How to Prepare for your Extended Family Session | Morristown NJ Photographer
I only take on a limited number of extended family sessions each year. The reason? They're definitely one of the most rewarding sessions I photograph, but they're also some of the most challenging! With multiple family groupings, lots of personalities, little ones who are ready to play instead of pose and the quest for that one photo where everyone is looking at the camera (does it even exist? 😂), there's a lot happening behind the scenes. By the end of the session, this introvert is usually ready for a quiet evening!
But then I get families like this one.
They reminded me exactly why I love photographing extended families. Everyone went with the flow, laughed a lot, didn't stress over the little things and simply enjoyed being together. Those are the sessions that make the magic happen and leave me wondering if maybe I should take on more extended family sessions after all.
Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session! And be sure to scroll to the end for my top five tips to help your own extended family session go as smoothly as possible.
5 Ways You Can Prepare for Your Extended Family Session
Step 1 ~ COMMUNICATION
Before your session is officially booked, I recommend making sure everyone involved has had a chance to look through my website (and this post!) so they know my photography style and what to expect on session day.
Getting one family together for photos can be a challenge. Add in a few more families, different schedules, excited grandparents, energetic kids and things can get a little chaotic! The more everyone knows what to expect ahead of time, the smoother and more enjoyable the session will be for everyone.
Step 2 ~ Keep that Communication Going
Yep...I'm talking about communication again! 😊
One of the best things you can do is keep everyone in the loop throughout the planning process. Some of my clients even create a family group text or email just for the session, which makes sharing updates super easy.
Before your session, I'll work with one designated point person to create a shot list. That person should also be the one booking the session and communicating with me. Having one main contact helps everything stay organized and keeps the session running smoothly.
Please make sure everyone has a chance to review the shot list ahead of time so there aren't any surprises on session day. Because extended family sessions have a lot to fit into, I typically stick closely to our planned list. That means if someone decides they'd love a birthday cake smash, LinkedIn headshots or another special request at the last minute, we'll save those for a separate session where they can have the time and attention they deserve.
So what does a typical extended family shot list look like? I'm so glad you asked!
Every family is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all list. I'll work with you to create a shot list that fits your family's unique dynamic, but here's an example of what one might look like.
Entire extended family
Grandparents with all the grandchildren
Adult siblings
All the cousins together
Individual family portraits if this is something you would like (each immediate family)
Grandparents with their adult children
Grandma with the grandchildren
Grandpa with the grandchildren
Adults only
This is just a sample! We'll work together beforehand to create a shot list that fits your family's unique dynamic and any must have groupings.
Step 3 ~ Styling
Choose one point person to help coordinate everyone's outfits. The goal is to coordinate, not match! Pick 2 to 3 complementary colors and let each family member mix in different patterns, textures, and styles. This family is a perfect example. Their outfits looked cohesive without everyone wearing the exact same thing.
Having one person help organize outfits also makes it much easier to keep everyone on the same page and takes a lot of the stress out of planning.
I am also happy to help put a style board together or you can use my styling service to help coordinate family outfits! It’s fun to use! Use code ALSJSTYLE to get in.
Step 4 ~ Fill Up Your Tummies
A well-fed family is a happy family! Making sure everyone has eaten before the session can make a huge difference, especially for little ones (and hungry adults!).
If I skip a meal, I'm counting down the minutes until I can eat again. Chances are, your family will feel the same! Whether you're planning a fun dinner together after the session or everyone is rushing to get there on time, please try to have a meal or at least a good-sized snack beforehand.
Just one request...keep it a clean snack! We don't want chocolatey fingers or colorful treats ending up on those beautifully coordinated outfits. 😊
And don't forget to bring a few snacks along just in case we need a little extra motivation for the kiddos. Cheerios, crackers or other mess-free snacks work great! Don’t forget the wipes!
Step 5 ~ Relax and Let Go
You've done everything you can to prepare. You've communicated, coordinated outfits and made sure everyone has full bellies. Now it's time to relax and simply enjoy being together.
Will the kids get a little silly? Probably. Will someone end up with grass on their knees? Most likely. Will everyone be looking at the camera in every single photo? Definitely not...and that's OK!
The best thing you can do is let go of perfection and trust the process. Resist the urge to tell the kids to "say cheese" or worry about every little thing. Instead, laugh, cuddle, play, toss those babies up in the air and enjoy your family. Those genuine moments are the ones you'll treasure most years from now.
I'll take the lead and guide you through the session, so all you have to do is be present with the people you love. Those are the moments that turn into the most meaningful photographs.
-Dawn :)