How Long Does a Brand Photo Session Take? Here’s What to Expect

When preparing for a brand photoshoot, one of the first questions that come up is, “How long will it take?”

It’s important to understand that the length of your session depends on several factors, including the type of photos you need, the number of looks or products you’re featuring, and the location of the shoot. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when it comes to the time commitment for your brand photoshoot.

Type of Photos You’re Planning to Capture

The duration of your session will largely depend on the types of photos you’re planning to capture. If your session is a subscription photo session, which is designed to be concise and bite-sized, or focused on simple product photography with a few items, the session may be relatively short— around 1 to 2 hours. On the other hand, if you’re planning a more complex shoot that involves a variety of different shots, outfit changes, or multiple product setups, the session could last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.

Number of Outfits or Product Setups

How many looks or product arrangements do you want to include in your shoot? Each outfit or product setup will require time to adjust, style, and photograph. For example, if you’re featuring several outfits or multiple product variations (like different colorways or sizes), you’ll need to budget time for each individual setup. Expect to allocate 20-30 minutes per look for portrait sessions and more time for styling and photography when it comes to products.

Location of the Photoshoot

If your photoshoot takes place in one location, such as a studio or Airbnb, the session may be shorter as you don’t have to factor in travel time between spots. However, if you’re shooting at multiple locations (such as your office, an outdoor space, and a home studio), be sure to account for time spent traveling between sites. Locations that require setup and breakdown (like outdoor shoots with props or backdrops) will also take longer.

Number of People Involved

Is it just you in front of the camera, or do you have a team helping with the shoot? If there are multiple people involved, whether they’re models or support crew, the session may take longer to coordinate. Changes in outfits or positioning may require more time, as will capturing group shots. Keep this in mind when planning your shoot, as more people can increase the overall time needed.

Allowing for Breaks and Flexibility

It’s important to allow for breaks throughout the shoot to make sure you’re refreshed, especially if it’s a long session. You might need time for hair and makeup touch-ups, snack breaks, or just a moment to regroup. It’s also good to build in some flexibility. Sometimes lighting conditions, setup changes, or unexpected delays can extend the session. Having a bit of wiggle room in your schedule will ensure that you can work with your photographer to capture the best shots without feeling rushed.

Photographer’s Process

Every photographer works at a different pace depending on their shooting style. Some photographers prefer to move quickly and capture as much as possible in a shorter timeframe, while others may take more time perfecting each shot. Be sure to discuss the photographer’s process in advance so you can plan accordingly. If you know that your photographer tends to spend more time on each setup, plan for a longer session.

Post-Session Considerations

While your time during the session is important, don’t forget to consider the time needed for editing and post-production. Our turnaround time is 2-4 weeks for editing and delivery of client images, so plan accordingly when scheduling your shoot and allowing for time to get your photos back.

What to Expect for Your Session

Generally speaking, brand photoshoots can range anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity of your session. For a subscription session or straightforward and minimal product-focused shoot, plan for 1-2 hours. A more involved session with multiple looks, lifestyle shots, or larger teams will likely require 3-4 hours. Full-day sessions may be required for more extensive shoots, especially if there are multiple locations or dozens of planned shots involved.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how long to plan for your brand photoshoot is essential for a smooth, successful session. By considering the type of photos, number of setups, location, and other factors, you’ll be better prepared to allocate the right amount of time. Communicate with your photographer ahead of time about your goals and expectations to ensure everything runs smoothly and you get the shots you need.