BAY AND CLEARWATER

How Many Photos Do You Get?

It depends! With us, we have a collections, so you can get anywhere between 5 to ALL of your photos. Here’s more info:

Purchase a session fee for a 45-min session (you can add on time if you like) for $750. This includes 5 high-resolution digital files. If you decide you’d like more images from your session you can choose from the collections below.

1. The Keepsake Collection ($497): Your choice of 2 additional high-resolution digital files with print release.
2. The Heirloom Collection ($797): Your choice of 10 additional high-resolution digital files with print release and a $200 store credit that can be used towards prints, canvases, albums, and other professional lab products carefully curated by us.
3. The Legacy Collection ($997): All high-resolution digital files with a print release, basic retouching for up to 10 photos, and a $500 store credit that can be used towards prints, canvases, albums, and other professional lab products carefully curated by us.

RELATED: HOW MUCH DOES A PHOTOGRAPHER COST?

How Long Do Mini Sessions Take?

Mini photography sessions take about 20 minutes from start to finish. While it’s not as in-depth as a regular shoot, you still get all the goodies you’d get from regular sessions, such as:

1. A “What To Wear” Guide
2. 5+ pose options
3. Minimum of 10 photos in your slideshow from which to choose.

Plus!

1. 20 Minutes with Brent, your fav Tampa photographer.
2. Quicker turnaround time

RELATED: WHY YOU SHOULD USE A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR PROFESSIONAL PRINT PHOTOS

How Long Does It Take To Get Photos from a Mini Photography Session?

With us, it takes less than a week to get your slideshow preview from your Mini photography session!

After you choose which photos you’d like, depending on how many images you want to keep or have retouched, you should have everything completed within 2 weeks of your session.

Are you thinking about booking your golden hour photography session in the Tampa Bay area? We’d love to discuss ideas with you!