Tips For Making The Most Of Your Extended Family Photoshoot

It’s not often the extended family gets together for a photo session. If you have one booked or are considering it (why you need an extended family photo session right now), congratulations for putting a priority on getting multiple generations in the same frame!

Now that you have done the work of gathering everyone in the same place at the same time, you may be wondering how to make the most of your time together. It can be difficult to get everyone on the same page, let alone all smiling for the camera in unison.

Rest easy, because extended family photography is one of my favorite genres! Read on for simple tips and things to keep in mind to ensure you leave with beautiful and meaningful photographs.

Extended family photos are all about connection

Probably one of the main reasons you decided to schedule an extended family photo session in the first place was to capture the important relationships within your family.

Fortunately, gone are the days of everyone required to pose perfectly and look at the camera (all dressed in one color and barefooted - queue the 90s), instead the current trend and my approach to family photography is “Lifestyle”.

At the beginning of our session together, I will ask everyone to look at the camera (I know you want at least one good picture of everyone’s smiling faces), but then I will give you prompts to interact with one another to bring out connection.

This takes the pressure off little kids to sit perfectly still and force an awkward “cheese” smile. With interaction comes genuine smiles and expressions and much more meaningful photographs.

Be Present And In The Moment

It may have been a while since some members in your family have had a professional photoshoot. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable at first or to wonder how to “pose” or what to do.

My goal is to set people at ease by giving them games to play, asking them fun questions, or simply having them talk or engage with their family.

When you “get out of your head” and stop thinking about the camera being pointed at you, and instead, focus on how grateful you are for the family in your life and the connections you have - genuine expressions emerge.

Imagine this: you have been separated from your family for a year, maybe two (you probably don’t have to imagine too hard - thanks Covid-19), and you have the chance to be reunited. Do you stand stiffly next to that person and force a smile or do you greet them with open arms, love in your eyes, and give them a heartfelt hug? That’s connection.

Your love, affection, and genuine feelings for one another is what we want to capture.

Honor all the relationships within your family

Many extended families come to me wanting pictures of their whole group and pictures of grandparents with the grandchildren. We will absolutely capture those things. But don’t forget to honor some of the other connections within your extended family. While we have everyone there, I love to get a picture of the original core family, sibling relationships, and the grandparents alone together.

Interested in booking a relaxed, meaningful extended family photo session? Reach out and let’s discuss…