Behind the Lens: How to Prepare for an Extended Family Photoshoot
Behind the Lens: How to Prepare for an Extended Family Photoshoot
Extended family sessions are among the most meaningful portraits I create. They’re full of laughter, chaos, connection, and often a few happy tears. Whether it’s three generations coming together for the first time in years or a family celebrating a milestone, these sessions are about more than photos—they’re about preserving a legacy.
But behind every effortless-looking image is a lot of planning. From scouting the right light to coordinating outfits across generations, there’s an art to making an extended family session feel relaxed, cohesive, and genuine.
In this post, I’m sharing what goes into preparing for an extended family photoshoot from my perspective as the photographer—and what families can do to make the experience even more meaningful.
From the Photographer’s Perspective
1. The Site Visit: Building a Story Through Setting
When I met with Laura and her mom, Gail, to walk through the property that Gail had so lovingly poured her heart into, I immediately knew we were going to create something truly special there.
Every corner of the grounds reflected Gail’s care and creativity—each space thoughtfully designed and full of personality. As we explored, I found myself transported back to my in-laws’ home, where my father-in-law spent years cultivating his own beautiful garden with the same kind of love and devotion.
There’s something deeply moving about being in a place that’s been created with such intention. It’s hard to put into words—you have to experience it, to stand there and feel the energy that lives in it.
That’s the beauty of photographing families on meaningful properties. When a space holds memories—birthday parties on the lawn, family dinners under twinkle lights, kids running barefoot through the grass—it becomes more than just a backdrop. It becomes a living part of the story.
2. Understanding Light: The Secret Ingredient
The secret to photographing 15 people beautifully in full daylight?
It starts with understanding cross lighting.
This particular session took place at high noon—the kind of light most photographers avoid. But beautiful light isn’t just about the time of day—it’s about how you direct it.
By positioning the group in open shade and using cross lighting, I created soft highlights and controlled shadows across every face. When photographing a large group, this technique is essential for maintaining even exposure—ensuring no one falls into harsh light or deep shadow.
The result? Crisp, timeless portraits with a sense of depth and sophistication—proof that beautiful light can exist at any time of day with the right technique.
3. Composition, Candid Moments, and Controlled Chaos
Extended family sessions are a dance between structure and spontaneity.
I always start with a plan:
Full group portrait
Grandparents with grandchildren
Siblings and their families
Cousins together
Each nuclear family individually
Grandparents alone
Lifestyle moments and laughter in between
But within that plan, there’s room for magic.
One of my favorite sessions featured the sweetest trio of kids—four months, four years, and seven years old—at their grandma’s pond, surrounded by lily pads (and the occasional croaking frog, which added the perfect soundtrack).
What you don’t see in the final image: three women organizing the kids perfectly, the oldest carefully holding his baby sister, and me crouched across the pond in ninety-degree heat, determined to get the shot. Everyone was “cooked” by the end, but that image—with its soft light, genuine smiles, and tender connection—made every moment worth it.
Those behind-the-scenes efforts are part of the art. The direction, the chaos, the patience—it’s all part of creating portraits that make people feel something.
4. Gear, Props, and Practical Prep
For sessions like these, I bring tools to handle any lighting or spacing situation—reflectors, off-camera flash, long lenses for candid storytelling, and wide-angle lenses for large group portraits.
A few practical items always come along too: stools or benches for grandparents, blankets for little ones, and plenty of water (especially in the summer).
But the most important elements aren’t props or gear—they’re connection and trust. That’s what makes an image truly memorable.
How Families Can Prepare for an Extended Family Photoshoot
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Wardrobe coordination is key to timeless, cohesive portraits. Choose a color palette, not matching outfits.
Stick with tones that complement one another—soft neutrals, muted blues, warm earth tones—and avoid large logos or overly bold prints. Textures like linen, cotton, or knits photograph beautifully, adding dimension and warmth.
Lay everyone’s outfits out together and snap a photo in natural light before the session. It’s the easiest way to see how the colors blend.
2. Plan for Flow
With big families, a little organization goes a long way.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in.
Assign one “family coordinator” to help gather groups quickly between shots.
Bring water and snacks—especially for kids and grandparents.
If pets are part of the session, bring treats, a leash, and a small towel or brush for touch-ups.
These small details make the day run smoothly and help keep the focus where it belongs—on connection and joy.
3. Embrace the Imperfect
Not every photo needs to be perfectly posed—and that’s where the beauty lies.
Some of the most heartfelt portraits come from the unplanned: a toddler reaching for grandma, a burst of laughter, a shared glance. These fleeting moments carry the warmth and authenticity that make extended family sessions unforgettable.
My goal is to create portraits that feel alive—images that tell your story and reflect the bond your family shares.
4. Trust the Process
Even when it feels a little chaotic (and with 15 people, it usually does!), there’s beauty in that energy.
I’ll guide you through posing, angles, and movement, but I’ll also encourage real interaction. The best photos come from genuine emotion—not perfection.
Trust me to find the light, direct the flow, and capture every in-between moment that truly defines your family.
Extended family sessions are about more than portraits—they’re about legacy. They tell the story of who you are, how you love, and the generations who built that love together.
Whether we’re shooting in a garden full of memories, by a pond surrounded by lily pads, or in the bright midday sun, what matters most is the feeling behind the frame—the laughter, the connection, and the timeless beauty of family.
Every time I photograph an extended family, I’m reminded: the best portraits aren’t just seen—they’re felt.
Ready to capture the people who mean the most to you? Let’s create portraits that tell your family’s story—full of love, laughter, and connection.