Buffer Time Between Sessions

Back-to-back sessions leave no room for travel, equipment setup, or just catching your breath. Buffer time automatically pads your bookings so clients can't book too close together.

How Buffer Time Works

When you set a buffer, creavio adds invisible time blocks before and/or after every session. These blocks don't appear to clients. They simply see fewer available time slots on your booking page.

Setting Up Buffer Time

Go to Settings > Booking > Availability
Find the Buffer Time section
Set your before session buffer (prep/travel time)
Set your after session buffer (pack-up/travel time)
Choose whether buffers apply to all session types or specific ones
Click Save

Recommended Buffer Settings

Here's what works well for common photography scenarios:

Studio sessions: 15 minutes before, 15 minutes after. Enough for setup and client changeover.
On-location portraits: 30 minutes before, 30 minutes after. Accounts for travel and gear setup.
Weddings: 60 minutes before, no buffer after (weddings typically end your day).
Mini sessions: 10 minutes before, 10 minutes after. Keeps your mini marathon flowing without overlap.

Per-Session-Type Buffers

Different session types often need different buffers. A 10-minute headshot doesn't need the same travel time as an outdoor family session. Under Session Types, each type has its own buffer override. When set, the per-type buffer takes priority over your global default.

Buffer Time and Calendar Sync

Buffer blocks sync to Google Calendar as "busy" time. They appear as separate events labeled "Buffer - [Session Name]" so you can see exactly why that time is blocked.

Edge Cases

If you manually add a booking that overlaps with a buffer period, creavio will warn you but won't prevent it. Buffers are enforced only on client-facing booking pages. You always retain full control over your own calendar.