3 Tips for a Smooth Extended Family Photography Shoot

I love the idea of a free-flowing, organic family photo session- but add a few extra family members, and things can get disorganized quickly!

1.) PREPARE!

Sounds obvious, right? But with extended family sessions, I like to dedicate a call (or late-night text thread) to talk through details! Who will be there, what are their relationships, what type of photos are the most important, what are the small "break-out" groups, are there individual shots (mom with each kid) or solo shots (babies/kids)? After I complete this consultation, I can create a Shot Flow Outline to help structure my shoot.

2.) STAGGER ARRIVAL TIMES

THIS makes all the difference to me! By giving smaller groups staggered arrivals times, I am able to knock out easier, quicker shots and build on the group as I go.

In this case, I asked Great Grandma & Great Grandpa to arrive first with Grandma. We were able to create an easy, comfortable start for a sweet, aging couple before the chaos arrived. By the time the whole group was there, we had shot detail shots with them and ensured they both had a comfortable place to sit and watch (and as it turned out, shoot the rest of their photos with their great

grandkids!).

This also gave a later start time for young kiddos to be sure and keep their involved time to as short of a window as possible! It's amazing what just 10 or 15 minutes of separation time can do to keep things organized and flowing!

3.) SET EXPECTATIONS

It can be tempting for clients to have the Pinterest-perfect image in their head as they walk into a session!

While I know I can deliver "the shots", I always help families understand that it won't feel like we got the shots in the moment. Often times to clients, even with the best planning, extended family sessions can feel chaotic or disorganized. Sometimes, they even feel a level of stress to "be sure they get the shots while everyone is together."

I like to mention beforehand all of the preparation that has happened and ask them to lean into the chaos! Honestly, the more your clients can relax, knowing you are on top of it, the easier the photo magic will happen!

So do your homework, make a plan, but then enjoy the chaos that is family! We all know that the tiny moments you don't plan for are where the best photos live!