How to Nail Your Extended Family Session

You’ve finally talked your entire family into getting an extended family session done. And I’m talking, EVERYONE. Your parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews…everyone. So now what?

If you’ve landed on my page chances are you aren’t looking for JUST another family photo. You are looking for spontaneous moments, genuine connection, and real laughter from even the toughest critic. Of course, you want that perfect family photo but you also want the photos that tell a story.

Here are a few of my tips to getting the most out of your session.

Find a spot that is meaningful for you.

Now maybe this is just because I’m from South Dakota and it’s farm country. But almost all of my favorite extended family sessions take place on a family farm. Because EVERYONE has a history there. Everyone has memories made there. I get to hear so many awesome stories. Your kids have favorite spots where they love to run and play. What’s more perfect than a place you are already connected with?

Don’t be afraid to play.

Of course, you want to get all the combinations. But the magic happens when you let the session guide itself. When you let kids explore and play together. When you laugh and joke and pay more attention to each other than you are to the camera.

Okay, I get it. But what do we wear?

This is a great question! I have tons of great tips over on my What to Wear blog post! But the long and short of it is this, wear something comfortable, seasonably appropriate, and not so far out of your wheelhouse that you don’t feel like yourself. For colors, I always suggest wearing clothing that compliments each other vs matching each other. Mix and match colors and patterns that look great together. You don’t all have to be wearing the same thing. And accessories are a perfect way to jazz up any outfit and make it more you.

And finally, you need to just trust your photographer.

Interested in booking a session with me? Fill out this contact form or check out my questions answered page for more info!