One of the greatest gifts you can give your parents is an extended family photoshoot. This is a gift not only for them, but for the entire family.

Let’s be real….do your parents really need another sweater, kitchen gadget or useless device they will never use? Why not take this opportunity to give them something that makes them feel special like they deserve to feel.

As a Long Island Family photographer , I am likely biased, but I believe that photographs are the best gift you can give. They are an heirloom gift and will be treasured for generations. I know…I know.. you are thinking, what makes an extended family photoshoot so special? I am going to take a moment to tell you exactly why I love them.

It captures the entire family together.

An extended family photoshoot captures the entire family together. Not only your family and your parents, but your sister’s family, and your brother’s family, too. I capture all of the different groupings that are unique to your family. In short, any relationship that you want documented will be captured during the session. It is completely customizable for each family.

With that being said, the most important shot is the large group shot that captures you all together in the same place. While this may be what people book extended family sessions for, it’s the rest of the photos that they cherish even more.

An extended family photoshoot captures the grandparents with their grandkids.

In most families, the grandparents are the foundation upon which the entire family rests. They are a rock to their children and show their grandchildren unconditional love.

I always take the time to photograph the grandparents with just the grandkids. This photo is the most important photo for me to capture. The bond between grandparent and grandchild is so special and every grandchild deserves a frame worthy image of their bond with their grandparents.

After this photo is taken, I will give the kids a break to run and play and utilize that time to take a photo of the grandparents and their “kids.” Most of the time, adult children have very few images of themselves with their parents.

Then we focus on just the cousins together

Depending on the ages of the kids, this point in the extended family photoshoot can be a little chaotic. It is best for everyone to allow me to work my magic. It is often tempting for families to call out to the children to coax them to smile etc, but that just adds to the confusion for the kids. I only want family members to try and get their attention if we need it. This portrait can take the most time to capture. Many times, it requires lots of head swapping in Photoshop because it is very difficult to get a large group of toddler children to look at the camera at the same time.

Then we focus on portraits of the grandparents alone together

We all want that magical photo of our parents. Most of the time, they have not been photographed together since your wedding. I try to capture these photos in an intimate and connected way. I want photos that tug on your heart strings when you look at them.

I always take the time to photograph each family individually

Think of it like a mini photo session. It isn’t as in depth as a full family session, but gives you a few photos of your immediate family together. You will have an updated family portraits and portraits of your children if we have time. I really try my best to maximize every single second of my time with you during this type of session.

Last, You get to let loose and have some fun

Every family sends me a shot list ahead of time that details the formal photos they want. Once those photos have been captured and are out of the way, it’s time for fun. This means having races with the kids, playing a game and time for me to capture some in the moment images as they unfold.

This time in the extended family photoshoot is about capturing more candid feeling moments together. While I will direct a bit to get people in closer, or to do something again, I am watching your family interact.

At the end of your extended family photoshoot you will have a gallery of photographs everyone will cherish for generations

Are you looking for more info about a Portrait session for grandma?

Message me today to discuss photo session for your family.