Easy Extended Family Photo Sessions
Extended family photo sessions aren’t just parents and kids it’s the whole crew! Your nuclear family, your siblings, the grandparents and maybe even a few long lost relatives. A multi family photo shoot like this is all about capturing those special connections – the love, the laughter, and the moments that make your family who you are.
1. Capturing every Family Combination
With a big group, there are loads of possible combinations to capture! Before the session, I’ll ask about your family tree, to get familiar with everyone’s names and create a shot list. That way we can make sure no important shots are missed.
In an extended family session, we will capture a variety of groupings – everyone together, individual family units, grandparents with grandkids, just the grandparents, all the kids, sibling groups, the original family and any other special combinations you’d like. I make sure to photograph each grouping multiple times in different spots at your chosen location for a great mix of shots.
2. Choosing the Right Location
Choosing a meaningful location can make your family photos even more special. Whether it’s a favourite park, a spot in the mountains or an urban setting. Picking a place everyone enjoys adds a personal touch. If you’re unsure I have plenty of great location ideas, both in the city and beyond that offer stunning backdrops for extended family photo sessions.
3. What to Wear
For large extended family photo sessions, it’s a good idea to coordinate outfits ahead of time. Instead of matching exactly, choose a colour palette or a few complementary colours to create a polished and cohesive look in your photos. Coordinating outfits can really elevate your photos! Pick a colour palette that suits the location and season, and try to avoid neon shades or busy patterns that might steal the spotlight.
For more info on what to wear and how to coordinate everyone in your group check out this article I wrote on the topic for some helpful hints.
4. Plan for Longer than an Hour
Extended family photo sessions take a bit more time, but don’t worry—there will be plenty of breaks as we rotate through different family groupings. I usually start with the big group and make sure to get all the shots with any little ones near the beginning of the session. Of course, we’ll stay flexible—if little ones need a break or aren’t in the mood to smile just yet we’ll adjust the plan to keep things fun and relaxed! I also always have candy with me if parents are ok with a little bribe here and there.
5. Why it’s Important
As parents get older, our time with them is a lot like the time we have with our children—it feels endless, but in reality the years fly by. It’s easy to take these moments for granted until we’re reminded that nothing lasts forever. Just like we love capturing our kids as they grow, photos of them with their grandparents help keep your family’s story alive. Extended family photo sessions are a way to honour the older generation and remember where it all started. These pictures are special now, but down the road, they’ll mean even more.
Extended family photo sessions aren’t just about capturing our kids with their grandparents and cousins—they’re also a chance to update photos with our own parents and siblings. These sessions are a gift for everyone—grandparents, parents, and kids alike. It’s a way to capture your family’s story and the special bonds you share, creating memories that can be cherished for years to come. Here is another article you can check out about why family photos are important.
Extended family photo sessions are more than just a collection of pictures, it’s a way to celebrate your family’s connections, preserve memories, and create keepsakes that will be treasured for generations. From choosing the perfect location to capturing every meaningful combination, these sessions ensure that everyone, from grandparents to grandkids, has a place in your family’s story. So take the time to gather, laugh, and make memories together because these moments are worth holding onto.
