It happens all year round here in the Berkshires, but most often in the summer holiday months of July and August. It could be a family reunion, a milestone birthday, or a family vacation, but adding family photos into your plans is a great way to remember this special time you are spending together.
What is an extended family photo session?
When families hire me for their extended family sessions, it’s to photograph multiple generations in one session, allowing me to capture connections between parents, grandparents, cousins, siblings and many other combinations. Our time together will go by quickly, but it will be run in a way that allows us to have fun capturing the entire group, individual family units, solo pictures of all the kiddos, and any other combination that you desire.
What to expect from your extended family photo session
While these sessions are different than your typical family session, the ultimate goal is the same. We will be focused on your bonds with each other. Extended family sessions are fast-paced and can last 30-90 minutes depending on the size of the group. I work in a way that keeps everyone happy, moving quickly and efficiently through the groupings.
I like to start with the large family group, as it’s typically the priority. Once I feel happy about the results of the full group, I will move on from that and break it down into individual families, grandparents with the grandkids, original family units, couples, cousins, adult siblings, and solos of the kids.
These sessions typically take place wherever you are vacationing together, or at a family member’s home, however, they can also be held at a location that holds special meaning to your family.
What to wear for an extended family photo session
I want everything to look cohesive for you, so it’s important to consider your entire wardrobe as a large group. These are some of my tips for my clients when choosing outfits:
- Choose 2-3 coordinating colors as a family, including a neutral. The colors can be different shades within the outfit framework, and work with each individual’s skin and hair tones, and play around with textures. Try not to wear anything too bright, even if it’s your favorite color, but instead aim for a muted version of that color.
- Within each individual family unit, have mom choose her outfit first, one she feels great in, and from there select the other family member outfits to match their individual style and personality.
- Yes, your shoes will be in the picture at some point, so make sure everyones’ shoes and socks look good within the greater framework of coordinating outfits.
- No jeans and white shirt for everyone, no khakis and matching colored tops! When you look too match-y, you’ll start to look like a team photo and no one can express their individualism. Don’t go for matching, go for coordinating!
Extended family photo sessions are so special!
I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my extended family sessions from this past year. It’s so special to see families gathering throughout the year to spend quality time together and it’s such an honor and privilege to be there to help document that time you share. Thank you for joining me!
READY TO BOOK YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SESSION? CLICK BELOW TO CONTACT ME!
www.chelseaproulxphotography.com/contact/
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