If you’ve ever wondered whether an extended family photo shoot is worth the effort, the short answer is: absolutely yes! Life is busy, families are scattered, and time moves faster than we expect. Booking an extended family session is one of the best decisions you can make. Here’s is all the info on everything you need to know.

A traditional family photo shoot features just mom, dad, and the kids, which essentially is your immediate family unit. The moment you add another family or grandparents into the mix, it becomes an extended family shoot. Simply put, an extended family session includes anyone beyond your immediate family. I shoot a lot of extended family sessions and I ALWAYS appreciate them when they are all said and done. ❤️ Here are the best reasons to book an extended family photoshoot:

The “Now or Never” Factor

Life changes quickly. Children grow up, parents and grandparents age, and before you know it, the window for certain photos has passed. Capturing your extended family together right now ensures these precious moments are preserved forever. I promise you will not regret it!

Life is also precious and unpredictable. You never know how long everyone will be with your family, which makes these photos a vital, lasting, and priceless record. THAT right there, is EVERY reason why you should say yes to this type of photoshoot! 👏🏼

So Much More Than One Big Group Shot

One of the biggest surprises for clients is just how many photos come out of an extended family session. You won’t just get one large group shot of everyone. You’ll get SO many beautiful variations, including:

• A photo of just the adults
• A photo of just the kids
• Grandparents with grandkids
• Just the cousins
• Individual family portraits (time permitting)

This is also a smart opportunity for each family within the group to get updated, professional portraits. It’s much more efficient and often more cost-effective than scheduling separate sessions. Please note that that variety of group shots you get depends on the amount of time we have (mostly 1 hour of session time) and the number of TOTAL people you have in your family. Some extended families are only eight people, while others extended families are 25+ people. So please be aware of that and respect that. ❤️ Know you have a big family and want more time with me? Ask me, I would be glad to work something out with you. 📸

Preserve Your Family Legacy

Extended family photos are more than Instagram moments. They become cherished heirloom prints, custom albums, and wall art passed down through generations. There’s something uniquely powerful about documenting the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Those images tell the story of where your family came from and who you are together.

A Unique Bonding Experience

A photo session is the perfect excuse to gather everyone in one place, especially when family members live far apart. Think of it as a mini reunion with beautiful photos as the souvenir. However, don’t let that be the end of your time together. Be sure to plan a delicious lunch or dinner afterward, or organize a fun activity to make the day truly memorable!

Extended family sessions are designed to be fun, relaxed, and completely enjoyable. My goal is NOT stiff, posed moments. Just by everyone being together, you will create genuine laughter and happy memories. Got little ones in the mix? No problem! I have two young kids of my own, and I know exactly how to get them smiling. 😉 Most of my clients schedule these types of sessions around the holidays or during the summer, so it’s important to book early if you know the date ahead of time. I have a family of my own, so if it’s around the holidays, please be mindful of my schedule as well. ❤️

The Ultimate Gift for the Person Who Has Everything

Struggling to find a meaningful gift for parents or grandparents? An extended family photo session is the PERFECT answer for the person who says “they have everything.” It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt gift for holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Christmas. Having framed portraits or canvases in their homes and on their walls will be presents they’ll treasure for a lifetime. As a bonus, these photos make gorgeous holiday cards for next year. 😉

Don’t let another season pass without capturing your extended family together. The best place to start is learning about the investment for these type of sessions and you can see all of my session options laid out visually. Once you’re ready, reach out to get your date on the calendar. Trust me when I say that the future you will be so glad you did! 😉