5 Tips for Your Next Extended Family Session: Creating Magic Together

Hello lovely families!

Are you thinking about capturing some beautiful moments with your extended family? Whether it’s a special reunion, a milestone celebration, or just a fantastic opportunity to gather everyone, extended family sessions are an amazing way to celebrate the love and connections within your family. I had the pleasure of photographing a vibrant extended family of 11 at the picturesque Île des Moulins Park in Terrebonne, Québec. The session was filled with laughter, joy, and the warmth that only family can bring.

Here are five tips to make your next extended family session a joyful and seamless experience:

1. Choose the Right Location

The location can set the entire mood for your photos. For this beautful family I suggested Île des Moulins Park in Terrebonne. It was a perfect choice for our session; its lush greenery, historical charm, and tranquil river views provided a stunning backdrop for our large family gathering. When selecting a location, consider places that hold sentimental value or offer enough space to accommodate a large group comfortably. Parks, family homes, or even a scenic spot in the countryside can be ideal.

Pro Tip: Make sure the location is accessible for all family members, especially grandparents and little ones, to ensure everyone is comfortable and can participate fully.

2. Coordinate Your Outfits

Coordinating outfits can really enhance the visual appeal of your photos without looking too matchy-matchy. Aim for a cohesive color palette rather than identical outfits. In our Terrebonne session, the family chose soft blues and pastel tones with a touch of magenta, which beautifully complemented the natural surroundings.

Pro Tip: Avoid large logos or busy patterns that might distract from the faces and emotions in the photos. Instead, focus on complementary colors and simple patterns that blend well together.

3. Plan for Various Groupings

Extended family sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to capture various groupings. Think about the different combinations you want to include: the whole family together, grandparents with grandchildren (my absolute favorite!), each nuclear family, siblings, cousins, etc. This way, you’ll have a rich variety of images that showcase the different relationships within your family.

Pro Tip: Share a list of desired group shots with your photographer beforehand to ensure no important combinations are missed during the session.

4. Embrace Natural Interactions

The magic truly happens in those unscripted moments of interaction. Encouraging genuine laughter, shared stories, and natural play can create the most heartwarming images. During our session, some of the most memorable photos came from the children playing around their grandparents, and the spontaneous laughter shared during the family’s storytelling moments.

Pro Tip: Don’t stress about everyone looking at the camera all the time. Trust your photographer to capture those candid, beautiful moments that reflect your family’s unique dynamics.

5. Plan Ahead and Arrive Early

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable session, it’s crucial to plan ahead and arrive a bit earlier than the scheduled time. This allows everyone to settle in, find parking, and familiarize themselves with the location. In our session at Île des Moulins Park, arriving early gave the family time to explore the park, allowing the kids to burn off some energy and making everyone more comfortable in front of the camera.

Pro Tip: Research the parking situation in advance and consider the walking distance from the parking area to the shoot location. Arriving early not only reduces stress but also provides an opportunity for some casual, pre-session shots as the family gathers and interacts naturally. This preparation ensures that you’re relaxed and ready to start the session on time, capturing those precious moments without any rush.

Conclusion

Extended family sessions are more than just photos—they’re about celebrating the connections and joy that family brings. I absolutely adore capturing these moments, especially when grandparents and grandchildren come together, creating that special kind of magic only family can offer.

If you’re in Montréal, Québec, or Ottawa and planning your own extended family photoshoot, I’d be thrilled to help you create beautiful memories. Let’s capture the essence of your family’s love and laughter, one frame at a time.

Ready to book your session? Contact me today to discuss your ideas and let's make magic happen together!

About Me: As a passionate family photographer, I specialize in capturing the authentic, loving moments that define your family. With a friendly, relaxed approach, I aim to make every session a fun and memorable experience.

For more tips and inspiration, send me an email contact@smileformycamera.ca

Happy planning, and I can't wait to see your family’s smiles!

www.smileformycamera.ca/famille