Best Time for Family Vacation Photos in Italy or France: Expert Vacation Photographer Advice
Whether you're planning a photoshoot in Florence, hoping to hire a photographer in the Tuscan hills, or picturing a laid-back afternoon shoot on the French Riviera, you’ll want to time this vacation photoshoot right.
Let’s break it all down—from best time of day and seasonal light to session length, what actually happens during your shoot, and how we make it feel easy (even with toddlers, teens, and grandparents in tow).
After all, you want your vacation photos to feel like you. Not stiff. Not rushed. Not squeezed into a cookie-cutter timeline. That’s why when it comes to planning your luxury family photoshoot in Italy or France with Classico Portraits, timing is everything… and something I’ll help you plan every step of the way.
Motherhood Photoshoot Florence- sunrise at the Duomo
TLDR;
Allow one to two hours for portraits and invite your photographer to capture activities throughout the day, like a cooking class, tuk-tuk tour, bike riding etc
Mini sessions = stress
All-day coverage allows me to come and go like a fly on the wall (see the example timeline below)
Mornings are best for young kids and extended families
Choose an afternoon/evening for teenagers, and when the following morning is free for a backup
Don’t underestimate the season and its impact on daylight hours and temperature
Allow your experienced photographer to guide you, considering your group size, location, and your goals
Family Photoshoot on the Walls in Lucca
How Long Does a Photoshoot Take with Classico Portraits?
Many photographers offer 40–60 minute slots. But at Classico Portraits, I do things differently.
Yes, I can work fast. Theoretically, I could capture a couple or small family in 15 minutes. But after 14+ years photographing families, I know the most meaningful portraits don’t come from speed—they come from comfort. The rushed mini-session approach creates stress, pressure, and surface-level smiles. And that’s not what you’re here for.
Here’s a general guide for the portrait portion of your session:
Couples: Minimum 1 hour
Small families (2–5 people): Minimum 90 minutes
Multi-generational groups: Minimum 2 hours
Add-on activities or second locations: Add more time—or split the session across the day
But the best part?
The booking fee stays the same, whether we shoot for one hour or the entire day. You’re never watching the clock. You can read more about this on the pricing page.
This approach helps us capture the connection and emotion that define a truly personal portrait session—whether it’s a multi-generational family session in Tuscany or a romantic couple’s shoot on the French Riviera or an activity-based family photoshoot in Puglia.
French Riviera Early Morning Family Photos
“But My Kids (or spouse) Won’t Last That Long…”
I hear it all the time: “My children won’t last more than 30–40 minutes.” And you’re not wrong—they wouldn’t, if we were doing a traditional “sit and smile” shoot.
But that’s not how I work.
My sessions are child-led, relaxed, and full of play.
There’s no pressure on the little ones (or the big ones!) to “perform.”
We focus on fun, not posing.
Real giggles, little adventures, games, and gentle direction when needed.
We take breaks. We follow their lead. We build trust. And in the middle of all that fun? The magic moments naturally happen.
I love spending half or even full days with my families—not with a camera in your face the whole time—but as a friend. Someone who notices the sweet sibling bond, the way grandma strokes her granddaughter’s hair, or how your teenager lights up around Dad when no one’s watching. That’s the good stuff.
So don’t think of it as “a photoshoot.” Think of it as having someone there to document the day like you might with your iPhone—but more discreetly, with your best angles, and with you in the frame too.
Florence Couples Photoshoot
Morning vs Afternoon Sessions
There’s no wrong choice—just the right fit for your people.
Afternoon sessions are popular for that warm, golden light. They work especially well for teens, or after a slow lunch when everyone’s a little more relaxed.
Morning sessions are usually the go-to for young families since kids are typically happier first thing. If you’ve chosen a city backdrop in peak season, especially in Florence, Rome or Venice, an early morning session is the only way to avoid the crowds and have location flexibility.
We’ll plan all of this during your pre-session call—timing, location, outfits, activities—so you arrive feeling relaxed and excited.
Family Photos in Nice, South of France
Seasonal Timing: What Changes?
Each season brings its own rhythm, and I’ll help you plan accordingly:
Summer: The days are long (sunrise is early and sunset is late). We often split sessions—portraits in the early morning, followed by downtime, then candid moments in the evening with some indoor or poolside/beach activities during the day.
Fall & Spring: Ideal light, mild weather, and fewer tourists. We’ll usually choose either a full morning or full afternoon.
Winter: Short days mean mid-mornings are best. If you're planning vacation portraits in December or January, we’ll plan within a shorter window—often around 9am–midday but the light is soft all day so we can be really flexible.
In the cooler months, a Venice photographer might suggest afternoon light when the temperatures have hit their maximum and the fog has (potentially) lifted, while in summer, a Tuscany photoshoot might begin super early to avoid the midday heat. I photograph all over Italy and France and will be happy to share my insights.
