The holidays tend to bring everyone home. Grandparents, siblings, cousins from out of town – suddenly your quiet, everyday routine is replaced with full houses, shared meals, and children running around in their festive best. It’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s fleeting.
And sometimes, in the midst of all the wrapping paper and “where’s the stuffing?” moments, there’s this tug at your heart. A whisper that says: “You’ll want to remember this.” I’ve felt it, and I know you might have too.
One of my most touching sessions came from that very feeling. A grandmother’s daughters surprised her during their holiday visit with a family photo session. She didn’t know until I arrived that it was all for her. And later, when she received the finished heirloom album, she called me in tears to tell me how meaningful this book of beautiful memories of her family was to her. That kind of joy, is truly such a gift, not just to your family members, but to me as well.
So if you’re wondering whether it’s too much to organize portraits when everyone’s in town, I’m here to tell you: we can absolutely make it doable, relaxed, and meaningful.
Why These Sessions Matter More Than Ever
I know the thought of gathering your entire extended family for a portrait session can feel a little… intense.
Different personalities, different schedules, kids who may or may not nap on time. Add to that the pressure of wanting everything to go “just right,” and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before anyone says “cheese.”
But here’s what I believe: your family’s real, unscripted connection is always enough.
When I photograph extended families – especially during the holidays – what I’m really doing is preserving a moment in your family’s history. It might be the first time cousins meet, or the last time you’re all together in one place for a while. These images become woven into your legacy, passed down through albums, prints, and stories told around the table for years.
And yes, making it feel effortless is possible. It just takes intention, a little planning, and the right mindset going in.
Tips for Photographing Extended Family During the Holidays
1. Plan Ahead With a Purpose
Before we ever pull out a camera, we’ll have a planning call. We’ll talk through the group dynamics, logistics, and most importantly – what feels meaningful to you.
- Is this session a gift for someone special?
- Are there any mobility or accessibility concerns we should work around?
- Would you prefer to photograph in your home, in your parents’ backyard, or at a local park?
I also help you build a cohesive wardrobe palette for the group, so everyone feels confident without feeling like they’re matching for a family band album cover. Coordinating, not cloning – that’s our goal.
2. Set Expectations and Let Go of Perfection
The biggest gift you can give yourself during these sessions? Let go of the idea that everyone has to behave perfectly.
Young kids may need a break. Someone might crack a joke during the “serious” pose. That’s okay. Actually, it’s more than okay – it’s where the magic happens.
My favorite advice for parents: Kids are cute, no matter what they’re doing. If the adults are calm and happy, we’ll capture portraits full of warmth and connection. And I’ll direct you in ways that feel natural and easy – never stiff or forced.
3. Keep the Session Flowing with Gentle Guidance
When working with multiple generations, I take the lead in gently directing the flow of the session:
- We’ll start with whole group images while everyone’s fresh.
- Then I’ll break down into smaller pairings and family units (think grandparents with grandkids, siblings together, etc.).
- I’m watching light, mood, and energy levels throughout. If toddlers need to wiggle for a bit, we pause. If grandparents need a seat, I’ve thought of that in advance.
Every family is different, and it’s my job to capture each one honestly and beautifully.
4. Create Tangible Keepsakes to Treasure
One of the best parts of photographing extended family during the holidays is knowing these memories won’t just live on a phone.
That grandmother I mentioned earlier didn’t just receive digital files. Her daughters had me design a custom heirloom album, thoughtfully curated to reflect the love and warmth of that day.
From wall galleries to framed prints and keepsake albums, I’ll help you turn these portraits into artwork that lives in your home – not hidden in a folder. And yes, I help with all of it, from image selection to design to professional installation.
The Heart Behind It All
Holiday sessions with extended family can be a little wild at times, yes. But they are also full of meaning. They allow you to hit pause, just for an afternoon, and celebrate everything that brought you here – your roots, your love, your shared stories.
These sessions aren’t just about how you look. They’re about how it felt.
That’s why I approach every extended family session like the gift it truly is – and make sure it’s simple, fun, and thoughtfully guided from start to finish.
Let’s Make This Holiday Session One to Remember
If your parents or relatives are visiting this year, and you’ve ever thought, “Maybe we should capture this while we’re all together,” I’d love to help you make that happen.
Whether we meet in your home or on a golden-lit Florida afternoon, I promise to keep the process warm, easy, and beautifully meaningful.
Let’s connect early and get your extended family session on the calendar. Then you can check one more thing off your busy to-do list – and look forward to smiling faces and memories that last well beyond the season.
Reach out to plan your extended family holiday session
Why Rooted Love?
As a full service family photographer in Orlando, FL, when you work with me, not only will you get beautiful and timeless imagery of you with your family, I will also take you through my luxury experience featuring complimentary designs for your walls and heirloom album. I’ve done all the research and have tried all the brands.
The luxury products I offer are the highest archival quality. We spend so much time in our homes, making decisions on decor, shouldn’t your artwork reflect your personal style and be jaw droppingly gorgeous?! Your artwork will be enjoyed by you and your loved ones every, single day…AND then passed down for generations.
I am here to guide you through the design process as we curate your memories into stunning artwork for your home. We will work together to style your simple hallway wall or a more intricate stairway design with custom art, showcasing your family’s love.
If your family is interested in a lifestyle portrait session in the Orlando, FL area to document this season or to celebrate a special milestone in your life, please reach out for information!
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