Tips For An Extended Family Photo Session
As a photographer, there's something uniquely special about capturing the bonds and connections that exist within an extended family session. From the laughter shared between cousins to the warmth of grandparents embracing their grandchildren, these moments are treasures to be preserved for generations to come. However, photographing an extended family can present its own set of challenges and opportunities. In this blog post, I will share insights and tips based on my photography experience to ensure that your extended family photo session is a success!
Plan Ahead for Success: Planning WITH the family is key to a successful extended family session. Start by having a discussion with the family about their vision, preferences, and any what they hope to get out of this session. Determine the location, date, and time options well in advance to accommodate for everyone's schedules.
Communicate and Coordinate: Clear communication is essential for coordinating a large group photo session. Keep the family informed about the logistics, including what to wear, where to meet, and what to expect during the session. If you need guidance on things like location ideas, or what to wear, reach out to me! I am MORE than happy to help with all of this.
Location Location Location: Think of locations that mean something to you all as a family. Is it a park you all went to growing up? Grandma’s house that is still a time capsule? Most often I do these sessions in the home of where most people grew up or spent a lot of time. Personally, I love this. It also does not have to be IN a home, it can be around the home outside too or both! Think ahead of what areas you would like to be photographed in and why and share it with me. I’ll work with you to make sure we can get as many of those spots as possible while also maintaining great light and photo quality.
Be Flexible and Patient: Extended family photo sessions can be unpredictable, with varying personalities, ages, and dynamics at play. Be prepared to adapt to the unexpected and embrace the spontaneity of the moment. Even if it feels like chaos, I promise, me as your photographer, I got your bak and it’s probably going a lot better than you think.
Capture Candid Moments: While posed group shots are important, some of the most memorable images come from capturing candid moments and genuine interactions between family members. This is why I encourage families to pick a couple of activities to do together such as, playing corn hole, grilling, flower arranging, cooking smores, etc. This is what makes your family unique! we all love a good portrait but the magic happens in the in between.
Organize Groupings Efficiently: Organizing groupings can be challenging with a large family, but it's essential for ensuring that everyone is included in the photos. Work with your family ahead of time to ensure you all have thought of all the family groupings you are wanting. As the photographer, I can help a great deal with it, but since I do not know your family on a family level, it’s helpful to make sure we don’t miss anything by working and planning ahead together.
Have Fun and Enjoy the Process: Above all, remember this is to capture you and your family. These are moments and memories I hope you will love and cherish for the rest of your life. The best thing you can do is breathe, relax, and trust that I got you all covered and we will make some amazing photos!
Photographing an extended family is a unique and rewarding session for me personally. By following these tips and embracing the spontaneity, we can create timeless images that celebrate the love and connections you and your family share. As a photographer, there's no greater privilege than being entrusted with capturing these precious moments, and I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to be a part of that journey.