How long should the shoot last?

[photo.mom]

for me it depends on the type of shoot. Most family/kid/maternity shoots I limit to two hours if they're paying a full session fee. I do advertize mini sessions from time to time for a lower fee and a maximunm of 45 minutes. This actually generally works out great for the 2-3 year old kids since that's about all they'll give me anyway... Newborn I allow three+ hours depending on whether the baby is happy or not...

For seniors I'd say two hours is realistic if you're allowing for clothing changes, etc.

[KEP]

I do one hour sessions. (I don't put a limit on newborn sessions though.) I would put it in your contract that you charge for time over an hour, and then decide on a case by case basis wether to charge or not. If you have awesome clients and you're having fun, you may not feel a need to charge them extra. If you've got someone uncooperative and it goes way over your limit, then you have the freedom to charge for it.

my shoots are usually around 2 hrs, sometimes less...

[AndyM2020]

I've set mine for "up to" 2 hours, with the option to charge extra at an hourly rate if it goes over that.

This allows time to set up and pack away, to relax and chat to clients, get them ready (hair and makeup, etc) and so on.

Hopefully clients won't feel rushed and feel like they are getting more if the shoot lasts a bit longer - and the chance that they may be charged extra should put them off adversely monopolising my time (whether or not I;d charge that extra rate depends upon the shoot and circumstances.)

[JerBear]

Originally Posted by CanonRebelz

So I'm beginning to do more senior portraits as the weather is starting to warm back up and I'm thinking about coming up with a set-in-stone time limit. As of now I don't really have too much of a time limit and it hasn't been much of a problem. But I just thought I'd have a show of hands. So, if you do portraits(senior,child,family,etc) what is your time limit? Do you have a minimum amount of time or a maximum amount of time or how much do you charge on top of your sitting fee for additional time?

Also - I've made the poll multiple choice so you can select if you have an option to pay extra for additional time.

If I were you, I would set a time limit in the contract. Then set your appointments with a hour break between them, say 1pm, next 3pm, next 5pm, etc. This gives you some wiggle time to socialize with the client and finish up paper work, etc. That is as important as the shoot, clients do not like to feel like they are on a assembly line.

When you do shoot, say 1 hour is your contract ( could be 30min, whatever) , don't hesitate to go over the time a little, let the client know ("I know where out of time, but let's take a few more shots on me") and you will build a lot of good will at no cost to you.

If you get the "client from Hell", then when the time is up and they want more time, CHARGE THEM. Figure ahead of time you fee (I figure what I want, then add a little extra for the "client from Hell" option), put it into the contract and then if it is needed, use it.

I use it as a tool as well, if the client is not that bad, I will say something like "The time is up, but if you want, I'll split the fee with you", maybe that will instill some good will as well.

Good luck

JM

[autofocus]

Depends on the job...but basically, as long as it takes to feel you're satisfied with the results. I don't feel there should be any set rule on this, but sometimes your subject(s) will let you know that they're done even before you're ready to pack it in. My wife and I are in the business of shooting everything from newborns to senior citizens, and everything in between. Sometimes, 2-3 hours with some subjects can be a real delight, while 15 minutes with others can be a horror.