Extended Family Sessions Guide: What to Expect and How to Keep it Stress-Free
Yay! You've booked your extended family session!
Time has a way of moving so quickly. Families grow, little ones change, teenagers become adults and seasons of life come and go before we’re ready. That’s why I love photography… it captures those joyful, fleeting moments and turns them into something you can hold onto forever.
When I photograph extended families, my goal is to keep it easy and full of fun, like you’re spending time together instead of stuck in some stiff photoshoot. I want everyone to feel comfortable, included, and able to just be themselves. A little communication ahead of time, some simple outfit planning, and going in with realistic expectations makes such a difference (because you know… perfection isn’t the goal).
Honestly, the best part of extended family sessions is what naturally unfolds, grandparents loving on their grandbabies, cousins all piled in together, siblings laughing with each other, parents holding onto their grown kids a little longer. Those are the moments that matter most… the ones you’ll hang on your walls and look back on for years.
I’ve put together some of my favorite tips and things I’ve learned over the years photographing extended families to help make it all feel easy, relaxed, and even a little fun!
What to Expect: During Your Session
I like to keep things moving so no one gets "smile fatigue," especially the kids (and the grandpas!)
We usually start with the largest group photo while everyone is fresh and the kids are still curious. This is the "mantelpiece" shot where everyone is looking and smiling.
After the big group, we’ll move through various combinations:
- Grandparents with all the grandkids (the absolute favorites!)
- Grandparents with their adult children
- Original siblings together
- Each individual nuclear family
- Just the grandparents
- Cousins
If you have a specific shot list to include please feel free to share it with me!
While I love a classic portrait, my favorite shots are the ones you don't realize I'm taking. I'll be looking for Grandma whispering to a toddler, siblings laughing at an inside joke, and the way you all lean into each other. DON'T BE AFRAID TO INTERACT! If the camera is on you, feel free to talk, laugh, and hug!
What to Wear: Coordinating, Not Matching
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white t-shirts and jeans! We want to aim for a look that feels cohesive but allows everyone’s personality to shine.
1. Choose a Color Story
Pick a palette of 3–4 coordinating colors. Think of it like a painting. If your base is navy and cream, some family members can wear mustard accents, while others wear soft sage or denim.
- Earth Tones: Rust, olive, tan, and cream always look timeless.
- Soft Neutrals: Slate blue, oatmeal, and dusty rose create a very high-end, airy feel.
2. Mix Textures and Patterns
To add depth to the photos, encourage different fabrics. Think chunky knits, lace, linen, or denim.
- Patterns: Only one or two people should wear a bold pattern (like a floral dress or a subtle plaid). Let everyone else wear solid colors that pull from that pattern.
- Avoid: Large logos, neon colors, or extremely fine stripes (which can look "wavy" on digital screens).
3. Comfortable Footwear
We will likely be moving around, walking through grass or standing for long periods. Choose shoes that look great but won't leave you in pain. For the little ones, make sure their shoes are broken in! If we are photographing on the beach, be prepared to have your toes in the sand AKA no shoes! (unless you’re ok with a little sand in your shoes)
What to Expect: After Your Session
Once our time together wraps up, I’ll get to work carefully going through and editing your images bringing out all those beautiful, genuine moments we captured. About a week after your session (typically around 7 days), you’ll receive an email with a link to your private, password-protected gallery.
From there, each family will have access to all of their fully edited images ready for you to download, share with loved ones, and print however you’d like. It’s designed to be simple and easy, so you can start enjoying your photos right away.
A Few Pro Tips for a Smooth, Happy Session
- The “Nap + Snack” Rule
Happy kids = full bellies and rest when possible.
Bring easy, non-messy snacks (grapes, cheese sticks, crackers—nothing that stains).
- Trust Me
If things feel a little chaotic for a moment, that’s okay. I promise, I’ve seen it all, and sometimes those moments turn into the sweetest, most genuine photos.
- Arrive a Little Early
Give yourselves 10–15 minutes to settle in, fix hair, and just breathe before we start.
- Patience Goes a Long Way
With big groups, there’s always a little movement and shifting and that’s perfectly normal. Stay relaxed, keep smiling, and know that even when you’re not “up,” you might be part of a really beautiful candid moment.
I seriously cannot wait to see you all together dressed up, loving on each other, and just enjoying the moment.
We’re going to create something so meaningful… the kind of images that only grow more special with time.
XO,
Melissa
