Extended family sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. I keep things moving as fast I can because I understand how easy it is for children to become unglued. I always suggest you come prepared with snacks and drinks to help the little ones keep from wilting as they wait. But its also true that extended family sessions have always been a party! The kids play with cousins and the adults chat. I love that I get to be a part of the family reunion.

1. Traditional Group Photo.

This means a photo of everyone in the group looking at the camera. This is usually the first photo of the session because I know that it’s important, plus all the kids are still willing to stand still. I do head swaps if I need to, but try my best to get it right straight out of camera.

2. Each family gets their own Mini Session.

We do the whole group. We then focus on Grandpa and Grandma. They get their own duo photos along with grand-kids only, adults only, individual portraits of each grandchild, and any other combinations that Grandpa and Grandma want. But after that I then focus on each family unit and spend about 10-15 minutes with each individual family getting photos of them.

3. Each family gets access to the entire gallery of images.

Extended family galleries are big. I promise 20 images to Grandma and Grandpa of the first set of photos with the whole group, grandkids group photo, individual head shots of each grandchild, candid shots, etc. Then I promise 8-10 images per family mini session. The gallery of high resolution digital files is open for downloading. This means you can make calendars, photo books, photo magnets, mouse pads, puzzles, blankets, mugs, prints for your walls, large poster size prints…the options are endless! Christmas gift ideas abound.

4. Lifestyle Photos

We do the traditional family portraits but, the candid photos still must happen! So you will also find lifestyle photos scattered throughout the gallery as well. These happen during the breakout sessions of each family as well as randomly during the session.

5. Portrait photos of each grandchild.

This is great time to update the grandchild wall or photo book.

One last note, to prepare your younger children for a photo session I advise you r ead this post.

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