Photos allow you, if you're growing indoors, to control when they go into flower and how long they stay in veg... if you were growing them outdoors, the sun dictates that. I know some growers who, for a variety of reasons (usually having to do with cloning), keep their plants in veg for months and months.
So when do you want to harvest? How long should your strains be in flower before harvest? Then calculate backwards and you'll know when you should flip them. I think your calculation of "1 week per gallon of pot" is meant as a MINIMUM amount of time.
Good luck with your grow and Happy 420!