Everyone's Home for the Holidays: Extended Family and Grandparent Photos
The holidays are one of the only times all year when everyone is in the same place. The cousins are in town, the grandparents are here, and the whole family is gathered around one table. It's the perfect time to get everyone in front of the camera.
Why extended family photos matter
Ask anyone what photos they treasure most, and they'll often point to the ones with grandparents in them. Those images become more precious every single year.
Extended family sessions capture something your phone just can't: everyone together, looking their best, with Grandma and Grandpa right in the middle where they belong. It's a gift to the whole family, and it's one the grandparents will love the most.
What we can capture in one session
A multi-generation session isn't just one big group shot. In about the same time, I can capture:
The big group photo: everyone together.
Each household on its own: so every family walks away with an updated family portrait.
Grandparents with all the grandkids: always a favorite (and usually the silliest one, too).
Generations: grandparent, parent, and child together. These are so meaningful.
Siblings, now grown, "the original kids", all together again.
Tips for an easy extended family session
Pick a point person. One person handles scheduling and communication with me. It keeps things from getting lost in a giant group text.
Plan your shot list ahead of time. We'll talk through the groupings during our phone consultation so we can move quickly from one to the next.
Coordinate colors across households. Choose a palette for the whole group and let each family work within it. (Check out my holiday what-to-wear guide for color ideas!)
Think about grandparents' comfort. We can bring chairs, keep the session short, and choose the studio if standing outside in the cold isn't ideal for anyone.
Schedule around naps. Morning sessions often work best for the littlest ones.
Studio or outdoors?
For larger groups in November and December, my Overland Park studio is a great choice. It's warm, it's comfortable for grandparents, and the weather can't cancel our plans. If you're dreaming of an outdoor session with fall color, let's book it early, before the leaves are gone.
Don't wait until everyone leaves
If your family is coming together for Thanksgiving or Christmas, reach out now so we can find a time that works while everyone's in town. Holiday dates fill quickly, and once everyone scatters back home, it can be another year before you're all together again.
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