How to Plan an Extended Family Photo Session (Without the Stress)
Getting the whole family together for photos is no small feat. Between coordinating schedules, wrangling kids, and figuring out what everyone should wear, planning an extended family photo session can feel overwhelming before you even pick up the phone to book. The good news? A little planning goes a long way.
Here's how to set your session up for success.
Start with One Point of Contact
If you're the one organizing the session, volunteer to be the go-between for your photographer and the rest of the family. Trying to coordinate details through a group chat with 20 people is a recipe for confusion. One person collects questions, relays information, and keeps everyone on the same page. Your photographer will thank you.
Give Everyone Plenty of Notice
Extended family photo sessions require calendars to align, and that takes time. Aim to give family members at least four to six weeks of notice, especially if travel is involved. The earlier you lock in a date, the better your chances of getting everyone there.
Coordinate Outfits, Don't Match Them
Perfectly matching outfits can look dated in photos. Instead, choose a color palette of two to three complementary colors and let everyone work within it. Neutrals with one accent color is a classic combination that always photographs well. Avoid busy patterns and large logos, which tend to be distracting.
Think About Location
Talk to your photographer about a location that works for your group size. You want enough open space for full group shots, but also some variety in the setting for smaller groupings. If you have a meaningful location, like a family property or a spot you return to every year, share that with your photographer. Those details make the photos more personal.
Plan Subgroups for Your Extended Family Photo Session
The full family shot is the priority, but some of the most cherished images come from smaller groupings. Think about which combinations matter most to you: grandparents with grandkids, just the siblings, individual family units. Share a rough wish list with your photographer ahead of time so they can build a shot list and keep things moving.
Prepare the Kids (and the Adults)
Let little ones know what to expect so the session isn't a surprise. For younger kids, talk it up as something fun rather than something they have to sit still for. For everyone else, a reminder to arrive rested, fed, and on time goes a long way.
Build in a Buffer
Someone will be late. Someone will need a wardrobe adjustment. Build in extra time so those hiccups don't throw off the whole session. Arriving a few minutes early gives everyone a chance to settle in before the camera comes out.
Trust Your Photographer
Once you're there, let go of the logistics and enjoy it. Your photographer knows how to pose groups, manage energy, and capture the moments that matter. The more relaxed you are, the better your extended family photo session will be.
Extended family photo sessions are chaotic by nature, and that's part of what makes them so special. A little planning on the front end means you can be present for the fun part.
Ready to Book Your Extended Family Photo Session?
An extended family photo session is more than just pictures. It's a chance to capture the bonds, laughter, and love that make your family unique. Whether your family is local to Webster, NY or visiting from nearby Rochester, we'd love to plan a session that's easy, fun, and full of memories.
Book your extended family photo session today and create photos your family will treasure for years to come.
