Family can make all the difference. As a mom of three little ones, I don’t know what I would do without the help of grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Not only do they offer my husband and I a much needed break from time to time, but they also have such special bonds with my kids.  It’s a blessing to see their relationships grow and change as time goes on. Photography offers me the chance to capture those bonds year after year. 

If you’re thinking of scheduling an extended family photo session in DFW, I would love to help you make it the photography shoot of your dreams! I know it can be hard to coordinate everyone’s schedules, preferences, and outfits. But I also know the effort is 100% worth it. You’ll never regret those sweet photos of your children and their grandparents, of you with your adult siblings, of the whole family celebrating the beauty of togetherness. 

Here are my tips for making your extended family session easy, fun, and worthwhile!

1) Don’t Match — Coordinate with Neutrals

This might be my number one piece of advice. When you have a large group for a single session, having every person match can overwhelm the photos, making them feel cookie-cutter. The joy of an extended family session is embracing the unique aspects of each family member! I highly recommended a variety of styles and textures in neutral tones that complement one another. Ultimately, this will ensure that your photos have that timeless feel and will help reflect that airy, natural-lighting that makes everyone look good. If you need help planning your wardrobe, I have multiple resources to guide you. 

2) Have a List of Shots

For every photo session, I do my best to give you a finished gallery with a variety of compositions. While I usually have a list of shots in my head, it’s so helpful when clients have their own list handy. Especially when coordinating a large group, a list of shots will help us get all the photos you want in a timely manner. And, trust me, a hardcopy of the list is a great idea: it’s so easy to forget one or two shots in the joyful chaos of a photo session. Are you wanting an individual photo of each grandchild with their grandparents? Do you want to make sure you get one of all the girls together? Did you need photos for each family grouping? A list will help us make the most of your session time!

3) Designate One Organizer

I know, I know. Everyone in the family likes to share their ideas. While I’m always open to client thoughts, it can make things a little confusing if multiple people are reaching out to me with questions and ideas before a session. That’s why I recommend designating one individual as the main contact before and after the photoshoot. Choose a family member who is great at organizing and keeping track of information. This person can contact me directly to share any questions and concerns of the group and I can know exactly who to contact to coordinate details. For parents of little ones, don’t forget to share my advice on preparing your toddler for a photography session. 

5) Don’t Be Afraid to Have Fun 

It’s so important to me that your whole experience—from the moment you book a session to the moment you sit down together and review your gallery—is one of joy. I know how hard it can be to get the family together: there’s nap times and travel schedules and grumpy uncles to accommodate. The last thing I want is for the session itself to be stressful or boring. That’s why I try to create a fun experience with laughter, natural poses, and candid moments. Don’t be afraid of the silly faces, the running and jumping, the squeezing in close. The authentic smiles and expressions I capture will help your photos appear more natural and relaxed. What’s more, it will make the session itself into a time of purposeful togetherness. When you receive your gallery, it will be like looking at memories of a family party rather than a mere photoshoot. 

6) Make it an Occasion

You’ve already done the work of bringing everyone together, why not plan a fun outing or activity for after your session? It can be a simple potluck dinner at the closest relative’s house, an afternoon at the bowling alley, or a picnic at the park. Sometimes, promising relatives food and fun can also help them be more amenable to the idea of a photoshoot. Ultimately, an extended family session is about creating togetherness and fellowship, so give yourself permission to make it an occasion.

Are you ready to book your extended family photography shoot in Dallas, Texas? Contact me and let’s make some magic!