I'm not going to lie.. Extended Family Sessions used to scare me.  A group of 8-13 (sometimes even more) people all counting on me to guide them, nail every shot and make the experience seamless?  No thanks!  But, we all have to face our fears, right?  So when I took my first one on more than seven years ago I learned just how FUN they are!  It's also very humbling creating these family portraits of everyone.  Think about how often you get to have everyone all in one place at one time.  It's not that often for some!

There is so much planning that goes into these sessions.  Choosing a date (we'll even choose two dates just in case of bad weather), coordinating outfits, preparing my clients how the session will flow, altering baby's naps if needed, finding the perfect location, coming up with a shot list and so much more!

The key to success is trust, go with the flow and have fun!  We'll typically start the session with our most important portrait.. everyone together.  My biggest piece of advice for this photo in particular is for the adults not to worry or stress about what the babies or kids are doing or where they're looking.  I am a crazy lady behind the camera.. running back and forth interacting with them making them giggle, tickling them, making silly noises, I even have a monkey that sits on my camera (IYKYK).  So when the adults are looking down at the kids and pointing towards my camera for them to look, it makes it more difficult to get that perfect shot.  So, don't worry.. I got this!

Aside from the big group photo we do a variety of breakdowns.  We'll capture the grandparents together, the grandparents with their grandchildren, each individual families and so much more.  Plus, I am always searching for those in-between moments when someone doesn't think I'm looking ;)

Like all of my sessions there is nothing stiff or forced about these posed moments.  There is so much guidance, interaction and movement so everyone feels at ease.  It's so important that you are comfortable in front of my camera and with me.

These sessions are so special for families to have but especially the grandparents.  It can be emotional to look at these photos.. your family fills you with pride and you have these to memories to cherish forever and pass down to generation to generation.

This sweet session was taken place at a favorite location of mine in Rutherford, NJ.

Click the link below to reach out for your Extended Family Session!