Venice winter family photoshoot
What Affects the Timing of Your Session?
There are a few key factors that shape how we approach your session:
Group size – A couple’s session is quicker than a 15-person family reunion.
Ages – Babies, toddlers, and grandparents might need breaks, snacks, and naps.
Session theme – Are we including a cooking class? Two locations? A bike ride on the walls of Lucca? A picnic on the beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer?
Location – A photoshoot in Florence flows differently than one in the vineyards of Chianti or the cobbled seaside towns of the French Riviera.
Midday downtime – If you're planning a long session, we can absolutely pause for naps or lunch. Many families split the session with a break at a villa or beach club before picking up again in the afternoon.
We’ll talk all this through before your session so you feel confident and relaxed going in.
Family Picnic Photoshoot in Tuscany
A Full-Day Family Tuscan Experience with a Photographer
Just last week, I photographed a beautiful family of six in Tuscany. The youngest were four-year-old twins. The parents initially requested an afternoon shoot, but after chatting, we agreed morning was better—less heat, fresher kids, and a backup plan of that evening if needed.
I ended up coming and going throughout the day, giving them time to enjoy themselves while also capturing those real moments in a stress-free way. Because it's not about non-stop posing—it’s about weaving photography naturally into your vacation.
Here’s how their day unfolded:
Their Real-Life Photo Day Schedule in Italy
7:30 a.m. – We met as the sun began to sparkle on the olive groves.
8:30 a.m. – After an hour of play and laughter-filled portraits, the family headed off for breakfast and a truffle hunt (without me).
11:30 a.m. – I popped in and out of their cooking class to document the real experience, without interrupting the flow.
12:30 p.m. – I left them when they moved into an olive oil and wine tasting on-site and then enjoyed a long lunch and some downtime.
3:00 p.m. – We met again by the pool to capture everyone's favourite memories of the trip—carefree, joy-filled splashes and relaxed moments.
3:20 p.m. – They continued to cool off as I uploaded the last of their photos.
4:00 p.m. – As the kids continued to swim, I joined their parents under a poolside umbrella to review their photos and design their custom collector book and framed wall art.
It didn’t feel like a “vacation photo session.” It felt like a beautiful day—and now they have photos that reflect that.
Early morning portraits in Tuscany before the heat
Classic cypress tree backdrop of Tuscany
Cooking Class Photoshoot Italy
So… What’s the “Right” Time?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. That’s the beauty of a completely customized experience.
From intimate vacation portraits in Italy to multi-day storytelling experiences on the French Riviera, this is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a way to remember how it felt to be there, together.
Whether you’re dreaming of a professional photographer in Tuscany, a family vacation photoshoot in Florence, or a luxury photography session in France, we’ll find the perfect timing—for the light, for your people, and for the story we want to tell.
Hi, I’m Kirstie
Photographer and Australian expat living her best gelato life
Love of my husband (but mostly of cheese) brought me to Italy in 2020. He was desperate to be back with his Italian family. And honestly, what Aussie girl could pass up the chance to move to the land of pizza and gelato?! (Seeing a food theme here?)
My decade of photography experience was inspired by a trip of a lifetime. My grandparents took me on a trip to Europe when I was a teen, then gifted me an album so I’d never forget it. That album quickly became a staple of family visits and storytime.
When I moved to Italy, I was surprised how rare that type of printed keepsake is for the locals. It’s quite literally a foreign concept - tourists won’t find that type of session here.
It inspired me to recreate an experience for others as deeply meaningful to them as my grandparent’s infamous vacation album has been to me.
Read more about my grandparent’s legendary vacation album! →
So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.
Are you coming to Tuscany with your spouse or family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!
🧳 FAQ: Planning Your Vacation Photoshoot in Italy or France
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My sessions are unhurried and child-led. While we capture the essentials in 60–90 minutes, many families opt for a full or half-day experience to have some real moments captured. No matter how long we shoot—the booking fee is the same and you only pay for the photos you love. See pricing →
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Totally normal—and exactly why I don’t do rigid, timed sessions. See above for how we keep it playful and pressure-free.
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Both have their perks.
Mornings are perfect for young kids, avoiding crowds and beating the Mediterranean heat.
Afternoons give us golden light and relaxed energy—especially great for teens or after a long lunch.We’ll decide what suits your group during your planning call.
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Summer gives us the most flexibility (and sometimes calls for a split day of two shorter sessions). Spring and autumn are ideal—soft light, mild temps, fewer tourists. Winter sessions usually start mid-afternoon for the best light.
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Absolutely. Whether it’s a truffle hunt, vineyard picnic, or a dip in the sea, I’ll work around your plans, weaving photography in without disrupting your day. It’s about telling the full story of your vacation.