The More, The Merrier
Getting everyone together for an extended family session is no small feat. Between coordinating schedules, choosing outfits, and making sure Grandma, toddlers, teenagers, and everyone in between arrives on time, you've already done the hardest part.
Now it's my job to make the experience feel easy.
The best extended family photos aren't about perfectly posed smiles. They're about preserving the people, relationships, and little moments that make your family yours. Here are my five favorite tips to help your session feel relaxed, meaningful, and beautifully organized.
let the little details tell your story
When people think about family photos, they usually picture everyone looking at the camera. Those are important - but some of my favorite images happen in between.
A grandparent holding tiny hands.
Cousins whispering secrets.
Dad tying a toddler's shoe.
A child reaching for mom's cheek.
These small interactions become the photographs that mean the most years from now. Don't worry about making every moment "photo-worthy." Just be present. I'll be watching for the details that quietly tell your family's story.
Trust the structure- i'll handle the chaos
One of the biggest concerns I hear is:
"There's no way we're going to get everyone organized."
That's exactly why I'm there.
Every extended family session follows a thoughtful flow. We'll start with the larger group while everyone's attention is fresh, then work through each family. I like to follow up immediately with grandparents and grandkids, since that is a pretty important capture, too.
My approach to each group of families/combination requests is to photograph what I think will work in that moment. With little kids, portraits might not happen right away. I usually need to play a little and let them have fun. I also pose and prompt my families in a way that movement and connection create the portrait. My candids and portraits are always being captured simultaneously.
Don't worry about directing your kids to smile at the camera. Just enjoy being together.
Connection will always matter more than perfection
As mentioned above, my approach to shooting always favors connection. That's because some of the best photographs happen when no one is thinking about the camera.
Smile at one another.
Have a tickle fight.
Laugh.
Give a squeeze hug.
Play. Run. Twirl. Toss.
Children don't need to stand perfectly still. Adults don't need to worry about smiling the entire time (though it does help to look happy). When you're focused on connecting instead of performing, your photos become genuine - and that's what you'll treasure for years.
Coordinate your color palette, not your outfits
Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching white shirts and jeans.
Instead, choose a color palette with a few complementary tones and let everyone dress in a way that feels like themselves. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, muted blues, warm greens, and gentle textures photograph beautifully together, while allowing each person's personality to shine.
Think coordinated rather than identical.
Let your family's personality lead the session
Every family has it's own rhythm.
Some are loud and full of laughter. Others are quieter and full of gentle moments. Some have kids who want to run barefoot through the grass, while others have grandparents who simply love sitting together watching everyone play.
There's no "right" way to be a family during your session.
The more you lean into who you naturally are, the more meaningful your photographs become. I'll gently guide you when needed, but I never want your gallery to feel staged or forced.
I want it to feel like you.
the bottom line
An extended family session isn't just about gathering everyone in one frame.
It's about celebrating generations, preserving relationships, and creating photographs that future family members will treasure long after the kids are grown.
Come ready to slow down, enjoy each other, and trust the process.
I'll take care of the rest.
Ashley
