Family Photography Packages Explained
Ever sat down with a hot brew, ready to choose your family’s photo package, and suddenly found yourself overwhelmed by… numbers? How many images will we get? How many do we need? Is this enough to tell our story?
I’ve had many families ask these questions. One time, after our three-hour documentary family session, a client expected maybe 30 or 40 images. When I delivered a gallery of over 150 heartfelt, storytelling photos, they were absolutely stunned.
That moment reminded me how rarely we talk clearly about what “a photo session” really delivers – and how often we underestimate the value of being able to relive a day in such vivid detail.
So let’s break this down. I want you to feel informed, not confused. Empowered, not uncertain. Because what you do with your images matters just as much as how many you get.
The Misunderstood Magic of “How Many Photos”
First things first: I completely understand where the uncertainty comes from. Most people aren’t photographers, and portfolio grids don’t tell the full story.
Maybe you’re:
- Wondering if you’ll get “enough” photos for your investment.
- Trying to understand how photographers decide what “makes the cut.”
- Stuck choosing between collections and don’t want to miss out.
You’re not alone. I’ve had many clients email me with these exact thoughts. So today I’m walking you through my process, what each package includes, and why the numbers matter less than you might think – once you see your story unfold.
So, How Many Photos Will You Get?
If you’re booking a full family session with me (usually around 3 hours of real-time, real-life photography), your gallery will typically include about 150 carefully selected and edited images.
Why so many? Because your story is layered. It’s in the tiny interactions, the emotions, and photographing it from a storytelling perspective, about which you can read more here. I take a lot of photos – and then I carefully curate.
Within 4 weeks of your session, you’ll receive an email letting you know your photos are ready. Prepare for goosebumps: you’ll watch a custom slideshow that tells your family’s story as it unfolded that day. Then you’ll have 24 hours to choose from three collections, each offering a different number of digital images and print credit.
- Special Moments Collection: 15 digital images + print credit
- The Storyteller Collection (most popular): 35 digital images + more print credit
- Family Heirloom Collection: Every single edited image, the slideshow + the highest amount of print credit
Want to know a secret? I always hope families choose the full collection – not because of the “sale,” but because documentary family photography truly shines when you see how the images connect. A single photo is beautiful. A full day told in thoughtful, emotional images? That’s a legacy.
Why I Deliver So Many Images
You might be thinking, do I really need 150 photos? Here’s why I think you do.
- Everyday Life Is Full of Layers
The way your child climbs onto the kitchen counter, the quiet moment between siblings, the sudden laughter during bath time – these small things build your family’s story far more than a stiff smile in front of a tree ever will. - Real Emotion Deserves More Than One Frame
I look for genuine expressions, personalities, connection, and presence. That means delivering not just the “best smiles,” but the full emotional and relational arc of the day. - Photos Shouldn’t Live on a Screen
Each collection includes a print credit because tangible memories matter. Photos belong on your walls and in albums, not stuck on a forgotten hard drive.
What Makes a Photo “Gallery Worthy”?
I get this question often, and it’s a peek behind the scenes of how I edit.
Here’s what guides my selection:
- Does the composition feel strong and intentional?
- Is the lighting natural and flattering, or moody and meaningful?
- Can you feel the emotion?
- Does it help tell the larger story of the day?
There’s no story without context, which is why I include full ‘mini moments’ – within your day, photographed in a way that it will show the context, the details, relationships and emotions of a moment. You can read more about this in my blog post ‘Family Photography: Storytelling Through a Series of Images‘
If I include a photo in your gallery, it’s because I believe it adds something valuable to having it as a memory.
The Heart of It All: These Are Time Capsules
Ultimately, this isn’t about counting photos. It’s about honouring your real day, giving your children something to hold onto years from now, and giving you something to look at when they’re no longer this little.
That’s why I gently encourage families not to limit themselves to “just the best 15.” This is your visual legacy. These albums and wall prints will outlive trends and screens. They’ll become the stories your kids flip through when they want to remember what home felt like.
So if you’ve ever worried you won’t get “enough,” I hope this gives you peace of mind – and maybe even a little excitement knowing how rich and full your gallery will be.
Ready to See Your Story?
All my family portrait collections are designed to give you not just enough photos, but the right ones – the real ones.
Each session includes:
- A pre-photo session questionnaire to get to know you and your family
- A pre-photo session connection call to make a loose plan for the day, and make sure we are all on the same page.
- A lovingly edited slideshow for emotional viewing
- Choice of digital collections with included print credit
- Access to a store for albums, wall art, and more
If you’re looking for a London-based documentary family photographer who will take the time to understand your dynamics, have a great time with you, and deliver images that are emotional (and plentiful), I’d be honoured to work with you.
You can send me a message for us to book in a chat. Let’s create something beautiful – and lasting.
