When I was a kid, one of my favorite activities was to look through my grandmother’s photo albums.  One thing I remember most about her (aside from the incredible arts and crafts she had!) was that she always had her camera.  When I went on my first trip out of the country, she lent me my first 35mm film camera.  

But she was always behind the camera. 

I have just a few photos of her and I together.  And over the years, the quality of the photos I have has sadly disintegrated.

And somehow, my wedding photographer never even got a shot of her and I together.  My wedding was the last time I saw her before her stroke and she passed a few months later.  This is the only photo I have of her on my wedding day.

Of course, I wish I had thought to ask her to be in more photos.  That’s one reason I love that I get to photograph so many extended families, as well as my kids’ school’s Grandparents Day every spring.  

So if you’re wondering, if you should include grandparents in your family photo session…the answer is yes.  It’s always yes.

But the question is, how do you find a family photographer who designs family sessions with grandparents in mind?  

The Perfect Extended Family Photo Session

I believe Grandparents are never an afterthought for your family session.  They are the legacy makers.  They share the family stories, give cousins common memories, and provide a soft place to land when the world gets tough.

With grandparents in mind, I create a family photo session experience that celebrates the love of grandparents.  I’ve created a system that makes sure you’re getting a stress-free family photo experience that allows you to create new memories with the ones you love.  

So what exactly is the perfect extended family photo session?  If you’ve had a rough time with kids cooperating in the past, a location that wasn’t exactly friendly for your aging dad, or photos that just didn’t feel like you, keep reading to find out what makes for a great extended family photo session!

Getting Everybody on Board with Family Photos

This can be a big one.  This is crucial because there’s nothing worse than arriving at your photo session and someone is mad because they’re missing the big game.  When someone isn’t thrilled to be there, it can dampen everyone’s mood and sometimes those emotions show through your photos.  

Many families who plan their extended family photo sessions have one person who collects everybody’s availability.  I recommend checking sports calendars, kid’s activities, and birthdays before suggesting dates.  It’s always best to stay flexible and communicate as much as you can!  People love being included and feel seen when their commitments are thought of while planning.  

Choose the Right Time

While the best time of day for family photos is an hour before sunset, sometimes we do the best we can to get everyone in the frame, no matter what the sun is doing.  

Another thought to consider: bedtime schedules for young kids.  When you’re trying to plan your sunset session in June, sunset is going to be closer to 8:30pm.  Planning a 7:30pm golden hour session with a two year old might be a little more challenging if the little one is used to an early bedtime.  But if you’re able to get the family together even a month later, sunset moves even earlier.  This is one reason that I recommend choosing a date in the early fall, when sunset is closer to 6pm.  With a 6pm sunset, capturing a photo session at 5pm is much more doable for many families with younger kids (and you get the beautiful glowy golden hour light!)

Lastly, consider meal times.  Now really, I see many families who make their session a family event…and honestly?  I LOVE that.  But oftentimes families will choose to go out to eat after (fair…less likely to ruin outfits!).  But if your kiddo (or husband!) is hungry, they may not be as excited about family photos as someone with a full belly.  While I do recommend bringing small snacks to your session, making sure everyone is feeling satisfied is super important for a successful session!

Curate the Right Outfits for Everyone

Choosing the right wardrobe for your family photo session is crucial for getting photos in the same style you use as inspiration.  From colors to textures, outfit choices can truly make or break your family photo session.  When styling a large extended family, you’re sure to encounter some challenges, but let’s break it down here to make it just a little bit easier.

First, make sure you’re dressing for the vibe you imagine…and that it works with your location.  If you’re a more laid back family looking for photos on the beach, you’ll want to choose fabrics that are cool and comfy, like linen, chambray, and lightweight cotton.  Your color palette will be cool and neutral, maybe pops of muted colors such as sky blue or sage green.  It’s hard to imagine a beach session in dark colors because of the stark contrast between you and the scenery.  

Likewise, if you choose a garden location, I usually suggest avoiding busy colors that would blend in with the background.  Keep it simple, light, and fresh.  I love choosing session colors using a color wheel — and complementary color combos are my favorite.  In a garden with lots of greens, a beautiful pastel pink or lavender would really stand out.  

