10 Tips for a Stress-Free Extended Family Photo Session You'll Actually Enjoy
Extended family photo sessions are a beautiful way to capture generations of love, connection, and togetherness. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, a holiday, or simply cherishing time spent with loved ones, getting everyone together for photos can feel like a big task. But don’t worry — with a little preparation and the right mindset, your extended family photo session can be fun, meaningful, and most importantly, stress-free! Here are some helpful tips to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.
1. Plan Outfits in Advance
Coordinating outfits doesn’t have to mean matching perfectly. Aim for complementary colors and soft, neutral tones to keep the look timeless. Avoid busy patterns and logos that might distract from the connection between family members. As an added bonus, I offer an online interactive styling service to help make this process a breeze!
2. Communicate the Details
Make sure everyone knows the date, time, and location well in advance. Send out a group message or email with all the details so there’s no confusion on the day of the session. Clear communication helps everyone feel prepared and reduces last-minute stress.
3. Choose a Meaningful Location
Pick a location that holds special meaning for your family or one that offers beautiful scenery with plenty of space for group shots. Whether it’s your family home, a favorite park, or a scenic outdoor space, a familiar spot can help everyone feel more relaxed.
4. Embrace Natural Moments
Some of the best photos happen in between the poses. Let the kids play, share laughs with grandparents, and enjoy being together. I love capturing those candid moments that showcase your family's unique bond.
5. Create a Shot List
To ensure we capture every important combination (like grandparents with grandkids or siblings together), we can plan a shot list ahead of time. This keeps the session organized and ensures no key moments are missed.
An extended family photo session is more than just a photoshoot; it’s about preserving connections and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. I’m here to help make the process smooth and enjoyable, so you can focus on what matters most — your loved ones.
Ready to book your stress-free extended family photo session? Let’s create beautiful memories together!
6. Keep Kids (and Adults) Happy
Bringing along snacks, drinks, and a favorite toy for the little ones can work wonders. For adults, having a laid-back attitude and embracing the process will make the experience much more enjoyable.
7. Trust Your Photographer
As your photographer, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. I’ll help position everyone, find the best lighting, and create a relaxed atmosphere. All you have to do is focus on enjoying the time with your loved ones.
8. Be Flexible
Things don’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay! Kids might get a little wiggly, the wind might play with your hair, and someone might crack up mid-photo — these moments are what make your family unique and add so much life to your photos.
9. Make It an Experience
Turn the session into a fun family outing. After photos, plan a picnic, grab ice cream, or enjoy dinner together. It’s a wonderful way to extend the joy of the day.
10. Relax and Have Fun
Above all, remember that these photos are about celebrating your family as you are. Embrace the chaos, love, and laughter — those moments are what make your photos meaningful and timeless.
An extended family photo session is more than just a photoshoot; it’s about preserving connections and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. I’m here to help make the process smooth and enjoyable, so you can focus on what matters most — your loved ones.
Ready to book your stress-free extended family photo session? Let’s create beautiful memories together!
