“Have you done a group of 12?” Yes! Yes I have! On a few occasions in fact.
These guys were unique in that all the grands were itty bitty! Containing a set of twin toddlers is tricky on its own, add in big brother and their cousins! Oh and one cousin is vehemently opposed to sand. There goes half my game plan 🙂 Poor kid doesn’t live in Okinawa, or near a beach. It was all new to him.
This was a super special session. Mom & Dad celebrated a very big anniversary this fall and everyone was together for Christmas…with a stomach bug. It rained their entire time here except this very last day in Okinawa!
The Value of Extended Family Photos
Extended family photo sessions are really several family sessions in one. In addition to the large group, all the cousins, and adult children shots we also get:
- Each nuclear family solo
- Each couple solo
- Each set of siblings
- Grandparents alone
And that’s for every nuclear family in group, which means no need for fall family sessions and your Christmas card photo is complete!
Tips for Extended Family Photos
Nothing is easy about extended family photos, but its always worth it and I’m here to support you every step! But the hardest part is done: Everyone will be in one place at the same time!
Date: I always start as early in the week as possible – before anyone gets a sunburn, and several options for weather back ups.
What to wear: Use Style & Select for a custom curated idea list (All my clients get free access!)
- When in doubt, pinks and blues are easy and look good on everyone at the beach
Photographer: There’s so many to choose from! Tick of these basic requirements:
- Has experience with families – a wedding photog will not work here bc bridal parties are not the same as a gaggle of kids.
- Is FAST This can make or break your experience! A slow photog will make for a painful session with kids begging to be done. I’ve experienced it myself!
- Is flexible in your travel dates. You have a short window and weather is real. Make sure there’s a back up plan if the first date doesn’t work.
- Will come to you. Make it easy on yourself and make sure you don’t have to transport your crowd further than absolutely necessary. Less stress!
Owner & Photographer of Alison Bell, Photographer, she is also the circus ring leader of four boys, half-homeschooling USMC family.
Alison offers full-contact family photo sessions with wardrobe styling, sessions that feel like a party and custom print shopping. Even Dad has a good time!
She's on a mission to get your images in your hand, rather than gathering digital dust! Get an album and print dozens of shots in one place!
If you can't remember last time your family did photos, its time to chat asap!
Clients rave about how easy and enjoyable their session is and how their kids wanting to do it again!
Alison Bell, Photographer serves VA Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cape Charles, and Hampton in Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
Find her on Insta @alisonbellphotog!