How to Dress the Guys for Family Photos

Once you’ve nailed down a color palette for your extended family photos, you once again need to get everyone on board.  Keep in mind that some family members won’t want to go out and buy a new wardrobe just for family photos, so it’s always best to keep it simple.  I find dressing the guys can be super simple, no matter the location.  Khaki shorts or pants, and a light blue, white, or ivory collared shirt are timeless and always look great in a variety of settings.  In the cooler months, layer a jacket or sweater and swap out the boat shoes or sandals for some loafers or boots.  The key here is comfort; try to choose pieces that you already know will fit well and boost confidence.  

Let the Ladies Shine in Your Family Portrait

My advice for women—from grandma to granddaughter—is the same.  I want you to FEEL your best in your images.  I want to see your confidence shine through.  This may mean wearing an old favorite, or hitting up your favorite boutique for a new top or dress.  I do prefer more medium patterns in coordinating colors, as small patterns can be distracting and large patterns can overwhelm.  Long dresses provide great motion and movement in your photos and are flattering on many different body types.  When it comes to pants and tops, try to avoid overly baggy items that overwhelm your body; aim for balance!  

Keep Kids Outfits Simple

Lastly, for the kiddos, comfort is KEY.  Simple understated pieces work here.  (Although there is something quite charming about those little dresses or heirloom bubbles!).  Stick to the color palette if you’re able.  With kids who may be more sensitive to the weather, I highly recommend wearing layers in case they get hot or cold.  I do find it adorable when the kiddos match, but I don’t recommend having the whole family match (especially if one family unit matches exactly and doesn’t match the rest!).  

Choose an Accessible Location

This is probably the most important component of planning a successful extended family photoshoot with grandparents.  When there are mobility concerns, a sandy beach with a steep walk or trail with a long hike is not ideal.  

Some of my favorite locations for extended family photos have parking that is easily accessible and flat ground.  One easy beach I recommend is Shell Point Beach in Onset.  The parking lot is almost drive on to the beach, and the beach is equipped with handicapped paths.  If there is a serious mobility concern, it is actually possible to photograph from right at the edge of the parking lot to eliminate the need to get directly onto the sand.  

Another great location for family photos is the Governor Oliver Ames Estate in Easton.  Because this location has paved paths, it is easy to navigate with a walker or wheelchair if needed.  (This is a beautiful Trustees Property that does require advance permission, so if this looks like a great spot for your family, be sure to let me know when you book!)

The last great location I always like to mention is…right at home! Your home, or your childhood home, is such a meaningful place.  I am always happy to travel to you and your family so we can get those moments without the chaos of packing everybody up in the car.  Being at home allows you to relax, catch those intimate moments, and allow the kids to take a break if they need to.  At home sessions can be done indoors or out in your backyard (or both!).

Your Perfect Grandparent Photo Session Awaits

Now that you’ve done the work of preparing your family, gathering the right outfits, and choosing a great location…I’ll take the reins.

With a healthy mix of planning and knowing that big families need lots of breathing room (I’m a mom of FIVE!) I’ve developed an extended family photoshoot plan that allows for breaks, time to play, and special grandparent shots that highlight the legacy they’ve created.    

When you book your session, you’ll fill out a questionnaire that helps me gather info about who is coming to the session.  Whether you are bringing 5 people or 25, we are going to strategically plan your session so that each family gets photos with the grandparents as well as photos together.  

The Right Flow for Your Extended Family Photo Session

Typically, I start your extended family photoshoot with the large family photo…aka, the mantle shot.  This is the photo that you’re going to want to frame for the grandparents, because it includes all of you.  By doing this first, we are sure to get the photo before any potential situations pop up.  

Next, I’ll ask every family to get into their own group.  This way I can visualize the different groupings plan for the grandparent photos with each family.  Once we capture that shot, with each family, I’ll also take a photo of each family on their own.  This is perfect for gifting to the “other side” of the family!

Now we can get a little more creative if time allows!  I always like to get some playing shots, some different groupings (like aunts and uncles with the kids!)  I’ll also take another group shot with everyone now that we’re relaxed and know each other better.  I also love taking an “OG kids” picture with the grandparents, which is usually very special!

My goal is to always highlight the love and legacy that these grandparents have built.  When you leave your session, it’s always my goal that you’ve had an experience that makes you think…”wow!  We could totally do this again!”

When to Book Your Grandparent Photo Session

There’s never a bad time for a grandparent family photo session.  Life is just too short!

If you’re interested in a summer or fall session, I always recommend booking early as those months do book up.  I’ll help you choose the perfect time and location for your session, and I am always happy to help you choose outfits that make you feel your best.  If you want to see more outfits and color inspo, check out my post here.

If you need some help planning your perfect grandparent photo session, be sure to reach out to me here.