My Top Four Tips for Extended Family Sessions

Aug 7
2 min read

Extended family sessions are always one of the most popular bookings during the holiday season. Many of my inquiries come from families who are finally all together and want to document this rare time together. Often, the adult children gift a session to their parents, and I truly can't think of a more meaningful present. Updated photos with your children and grandchildren are something grandparents will treasure for years to come.

That said, extended family sessions can feel overwhelming. Coordinating schedules, choosing a location, planning outfits, and making sure everyone is on the same page is no small task. To help make the experience as stress-free as possible, I've put together a few of my favorite tips.

Choose a Location Everyone Can Enjoy
Every family is different, and so are grandparents! Some are happy to hike a trail, while others may only be comfortable walking a short distance from the parking area. Let me know ahead of time if anyone in your group has mobility concerns so I can recommend locations that are beautiful, accessible, and comfortable for everyone.
Coordinate Your Outfits, Don't Match Them
It can be tempting to put everyone in the exact same outfit or have the whole family wear one color, but coordinated always photographs better than matching. Start with a complementary color palette, then mix in different textures like linen, denim, corduroy, or knits. Adding a few subtle patterns alongside solid colors creates depth and gives your photos a timeless, cohesive look without feeling overly staged.
Think Through Family Combinations Ahead of Time
After you book, I'll send you a questionnaire where you can list the groupings you'd like photographed. I'll always capture the classic combinations, but every family has unique relationships that deserve to be documented too.

Maybe Grandma wants a photo with all of her granddaughters, siblings want one together, or cousins haven't been together in years. Thinking about those special combinations before the session helps us make the most of our time together.

Let Your Photographer Do Her Thing
When you have a large group, it's natural for everyone to want to help, especially when little kids are involved. But too many voices calling names or giving directions can quickly become overwhelming.

During the session, trust me to guide everyone. My goal is to get all the combinations you want while keeping the experience fun and relaxed. Kids pick up on the energy around them, and when everyone is smiling, laughing, and enjoying themselves, they almost always do the same.

Some of my favorite images happen in the in-between moments, when families are simply interacting with each other instead of worrying about the "perfect" smile. Relax, enjoy being together, and let me handle the rest.