An extended family photo shoot can send dread through every part of you.  But something that we should remember is that family is everything! Whether it’s your grandparents, cousins, or siblings, the bonds we share with our loved ones shape who we are. But in today’s fast-paced world, finding time to get everyone together can feel like an impossible feat. That’s why extended family pictures hold so much value—they’re not just photographs; they’re a celebration of connection, legacy, and love.  These memories will last a lifetime and you will cherish them far more than the initial dread while planning them.

Although you have an initial dread to book this session, it doesn’t matter if you understand how special they are. These sessions can be stressful, especially if not everyone is 100% on board.  It is not my intent, in this blog post, to tell you all the reasons why you should book an extended family shoot.  But I want you to know how to make it easier.

Find the Right Photographer for your Extended Family Photoshoot

1. Look for experience:  The first thing is to find a photographer that has experience with extended family photo shoots.  I cannot emphasize this enough!  They should know how to handle large groups and make everyone to feel at ease.
2. Check their portfolio:  Review their work to make sure that their style matches the look that you have envisioned.  I would ask for a full session of an extended family to make sure that they are willing to get the combinations that you would like.
3. Discuss Logistics:  Extended family sessions require careful planning.  Make sure that you photographer is organized and communicates clearly about timing, location, and posing.
4. Prioritize Personality:  Choose someone who will engage with every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, ensuring the session will be enjoyable for everyone.

At Mollie Jane Photography we have a full Design Consult where we go over everything about the shoot over Zoom, plus you have our famous Client Experience Guide to always go back to.

Images and Combinations That are the Most Important at your Extended Family Photo Shoot

There are certain groupings that you will want during your extended family session.  One of the most important parts of the Design Consult is to go over your goals of the session, but also, this is the time we go over family personalities.  Is there a 2-year-old that loses interest in pictures really quickly or a dad that acts like a 2-year-old.  By your photographer talking about this, not only is he or she prepared for your session , but your photographer will be able to organize your session to make sure you get the best smiles and interactions from all the different personalities and age groups.

A good starting point for a list for an extended family shoot with grandparents with their married children and grandchildren is:

Full group

Grandparents with grandchildren

Adult Children with Their Parents

Grandma and Grandpa with each family

Grown-up Sibling picture

Each Individual Family

Each set of siblings from each family

Individuals of each child

Each married couple (grandparents included)

Cousin pictures

All the girls and All the boys

An Extended Family Photo Shoot Design Consultation

This is just a start!  If you are a Mollie Jane Photography family, we specialize in fun, interactive pictures.  Making memories with grandparents, these are the pictures that you will cherish the most.  While I love the smiling at the camera pictures, the candids and hugs will touch your heart forever.

During our Design Consultation we will go over every other combination that is important.  Just being organized can also help a not-so excited dad or teenager know that there is a plan and that we can get it done in an hour.  Knowing that they only have to have a good attitude for a certain amount of time and I hope that they learn quickly that Miss Mollie is “not that bad”, she’s actually pretty fun and is getting things done efficiently and beautifully.

One of my favorite things is when we have a little one that really is “done” or is just not in the mood.  We still find a way to make it work.  I muster all the tricks in my book and, with the help of mom and dad, we always find a way.

My Own Extended Family Photo Shoot

We did an extended family session the month before we lost my dad to cancer.  I love all the pictures, but my most favorite was one of my mom and dad with my brother and sister and we are laughing.  It is how I want to remember my little family.  Always laughing. 

This image is tender to me and I want to create memories like this for your family.  And maybe it’s stressful right now, but there will come a day that you will give anything to hug and laugh with your mom and dad or brother and sister again and these images will fill a void.

This is your sign to book the extended family photo shoot the next time that your family is all together. Or! You can even schedule a time to get together just to do these pictures. You will never regret it! After the session and you receive your images and heirloom products, no will ever say that they wished that they wouldn’t have done them. They will be cherished for a lifetime!

At Mollie Jane Photography, we LOVE and specialize in extended family sessions. Click HERE to see another extended family photo shoot at the beach.

Are you planning a St. Augustine family vacation? This would be an amazing time to do a family photo session! Click HERE to contact me about Mollie Jane Photography family session! Click HERE to see what the weather will be like for your St. Augustine family vacation.