What to Expect During Your Extended Family Session
What to Expect During Your Extended Family Session
Planning an extended family photo session is exciting, but it's also one of the most common times clients ask, "How is this all going to work?" When you're coordinating grandparents, siblings, spouses, and little ones, it can seem like a lot—but that's exactly why I guide you through every step.
Here's what you can expect during your extended family session.
Before We Even Meet
Before your session, we'll talk through all the details, including location, timing, outfit coordination, and the family combinations that are most important to you. If there are special requests—like a photo with all the cousins or a few extra images of grandparents with each grandchild—we'll make sure those are included in the plan.
Having a simple shot list helps the session move smoothly while ensuring no one is accidentally left out.
We Start with the Full Group
When everyone arrives, we'll begin with the largest family portrait while everyone is fresh and the youngest family members are still engaged. I'll guide everyone into flattering poses and help with the little details, like where to place hands, where to look, and how to stand naturally.
Don't worry if getting everyone to smile at the same time seems impossible—that's my job!
We Work Through Family Groupings
After the full family portrait, we'll move through smaller combinations in an organized order. Typically, we'll photograph:
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Grandparents with everyone
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Grandparents with each individual family
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Grandparents with grandchildren
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Each immediate family
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Siblings together
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Individual couples
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Cousins together
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Any special groupings you've requested
Working from largest groups to smallest keeps the session efficient and allows family members to relax once their photos are finished.
Individual Family Time
Each immediate family gets a few minutes of their own during the session. This is when we'll capture a mix of traditional portraits and natural interactions that reflect your family's personality.
We'll photograph everyone together, the kids individually, siblings together, and parents with their children. These often become some of the favorite images from the day.
Keeping Kids Happy
Children don't have to sit perfectly still for great photos. In fact, some of the sweetest moments happen when they're laughing, exploring, or snuggling with the people they love most.
I keep things moving, use plenty of encouragement, and never expect perfection. The goal is genuine connection—not stiff smiles.
A Relaxed Pace
Extended family sessions are designed to feel enjoyable rather than rushed. I'll direct everyone clearly so you never have to wonder where to stand or what comes next. Between posed portraits, we'll capture candid moments, conversations, hugs, and laughter that tell the story of your family.
How Long Does It Take?
Most extended family sessions last about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of your group and the number of family combinations you'd like photographed.
Larger groups or sessions with very young children may take a little longer, but we always keep the experience moving at a comfortable pace.
My Best Advice
The most beautiful family photos don't come from everyone being perfectly posed—they come from simply enjoying the people you're with.
Come ready to laugh, hug your loved ones, and embrace the little moments in between. Years from now, those genuine connections will mean even more than the perfect smile.
I take care of the posing, the organization, and all the little details so you can focus on what matters most: spending time with the people you love.
