It’s that time of year when families gather for long-overdue group photos — and I love it! In my opinion, you can never have too many photos with your grandparents, cousins, and extended family. These images become treasured memories, and Extended Family Sessions also make the perfect gift to share with one another.
But getting everyone on the same page? That part takes planning. These tips will make everything run smoothly.
1. Choosing Wardrobe
Pick colors that are easy for everyone to agree on. Jewel tones, sea-glass colors, blues and beige scheme are always popular and photograph beautifully.
A few quick guidelines:
- Avoid large, bold patterns — small patterns on a few people are fine. Try not to put every man/boy in plaid; it quickly becomes busy.
- Mix in enough neutrals so the colors don’t overwhelm the photo.
- Avoid everyone wearing black. A few black pieces are fine, but all black becomes a “sea of black” with floating heads.
- Plan for the weather. Layers under children and cardigans and vests are important to have in case.
Coordinating doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple, cohesive, and comfortable.
2. Choosing a Location
Make sure everyone knows the logistics: where to park, how far they’ll need to walk, and how traffic might impact arrival time.
For large families, locations should offer:
- A variety of landscapes. Areas for both standing and sitting poses
- Easy access for older adults, young children, or strollers
Your photographer will likely have suggestions — I always do!
3. Communication
This is a big one. The person who books the session should keep everyone informed with communication from the photographer. It’s as simple as forwarding the photographers communication to everyone as a professional photographer will share all the details.
Be sure to clearly communicate the exact session start time and remind everyone to arrive 10–15 minutes early. This buffer allows for last-minute fixes, wrangling little ones, and getting settled before we begin.
4. Setting Expectations
The person who booked the session already knows the photographer’s style, workflow, and what’s included — but the rest of the family might not.
Make sure everyone understands:
- What’s included in the session
- Editing style
- Turnaround time
- Cancellation policies
- Number of images
- Any other important details
Sharing the photographer’s portfolio, contract and relevant communication ensures everyone is on the same page.
5. Planning Family Combinations
Before the session, I’ll check in with the coordinator to find out which combinations are most important. While I always aim to capture everything — siblings, cousins, parents with children, solos, candids, and multiple full-group shots — having a priority list is incredibly helpful.
Before we wrap up, we’ll review the list together to make sure all the must-have images were captured.
Other Tips
One last thing that can make a huge difference during your family photo session: leave non-essentials in the car. Keeping track of cell phones, sunglasses, purses, water bottles, and jackets becomes a chore once we’re in the flow of shooting. Not having extra stuff always for more candid photo opportunities.
The less you’re carrying, the smoother the session feels — and you won’t have to worry about bulky items showing in pockets or ending up in the background of your portraits.
Ready to Schedule Your Extended Family Photos?
If you’re planning a group family photo session, I would love to help you create beautiful images your family will cherish for generations. They also make the perfect holiday gift.
Let’s chat to start planning your session! AudreyAlexanderPhotography@gmail.com
Documenting Life as Art. Maternity, Newborn, Family, Senior & Personal Branding Photographer. 