Why I love Extended Family Photo Sessions
As a family photographer, I personally love extended family photo sessions. Although the amount of people in a multigenerational session can make it a little more challenging, overall it’s one of my favorite types of sessions to capture and here’s why:
Capturing the Complete Family Story
One of the things I love most about these sessions is the chance to capture the complete family story. It’s beautiful to see the legacy and love passed down through generations, from grandkids to grandparents and sometimes even great-grandparents.
The Dynamics of Large Groups
Working with large groups can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge I truly enjoy. Maybe it’s coming from a big extended family myself, but I thrive in energetic environments. Coordinating a group for a shot requires patience and some creativity. I guide each session to make sure everyone feels comfortable and looks their best. Whether it’s arranging the group by family units, generations, or even the cousins old to youngest, each session is a fun, dynamic puzzle to work with and solve.
The Playful Moments
Extended family sessions are never dull! They are filled with playful moments, especially when cousins get together, or when grandparents interact with their grandchildren. These sessions allow for candid shots that often become family favorites, cherished for their spontaneity and genuine emotion. One prompt I love to give is having the adult children run towards their parents and give them a hug. At first they feel awkward, but it let’s them loosen up and have some fun!
Preserving Memories
For many families, gathering everyone together is a rare occasion and having photos to remember these moments is invaluable. It’s such an honor to create these keepsakes that will be looked back on for generations!
