Getting everyone together for an extended family photo session isn’t something that happens every day. Between busy schedules, kids’ activities, college, and work, having multiple generations all in one place is pretty special. That’s exactly why these sessions are some of my favorites.
An extended family photo session is about so much more than taking one big group picture. It’s about preserving your family’s story exactly as it is today. Grandparents with their grandchildren. Siblings laughing together. Cousins making memories. Individual families celebrating this season of life. These are the photos that only become more valuable as the years go by.
If you’re wondering what an extended family photo session looks like, here’s exactly what you can expect.
What Is an Extended Family Photo Session?
An extended family photo session brings together multiple generations of one family for a single photography session. That could include grandparents, adult children, spouses, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles, or anyone else who makes up your family’s story.
While we’ll absolutely capture everyone together in one beautiful portrait, that’s only the beginning. My goal is to create a complete collection of images that celebrates every relationship and every generation.
These sessions often become treasured family heirlooms that are displayed on walls, passed down through generations, and looked back on for years to come.
What Happens During the Session?
My extended family sessions are scheduled for about 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time to photograph all of the important groupings without anyone feeling rushed.
To keep things organized, I guide everyone through the session from start to finish so nobody has to wonder where they’re supposed to stand next.
A typical session includes:
The Entire Family
We begin with everyone together while smiles are fresh and little ones still have plenty of energy. These are the photos that often become the centerpiece in someone’s home.
Grandparents and Grandchildren
These are some of my favorite images to capture. There’s something incredibly special about documenting the relationship between grandparents and their grandkids.
Grandparents with Their Adult Children
It’s easy to forget to capture this stage of life, but these portraits often become some of the most meaningful images from the session.
Individual Family Units
Each immediate family gets their own mini session with a variety of posed and natural images. Everyone leaves with portraits that feel like their own family session, too.
Siblings, Cousins, and Special Requests
We’ll finish with any combinations that are important to your family, whether that’s siblings together, cousins being goofy, or a special portrait you’ve always wanted.
Every family is different, so I always customize the session to make sure we capture the people and relationships that matter most to you.
How I Keep Large Family Sessions Organized
Photographing a large group may sound overwhelming, but after years of working with extended families, I’ve learned that a little organization goes a long way.
I guide everyone through each group one step at a time while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and fun. We move efficiently, but never feel rushed. My goal is to keep kids engaged, help grandparents stay comfortable, and make the entire experience enjoyable instead of stressful.
Most families are surprised by how smoothly everything comes together.
Choosing the Perfect Location
The right location makes a huge difference for an extended family session.
When choosing a location around the Phoenix area, I look for places with beautiful light, plenty of space for large groups, easy parking, and accessible walking paths for grandparents and younger children. Whether your family loves the desert scenery, mountain views, or a lush green park, we’ll choose a location that fits both your family’s style and everyone’s comfort.
If you’re still deciding, be sure to check out my guide to the Best Locations for Family Photos in the Phoenix Area for inspiration.
Coordinating Outfits
One of the biggest questions I get is what everyone should wear.
The goal isn’t for everyone to match perfectly. Instead, I recommend coordinating colors that complement one another while still letting everyone’s personality shine through. Neutral tones, soft earth colors, and subtle patterns photograph beautifully together without looking overly planned.
After booking, I’ll send you my outfit guide filled with tips to help make planning easy for the whole family.
Creating Memories That Last
Extended family sessions are about so much more than checking “updated family photos” off your list.
They’re about celebrating the people you love while everyone is together. They’re about giving your children photographs with their grandparents that they’ll treasure one day. They’re about preserving your family’s legacy before another year quietly slips by.
Those moments are worth remembering.
If you’d like to learn more about why these sessions mean so much to me, I also recommend reading Why Legacy Family Photos Matter.
If you’re ready to preserve your family’s story with an extended family photo session, I’d love to help you create photographs that will be treasured for generations.