An extended family photo session in St. Augustine, while you are on vacation or family is in town over a holiday, can send dread through every part of you. But something that we should remember is it is ALWAYS worth it!!! But in today’s crazy 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.
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 PICTURES IN ST. AUGUSTINE
- 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.
- 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.
- Discuss Logistics: Extended family sessions require careful planning. Make sure that you photographer is organized and communicates clearly about timing, location, and posing.
- 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 go over everything before your session, plus you have our famous Client Experience Guide to always go back to.
IMAGES POSES AND COMBINATIONS AT YOUR ST AUGUSTINE EXTENDED FAMILY SESSION
There are certain groupings that you will want during your extended family session. One of the most important parts of the questionnaire that you will receive 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
A MOLLIE JANE EXTENDED FAMILY SESSION IN ST. AUGUSTINE
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.
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.
Are you planning a St. Augustine family vacation? Book your 2026 extended family sessions in St. Augustine, Florida! This would be an amazing time to do a family photo session!
AMAZING SPOTS FOR FAMILY PHOTOS DURING YOUR ST. AUGUSTINE VACATION
Beach Locations
There are 2 options that I think are wonderful for a large family session while you are on vacation in St. Augustine:
- Vilano Beach: It is less crowded than a lot of the beaches and an easy place to meet from anywhere in St. Augustine.
- Guana River Preserve: It has beautiful dunes and the long beach perfect for group pictures and individuals!
Nature Locations
These sessions are a little bit away from the tourist-y part of St. Augustine, but worth it to have a little more peace and privacy for your session:
- Nocatee Trails: Bridges and trails and green and quiet. It is perfect for an session!
- Ponte Vedra Park: Classic park pictures with green and pathways.
- Gourd Island Forest: This is lots of trees and has a forest-y feel
Historic Locations
Depending on the time of year, these options can be busy, but so worth it for the beautiful historic sites of St. Augustine. This might be a good time to schedule a morning session, because it is definitely easier with less tourists around.
- Historic Downtown St. Augustine: beautiful old alley ways and colored walls and cobblestone streets. It’s iconic.
- Castillo de San Marcos: Instantly recognizable and stunning. It is a classic choice. A lot of the time we can combine Downtown and the castillo.
I would love to schedule your family session while you are in St. Augustine! Click the link below to go to the Mollie Jane Photography website to get more information.
