It happens every summer, especially during the months of July and August, but can happen any time of year. Families get together for a reunion, or a special occasion, such a milestone birthday. Adding photos to a family get-together is a great way to remember this special time together. But, what exactly is an extended family photo session?
What Is An Extended Family Photo Session?
Families hire me to photograph multiple generations at one session time. This allows me to capture the unique bonds of grandparents, cousins, adult siblings, and many other combinations. These sessions are busy and fast-paced, yet designed in a way to capture the whole group, as well as the individual families within.
What To Expect
The process of an extended family session is a little different than the typical family portrait session. There are more groupings, so arranging everyone requires a bit more time. These sessions take 1-2 hours depending on the size of the group. But I keep things moving quickly and efficiently, so everyone stays happy!
We start with the large group portrait right at first, since that’s usually the priority. After that, I will break it off into groups of individual families. Then I will photograph grandparents with their grandchildren, adult siblings, couples, and any other requested combinations. I also make sure to get individual portraits of your children.
Extended family portraits are usually taken someplace that is unique and special to the family. Sessions are often held at grandparents homes, vacation homes, or wherever families are gathering.
What To Wear For Extended Family Photo Sessions.
In order to keep things looking cohesive and put together, it’s important for clients to consider their wardrobe as a large group. Here’s what I advise my extended family clients to do when choosing outfits:
• As a whole family choose 2-3 coordinating colors (no more than two colors and a neutral). Good examples include blue, coral and white or mustard, purple and grey. The colors don’t need to be the same shade. Do what works for skin tones and hair for each person.
• Next, I ask each individual family to coordinate separately. Start with mom and have her choose something she loves and feels good in, then trickle down from hardest to easiest to dress. Dress each person for their personality and taste. Everyone should feel confident and comfortable.
• Dress to the shoes. This includes socks, as they will likely show at some point. And your shoes will definitely be in the photo.
• Please make sure not to go too matchy. This can sometimes work for small children, but never for adults. Please no khaki pants and matching colored shirts unless you want it to look like a store employee photo.
Extended Family Photo Sessions Are The Best.
I love when families get together and celebrate each other. I get to see the generations connect. Parents almost seem like kid’s themselves as they joke around with their siblings. Annual portraits are such a fun way to record your memories for generations to come. It’s that much more special with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.
I hope you enjoying seeing some of my past extended family sessions. Thank you for stopping by my blog today!
