Gathering your extended family for a photo session is an exciting opportunity to capture a moment in time and create lasting memories. Whether it's a special occasion, a milestone celebration, or simply a chance to bring everyone together, navigating an extended family photo session requires thoughtful planning and coordination. From selecting a date and location to coordinating outfits and ensuring everyone's comfort, each step contributes to the overall success of the session. The process can be both exhilarating and challenging (and by challenging, we mean stressful!), as you strive to capture the essence of your diverse family dynamics and the unique connections that bind you together. If you've always dreamed of scheduling an extended family session but have felt overwhelmed, this is the blog for you!
Choose an appropriate date and get everyone's emotional investment: Decide upon a date very early in advance, and emphasize making it a priority amongst your family members. The earlier you decide, the more that people can plan and create space for it in very busy schedules. Please consider the weather, sports seasons, and more. If not everyone is amicable or wanting to participate, decide which members you are willing to exclude and still have the session. Some families decide to go ahead even if other family members choose not to be a part of a session, while others want to wait until everyone can be included.
Think it through: Planning ahead and involving all family members in the process can help create a collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere. By discussing expectations, themes, and desired poses beforehand, you can ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. It's essential to strike a balance between capturing posed shots that showcase the whole group and capturing candid moments that reveal the authentic dynamics between family members. It's also super important to ask everyone what shots specifically they expect out of the shoot.
Choose an experienced photographer: Choosing a professional photographer experienced in working with extended families can be immensely beneficial. They have the expertise to guide you through the session, suggesting poses, providing direction, and capturing the essence of your family in beautiful and timeless images. They can also offer valuable insights on locations, lighting, and timing, helping you make the most of your session! The locations I'd choose for a single family session versus a large extended family shoot are totally different, and I carefully plan out what will work best!
During the session, it's important to remain flexible and patient. Large group photos, especially with children involved, can sometimes be unpredictable. Embrace the spontaneity and go with the flow, allowing for genuine interactions and emotions to shine through. Candid moments often hold the most charm and evoke the strongest memories. Please communicate with me if there are unique needs, such as elderly family members with mobility issues, children with special needs, or persons with disabilities. This helps me give you the best experience possible and fix any potential obstacles to your session!
Remember to take breaks throughout the session, especially if it's a lengthy one. This allows everyone to rest, regroup, and maintain their energy and enthusiasm. Bringing snacks and drinks can also keep everyone refreshed and engaged during the session, and rewarding little ones with something fun afterwards can help keep them motivated. It helps to also have everyone coordinate their outfits way before the session, so there are no last minute surprises or issues that need to be changed or swapped out. I'm happy to help with wardrobe consultations or questions, because I know it can be challenging to coordinate a larger group of people.
Above all, the key to a successful extended family photo session is to have fun and enjoy the process. Embrace the laughter, the inside jokes, and the uniqueness of your family dynamics. Let the love and connections you share radiate through the photographs, creating treasured keepsakes that will be cherished for generations to come!
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