The Ultimate Extended Family Session with a Photographer in 30A

Nothing says summer like golden sunsets, ocean waves, and a joyful extended family all gathered on the beach. As a photographer in 30A, I get the privilege of capturing families in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery, and this session was truly one for the books.

This stunning family came together for a beach session that included grandparents, their son’s family with three children, and their daughters’ families (one who had an extra special pregnancy announcement to share!). Their wardrobe was a perfect mix of pieces from the NBP client wardrobe and pieces they styled themselves—effortlessly cohesive, yet natural. The result? A gallery filled with a mix of classic smiling portraits and those candid, in-the-moment shots that tell a family’s story.

How We Approach Extended Family Sessions

Having worked with many extended families, we’ve developed a flow that keeps sessions smooth and stress-free. Here’s what that looks like:

• Start big: We begin with the entire family together—this way, we get that must-have group shot right away while everyone is still fresh.
• Grandparent love: Next, we capture grandparents with their grandchildren, followed by just the cousins together if applicable.
• Individual family groups: We move through each family unit, starting with the family that has the youngest children (because we know toddlers have a ticking timer!).
• Sunset magic: If time and little ones’ energy allow, we love to capture a second group shot closer to sunset. The golden glow creates some breathtaking images, so we always recommend families remain present for the full session duration.

Planning the Perfect Extended Family Session

Every family is unique, which means no two extended family sessions look exactly the same. Typically we’re able to get everything we need within an hour, but there are times when it’s wise to extend your time. Here are a few things to consider when planning yours:

1. Group Size – The bigger the group, the more time we’ll need to capture all the essential portraits and candid moments.
2. Family Dynamics – A session with mostly adults and older children tends to move faster, while sessions with little ones may require extra time to allow them to warm up to the camera (and take snack breaks!).
3. Gallery Style – With extended families, we focus on portraits first, ensuring we capture every important combination. If lifestyle shots and more organic moments are a priority, extending the session is a great option.

For families up to 10-12 people, a one-hour session is usually enough. If you have a larger group or want a more relaxed, storytelling-style session, adding extra time may be worth considering. Not sure what’s best for your family? Let’s chat! As a photographer in 30a, we’ve worked with families of all sizes and can help you decide.

Turning Moments into Artwork

One of the best parts of this session? This sweet family knew the value of printing their images! Grandma ordered custom frames for herself and each of her children so these memories could live beyond a screen. Learn more about wall art with NBP here!

An extended family session on 30A is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a way to freeze time, celebrate your family’s connection, and create memories that will be cherished for generations. If you’re looking for a photographer in 30A to document your beachside family moments, we’d love to help you plan the perfect session! You can reach out to our Florida branch right here!