Extended family sessions are some of my favorite shoots — full of laughter, love, and a little bit of organized chaos! There’s something special about photographing multiple generations together: grandparents with their adult children, cousins running around, and families coming together to create timeless memories.
If you’ve ever wondered what to expect from an extended family photo session outdoors, here’s a little peek behind the scenes of how I approach these fun, meaningful sessions.
The Big Picture: What’s an Extended Family Session?
An extended family session includes more than just your immediate family — think grandparents, adult siblings, spouses, and cousins. These sessions often bring together several smaller “nuclear” families for one big photo experience.
You’ll get a mix of:
- Large group photos of everyone together
- Grandparents with grandkids
- Adult children with their parents
- Each individual family unit
- And sometimes, sweet pairings like cousins or sibling shots
Coordinating the Chaos (with Love!)
Planning an extended family session can sound overwhelming, but I promise — it’s smoother than it seems! I like to think of it a bit like a wedding family photo lineup: we start with the largest group and gradually “filter down” into smaller combinations.
Here’s how a typical one-hour timeline flows:
- Large Group Portrait – We start with everyone together while energy (and patience!) is high. This shot becomes the “classic” image everyone treasures.
- Grandparents + Grandchildren – A must-have. These moments are always so heartfelt.
- Grandparents + Adult Children – A timeless generation photo.
- Each Individual Family Unit – Perfect for updating those annual family photos!
- Cousins Together – Fun and candid — these often end up being the kids’ favorites.
- Any Other Special Requests – Sibling pairs, grandparent portraits, etc.
With a little direction and a friendly flow, we can capture every important combination efficiently. Older kids (and adults!) usually cooperate beautifully in this structured yet relaxed pace.
Why Outdoors?
Outdoor sessions provide the perfect backdrop for extended family portraits — plenty of space, flattering natural light, and room for everyone to move around comfortably. Whether it’s a golden field, a shady park, or your family’s favorite backyard, natural settings bring warmth and authenticity to every image.
Final Thoughts
Extended family photos are more than just pictures — they’re a celebration of legacy and connection. These portraits tell your family’s story: where you’ve been, who you are, and how your love continues to grow.
If you’ve been meaning to organize an extended family session, there’s no better time. A one-hour outdoor shoot is the perfect way to bring generations together and create heirloom images everyone will cherish for years to come.
Ready to gather your crew?
Reach out to schedule your extended family session — and let’s capture your family’s story beautifully, one generation at a time.
