The most important people in our lives aren’t just the ones we see every day.
Including grandparents and extended family in your photoshoot is a beautiful way to celebrate generations of love - and create timeless treasures you’ll be grateful for forever. And not to mention - you’ll be absolutely sorted with Christmas presents for years to come (because grandparents love a good photo present!
If you’ve been thinking about booking in a family shoot and you want to include the grandparents - here’s how we make it happen.
Why include extended family?
Life moves fast. And getting a beautiful photo of your whole family - including the grandies, the aunts, the uncles, the cousins - is something you’ll never regret. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for a family reunion - photoshoot followed by a whānau lunch? Big yes!
Popular combinations include:
Grandparents with all the grandkids
Full family portraits (all the siblings and their families)
Smaller groups (eg. just Nana with each grandchild individually)
Generational shots (like baby, mum, grandma, great grandma - love these photos!)
Planning your extended family photoshoot
There are a few things to consider when you’re booking a photoshoot for your extended family - as with a few more people to organise, there are some logistics to consider and more outfits to coordinate. But don’t stress, and don’t overthink it - at the end of the day, it’s all about seeing your beautiful faces together, and I’m here to help with the tricky stuff!
1. Coordinating outfits:
Pick a colour palette - like blues and neutrals or earthy tones - and suggest that everyone dress within it. This keeps things cohesive without being too matchy.
2. Choosing a location:
Some ideas:
A family home with sentimental value - always comfortable and cosy!
A beautiful park or beach - especially if it’s somewhere the family has an emotional connection to.
My studio for a timeless, weather-proof option
3. Timing:
Mid-morning is usually best for lighting, kids’ moods, and energy levels - but I’m flexible and can work around your schedule!
Tips for a smooth day
I’m known to always come prepared - and along the way I’ve picked up a few key tricks to make sure things run smoothly! If you’re coordinating your family for a photoshoot, I would highly recommend:
Bring snacks and water.
Bring a favourite toy or blanket for young kids.
Have a back-up plan for rain if we’re outdoors (I’m always happy to help organise this!)
Above all, bring the laughter! Candid giggles between grandparents and little ones are the moments you’ll treasure most, so come ready to have fun.
What to do with your photos
The best part of an extended family photoshoot is that it’s like a gift to everyone involved - and there are endless possibilities for pressies, too! A few ideas that I’ve had clients do:
Create a photo book for Christmas gifts
Frame special prints for milestone birthdays or anniversaries
Update family galleries and albums
Share digital copies with relatives overseas
Wanna get the ball rolling on an extended family photoshoot? Pop me a message and I’ll get things started - and otherwise, take a peek at some gorgeous families I’ve had the pleasure of working with recently.
