Top tips for extended family photo shoot

There are many occasions for an extended family portrait session. As a Bay Area Family Photographer I get many inquiries throughout the year for extended family sessions, mainly for a milestone birthday celebration, a reunion, or family oriented holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It is rare to be able to gather the multi generations (grandparents, uncles and aunts, their kids and grandkids) in one room. Members of the family move out of state, sometimes out of the country. So when there is finally a chance to capture all in one shot, it is a wonderful rare opportunity you don't want to miss out.

What is an Extended Photo Session?

When the session includes multiple generations beyond one nuclear family, it is considered to be an extended family portrait session. As your photographer, I need to capture the story of the entire group as well as the connection between the sub groups (such as adult siblings, cousins, grandparents and adult kids, grandkids, in-laws) and the individual families.

How long should an extended family photo session take?

Extended family sessions need to be at least 60 minutes. There are many groupings, different dynamics and many shots to take. Although I am moving fast, it cannot be done in 30 minutes. Remember, there are many people in the group and we want to make sure people are looking at the camera and not closing their eyes accidentally. Therefore, we need to take many shot of the entire group.

Ultimate Extended Family Shot list

Since the goal in the first place was to take a shot of the entire group, this is what should be done first.
Grandparents with all the grandkids
All the grandkids together
Individual families.
Couples
Grandparents with adult kids
Adult siblings

What to wear for extended family photo shoot

It is best to wear clothes that are comfortable to move around in and are not too tight. You need to be able to stand, walk and sit for a variety of shots.
It is important to make sure the clothing style matches, so the images look cohesive.
Stick to solid colors, and no more than 2-3. You can never go wrong with light neutral colors like cream, taupe, or light gray. The camera loves shades of soft pinks and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light-colored neutrals.
Super bold colors only as accents, or only on the smallest family members.
Avoid wearing identical clothes as a whole group as it doesn’t look sophisticated.
Tennis shoes are not a good idea as they show a lot of wear and tear (unless new).
Accessorize!
Make sure you don’t keep bulky items in your pockets (wallet, keys, sunglasses).

Extended family portraits can be lots of fun, especially when you see the adult siblings being goofy with each other like in the old days. There is always lots of laughter.

If you are celebrating a big milestone and want to hire a Bay Area Photographer to capture this special gathering, contact me to schedule a session.

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Top tips for extended family photo shoot

What is an Extended Photo Session?

How long should an extended family photo session take?

Ultimate Extended Family Shot list

What to wear for extended family photo shoot

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