Signature Family Sessions vs. Simple Family Sessions: Which is Right for Your Family?

As a lifestyle family photographer, I often get asked, "What’s the difference between a Signature Family Session and a Simple Family Session?" Both options can result in beautiful family portraits, but they serve different purposes depending on your needs. In this post, I’ll break down the key differences to help you choose the best session option for your family.

What is a Signature Family Session?

A Signature Family Session is the full experience. They are designed to capture a wide range of moments and emotions - from the more traditional, look-at-the-camera smiles, to all the in-between, candid connections and personality moments. Signature Sessions are 45 minutes, giving us enough time for everyone to warm up, relax, and explore different settings. In my 10+ years as a family photographer, I’ve learned that 45 minutes is the sweet spot for a well-rounded gallery with lots of variety, without fatiguing everyone in the family (especially husbands and toddlers!).

Here’s what you can expect in a Signature Family Session:

• Deeper storytelling: We capture more candid moments, interactions, and personality portraits. More time also allows us to capture more relationships within your family, such as father/daughter, father/son, mother/daughter, mother/son, mom & dad (I promise to make it fun and get you to laugh together!).

• More flexibility: With a longer session, we can take a little snack break, do a diaper change, or simply to let kids run around and play, making the session feel less rushed.

• Golden Light: Signature Sessions are guaranteed “golden hour” (the 1-1.5 hours after sunrise or before sunset). While it’s not always golden, depending on the weather and time of year, the softness and flattering nature of the sun’s angle during this time of day remains a photographer's dream.

• More customized: Signature Sessions allow us more time to customize your experience. If you have a unique vision in mind or a special occasion you’d like to celebrate, together we can plan a really special session. Whether that means celebrating an anniversary, ice skating family fun, or the last days at home before moving to a new house, there are many occasions worth documenting with professional, lifestyle photos.

• More variety in backdrops and poses: With more time, we can walk around and mix up the background, giving your gallery more variety.

• More images: You’ll receive a larger gallery with more photos to choose from, perfect for creating an album or a wall gallery in your home.

What is a Simple Family Session?

A Simple Family Session is a 15-minute, condensed session. These are designed for families who want a smaller gallery of updated photos quickly.

Here’s what you can expect in a Simple Family Session:

• Shorter session time: Since Simple Sessions are limited to 15 minutes, sticking to a single backdrop and focusing on a few key groupings (i.e. entire family, siblings, individuals). If your family is comfortable in front of the camera and your kids cooperate quickly, Simple Sessions might be right session type for you this year.

• Small gallery of images: You’ll receive a smaller gallery, with the option to choose a package that fits your needs: 3, 8, or 15 images.

• Perfect for specific needs: Mini sessions are ideal for holiday cards, milestone updates, or when you just need a quick family portrait.

Which Session is Right for You?

Choose a Signature Family Session if:

• You want a relaxed, unhurried experience.

• You want to capture the unique personalities and relationships within your family, with candid moments and authentic connections.

• You want the flexibility to walk around and explore our location for more variety in your gallery.

Choose a Simple Family Session if:

• You’re looking for quick, updated family portraits.

• You have a limited budget but still want a few beautiful portraits of your family.

• You need a handful of photos for a specific purpose, like holiday cards or a family milestone.

• Your family is comfortable and cooperative in front of the camera, with no need to warm up.

Book Your Family Photography Session in Arlington Heights or nearby North Shore Chicago suburbs.

As a photographer serving Arlington Heights and the Chicago North Shore, I’m here to make your experience simple and stress-free from start to finish.

If you’re ready to book or have any questions about which session is right for you, please reach out!