Tips for Stress-Free Extended Family Photos

When family visit from overseas, it can be the perfect opportunity to get photos with the extended family all together. Whether it’s because the grandparents are visiting, or all the adult kids are back together for a brief moment, it’s a joyous and rare occasion to have all the family in one place, and the memories will be treasured from all sides for generations to come.

If that all sounds like a great idea but you’re worried about the details of organising so many people, here are my top tips for an awesome family photo shoot with extended family visiting from overseas (or anywhere!)

Let’s make it work for everyone

Take the stress out of the day with some intentionality and planning. In our planning meeting, we will discuss all the family members ages, likes and dislikes, and any other factors that might impact family photo day so we can plan a session everyone can enjoy and participate in. If older families members have mobility restrictions, or specific dislikes, let me know. On the other hand, if they just love a certain spot nearby, let’s include that and make the photos even more meaningful.

Include the family in the planning

The family may wish to leave it up to you, and that’s fine, but as much as possible let’s invite everyone into the conversation. If they have any questions or concerns, I’d love to address those ahead of time and help set expectations to make sure photo day feels inclusive to everyone. Your family may have travelled with limited outfits or be used to a regular style for their hair, let’s make sure we talk through ideas and help everyone to feel comfortable. People might have different ideas of what getting photos done is like, or had experiences in the past that don’t match the fun, lifestyle family photoshoot we’re planning. Talking about any questions or concerns will help everyone feel at ease and avoid any unforeseen misunderstandings or apprehension.

Be intentional with location choice

There are a few key parts of choosing a location that will help photo day be fun and accessible to all. First, consider any family members who may have mobility restrictions and let’s plan a day that they can fully participate in and enjoy. Also, if your family has a favourite spot, a regular childhood destination, a big family home where everyone comes back to, let’s consider using that as a location to enrich the memories. Time of year may also impact where we choose to go, and what outfits everyone may want or need. If we’re going to keep it casual at the beach or bush setting, if it’s winter and we need some cozy outfits, we will cover all of this in the planning meeting.

Choose a day with breathing room

When we pick the date, let’s make sure there’s plenty of time in the visiting family’s travel schedule so the photos aren’t rushed. The last thing we want is you coming from a breakfast and squeezing photos in before a tour or even worse, flights! Be intentional in picking a time that allows space for the experience to be enjoyable for all. If family is over for a longer period, consider doing the photos earlier, so that if weather impacts the day, we have room to reschedule.

Make it a full family experience

Celebrate and let the memories keep on rolling! Family photos can often lead to reminiscing, and since you’re all dressed up and looking fabulous, why not make an occasion of it and celebrate with dinner out. I love the idea of packing any old photo albums you have and looking over them after, telling stories and enriching old memories right after creating new ones.

Extended family photos are a precious occasion. If you have family visiting from overseas and wish to make the most of it by documenting the growing family, get in touch with me and let’s make some beautiful new memories for your family!