The Beauty of Extended Family Sessions + A Sneak Peek at the Kissack Family
Extended Family Sessions: From Daunting to a Favorite
When I first started photographing extended families, I’ll admit, I found them a little daunting. So many people to juggle, so many different opinions, and I wasn’t always sure which group shots would matter most. It felt overwhelming at times. But over the last fifteen years, these sessions have become something of a specialty for me, and truly one of my favorites.
Before every session, I gather info about your family and, together, we create a master shot list. It includes both the must-haves I’ve learned to grab over the years and any special requests you have. This list is so important once everyone gets together and all the voices and ideas start flying. I always prioritize the master list first.
The Kissack family recently invited me to photograph their crew, and we had a smooth, straightforward session (sneek peek below)! They stuck to the classics: full group shots, individual families, grandson, and a few sweet moments in between. It was simple, relaxed, and full of love.
That said, once the master list is done, I always open it up to last-minute ideas. This looks different for every family. Maybe a couple of cousins have a special bond and want their own shot together. Maybe someone wants to recreate a photo from 20 years ago. Now is the time!
Some of my favorite extended family sessions are the ones where people bring a little extra personality to the mix. Bringing a football to toss around, bubbles for the kids, or baking cookies together on a snowy day… those kinds of activities add a layer of real-life joy that makes for incredible candid shots.
Thinking about gathering the whole crew?
Extended family sessions are about more than just capturing who was there. It’s about celebrating the unique relationships and energy of your family in this season. They’re a way to freeze a moment in time with the people who matter most. Whether it's the only time this year everyone’s in the same place, or a chance to capture generations together, these sessions have a way of growing more meaningful with each passing year.
Let’s make it easy, intentional, and just a little bit fun. Reach out to start planning your extended family session. I’d be honored to help you capture the kind of memories that only get more valuable over time.
And now, a little sneak peek from the Kissack family session...
