The holidays are a magical time for families to come together, and as a photographer, I love helping families capture these moments with photos that will last a lifetime. If you’re thinking of booking an extended family photoshoot this holiday season, you’re already on the right track to creating lasting memories (yay you!). However, photographing a big group with multiple generations can be a bit tricky, so I’ve put together some practical tips to ensure we get the best possible shots. Here’s how I like to approach extended family photoshoots and what you can expect when we work together:
Let’s work together to find the right time: I’ve found that timing can make or break a family photoshoot, especially when we’re working with a large group. The best time to schedule your session is when everyone is feeling fresh and full of energy. This way, we avoid the post-meal slump and cranky toddlers nearing nap time. If we’re shooting indoors, we’ll aim to use rooms with plenty of natural light, and if weather permits, we can take advantage of that beautiful golden hour light just before sunset. We’ll coordinate ahead of time to find a slot that works best for everyone’s schedules and energy levels (including elderly family members).
Outfit coordination can be simple: Coordinating outfits can really elevate the look of your family photos, and it’s something I’m happy to help you plan. While there’s no need for everyone to wear matching outfits, choosing a color palette of 2-3 complementary colors can create a cohesive look without feeling too uniform. For example, warm holiday colors like deep reds, forest greens, and creams look fantastic against winter backdrops. Neutrals like gray, navy, and beige also work well if you’re looking for a classic look. I recommend avoiding bold patterns and logos, as they can be distracting in photos. Let’s chat about your family’s style, and we can plan outfits that look great together while allowing everyone’s personality to shine. There is also no need to wear identical outfits, as you will blend into one another.
Don’t worry about posing or grouping family members, I’ll do it all: One of the challenges of photographing a large family is making sure everyone looks great and feels comfortable in the shot. Before the shoot, I like to get an idea of who will be joining the shoot: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins…so I can plan the best way to arrange everyone. Typically, I’ll place the oldest members of the family at the center and work my way out, creating layers with seated and standing positions. I’ll guide everyone into flattering poses, but I also love to incorporate natural interactions to capture more candid, heartfelt moments. We’ll make sure everyone’s face is visible, and I’ll give prompts to bring out those genuine smiles.
Let’s have fun! Let’s be honest: not everyone loves being in front of the camera, especially in a large group setting. But don’t worry: that’s where I come in! My goal is to make the experience as fun and stress-free as possible. I’ll keep the energy up with light-hearted jokes and prompts, and we can even play some of your favorite holiday tunes in the background to set the mood. If there are kids in the group, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to keep them engaged and smiling (I’m a mom, so nothing fazes me!). We can also take breaks if needed: sometimes a quick pause for snacks or hot cocoa can do wonders for keeping everyone happy and relaxed.
Candid moments are where the magic lies: While posed family photos are great for the holiday card, some of the most cherished photos come from those candid, unscripted moments. I’ll be snapping away throughout the session to capture the laughter, the hugs, and those in-between moments that really show the love and connection in your family. I’ll make sure to get a mix of both posed and candid shots, so you’ll have a beautiful variety to choose from when we’re done. If there’s a particular moment or combination of people you want to capture, just let me know: I’m all about making sure we get the shots that matter most to you.
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