It probably seems daunting to try and coordinate an extended family session with so many moving parts and opinions. But here are 5 reasons it’s absolutely worth any inconvenience and stress.

ONE- A Family Bonding Experience

When you choose the right photographer a session is as much about a fun experience with your family as it is about the resulting photos. Plus when you’re truly having a good time it shows in the photos. If you’re already getting together for an event or holiday it’s even better excuse to schedule a session together.

TWO- Legacy Matters:

Photographs and stories are one of the few things you can pass down. Capturing your now in photographs is giving your future self and family a precious gift.

THREE- Your Parents:

Grandparents grew up in the age of film where professional photography wasn’t as accessible as it is now. Many haven’t been in front of a camera since your (or your siblings’) wedding day. Sure, they have likely been in countless iPhone pictures with the grandkids. However, it’s also nice to have an updated heirloom quality portrait of just them too! I am also willing to bet they’d love one of your family for their home

FOUR – Cousins: This is also a wonderful and probably rare opportunity for all the cousins to get a photo together. Fun and goofy photos of the cousins will become a family favorite for sure.

FIVE- Easy gifts for the whole year!:

Because extended family sessions allow for time to photograph the entire family plus each nuclear family, the result is a year’s worth of easy gifts! Family Album for the grandparents, canvas for your brother. Matted and framed print for your sister, picture fridge magnet set for your toddler. Christmas cards? Check. The possibilities are endless!

These sessions are FUN and crazy and busy and did I say FUN. Once you are all together in one place you might as well have a great time! Which is what I really love about these sessions, is that it’s a chance to all get together in a beautiful location and I am there to capture it.

Scroll through to see my portfolio of favorite Extended Family Portraits done in the last few years.