Extended family sessions are one of the most meaningful ways to preserve your family’s story, and this Thanksgiving week gave me the chance to photograph two very special families. Each group was unique, each setting was beautiful, and both reminded me why these sessions are some of my favorites.

How I Keep Large Groups Organized

Extended family sessions move smoothly when there is a plan. For bigger groups, I always like to create a portrait list before the session. This helps me make sure I get all the combinations that are important to your family. It’s also great for me to have everyone’s names so that I can move everyone through the list efficiently and keep the session relaxed.

This simple preparation ensures we capture everything from whole-group portraits to individual families, cousins, siblings, grandparents with grandkids, and any special pairings you want, without the session feeling rushed or chaotic.

Why Extended Family Sessions Are Worth It

Both of these sessions reminded me how valuable these moments are. Kids grow. Families evolve. Holidays change. Portraits stay with you. An extended family session gives you something to look back on as your family grows and changes through the years, it becomes part of your family’s visual story for generations.

A Texas Family’s Coastal Thanksgiving Tradition

My first extended family session of the week took place right on the beach outside this family’s vacation home. This family travels to the Alabama beaches from Texas every year for Thanksgiving, and this time they wanted something simple and natural for their annual Christmas cards.

The setting was perfect. They had sandy bare feet, warm light just before sunset, and the Gulf behind them with sea grass glowing in the breeze. Their group included Grandma on the mom’s side, mom and dad, two sons, a daughter, the daughter’s husband, and dad’s dad. Talk about effortless – all we had to do was walk out their boardwalk. What a dream setup for a relaxed, effortless session!

They were the sweetest family, so easygoing, and so connected. These are the kinds of portraits that feel timeless because they’re photographed in a place filled with memories.

A Multi-Generational Gathering at Home

The second extended family session was held in a grassy field with a few trees for some shade and plenty of room for the littles to run around. The family walked over from the family home where they had gathered the morning before Thanksgiving. This session included grandparents, their children and their grandchildren. There is something incredibly special about capturing multiple generations in one photograph. Yes, even the images where the children aren’t perfectly smiling at the camera. I personally cherish looking back at photos of when my daughter was small – 1 pacifier in her mouth, 1 in each hand. That was her at that stage – for families who have small children, that’s the goal.

I have photographed two of the smaller families before for their weddings, pregnancy announcements, and newborn lifestyle sessions. Seeing them again felt like catching up with old friends. Watching families grow over the years is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer.

Ready to Plan Your Own Extended Family Session?

If you’ve been thinking about scheduling an extended family session, I’d love to help you create something meaningful for the people you love most. Reach out to book your session and ask how I can help you use your portraits in your home through custom prints, wall art, and heirloom albums.

Your family story deserves to be preserved beautifully. Let’s create something you’ll treasure for years to come.