Extended Family Photoshoot Tips
Planning an extended family photoshoot? First off—amazing! There’s nothing quite like capturing the love and connection between multiple generations in one frame. But let’s be real—getting everyone together (and actually looking at the camera) is no small feat. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my top extended family photoshoot tips to make the experience fun, relaxed, and totally stress-free!
Tell Your Photographer Who’s Coming
If extended family members—or even nannies—are going to be part of the shoot, let your photographer know in advance! This helps ensure we choose a location that works for everyone and schedule enough time to get a variety of poses. Keep in mind that I charge extra for each person beyond immediate family to make sure we have the time to get multiple great shots with everyone.
Make Sure Your Grandparents Know What to Expect
Grandparents are the heart of extended family photos, and we want them to feel comfortable and included. Before the shoot, let them know how things will flow—where it will take place, how long it will last, and any seating or standing arrangements they should expect. If mobility is a concern, we’ll make sure they have a comfy spot and won’t be moving around too much. The goal? Keep them happy and stress-free so we can capture their warmth and wisdom beautifully.
Tell Your Photographer About Mobility Concerns
If anyone in your family has mobility challenges, let me know ahead of time so I can choose an accessible location. We’ll make sure everyone is comfortable and positioned in a way that makes them look and feel great in the photos.
Expect More Posed Images with Large Groups
When you have a big family, posed shots help ensure everyone is included and looking their best. Candid moments are wonderful, but with a large group, they naturally become fewer. To make sure no important combinations are missed, I’ll send out a questionnaire ahead of time with a section to fill out the list of groupings you want. This way, we can work through it efficiently and capture all the connections that matter.
Plan for Extended Family in Newborn or At-Home Shoots
If extended family members will only be in a few photos for a newborn or at-home shoot, we’ll do those shots at the beginning. That way, they can take a break or head home afterward. Having a large group around can be distracting for young kids, with lots of people talking to them and trying to get their attention. Once their part of the shoot is done, they can relax and let us focus on capturing those quiet, intimate moments.
Go with the Flow
With multiple families and lots of personalities, things won’t always go exactly as planned—and that’s totally okay! Some of the best photos happen when everyone is just being themselves. The key is to relax, have fun, and trust the process.
If you’re looking for a San Francisco or Marin extended family photoshoot, reach out to me directly—I’d love to help capture these special moments for your family!
