When I got an inquiry for an extended family session that was going to be given as a birthday gift, I was immediately in! It is the gift that keeps on giving for years and generations to come. This client was wanting an extended family session for her mom as a birthday gift from her and her sister. How. Sweet. I was pumped.


Scroll to the end for my top secret (not actually secret) extended family photo session tips

As soon as I started chatting with the family, I knew this was going to be a great session. Extended family sessions are usually chaotic since there are so many people moving in and out in front of the camera. This session was definitely busy, but everyone was ready to go when it was their turn. Even better, those who weren't in front of the camera were behind me or nearby to help make sure everyone was happy and looking towards the camera when needed.

There was no bickering, no scolding children for being silly, and no bad attitudes in sight. The chaos was welcomed and met with kindness, silliness, patience, and a laid back attitude. As a family photographer, there is nothing more I can ask for.


I WANT your session to be exciting.

I WANT your kids to be silly and run around.

I WANT you to laugh and get lost in the moment.


The whole point of having family photos taken is to document your family as it is right now. So, shouldn't you be soaking up how wonderful your world is right now during your session? Pretty pictures are great, but they are worth so much more with fun memories linked to them.

This extended family session was in Matthews, NC, in the family's backyard. This place is special to them, and watching them just enjoy each other's company was special. My favorite thing to watch was when all of the cousins were fighting over who got to help wrangle the youngest in the crew, who was almost 2 years old. All of them were so kind to each other, always wanted to help, and were constantly making each other laugh.


If you are considering booking an extended family session in the Charlotte area, follow the example of this family. Bring your positive attitudes, soak up the stage your family is in (no matter the ages), and be ready to open up and be yourselves!

**TOP SECRET TIPS**


  • Keep it light! Don’t scold your children/grandchildren for being silly. If it gets out of hand, invite them back into the session in a fun and/or gentle manner. 
  • Be my assistant! If you’re not in front of the camera, stand behind me to help the little ones look my direction, or gather the next group of people. When there are a lot of people, it is easy for chaos to rule, but you can help keep the energy rallied near the camera. 
  • Bring your positive attitudes! Your kids/grandkids will feed off of your energy. If it’s obvious you don’t want to be there, they won’t want to be there either. But if you’re laid back and joyful? They will be too!
  • Color-coordinate, don't match. Planning outfits for 8, 10, 15+ people can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Plan a color palette for everyone to participate in. Neutrals, blues, and greens are my favorites because they're the easiest to coordinate without clashing.
  • Share any information from your photographer with every family in the group. Keeping everyone in the loop throughout the whole process is not always necessary, but if your photographer has shared tips with their point of contact (you!), pass along any information that will be helpful for everyone.
  • Ask questions and share expectations! I love when clients ask me questions before their session because it helps me understand what is important to them and what they are hoping to get from their session. Being in front of a camera is a vulnerable place to be, but allowing your photographer to get to know you before your session helps SO MUCH!