Extended Family Session on Sea Island: How To Prepare

I love this extended family session on Sea Island! The opportunity to do a multi-generational session is so special and meaningful. It’s a chance to capture the love and bond between family members of all ages.

The extended Benson family came together for this family session on Hilton Head! My connection was through Megan and Justin, as I photographed their wedding on St. Simon’s Island at the King and Prince. It was so wonderful to see this big family together after they had been separated for so long.

Extended Family Session on Sea Island

The family came together this summer on Sea Island to celebrate multiple milestones. Megan’s sister had a new baby who had recently turned a year old. It was the first time everyone was meeting her! It was so adorable. Plus, Megan’s mom had just turned 65, and there were also several wedding anniversaries. This family session was just a huge, loving celebration.

How To Prepare For An Extended Family Session

1. Coordinate Outfits for Multi-generational Photo Shoots: Coordinating outfits for a large group can be challenging, but sticking to a neutral color palette, like white, cream, and soft blue, can ensure everyone complements each other. The Benson family used these colors, which looked fantastic against green outdoor backgrounds. Keeping patterns minimal, such as the blue and white stripes worn by the kids, added texture without overwhelming the look. The result was a cohesive and beautiful family photo session.
2. Select the Perfect Location: Discuss a location that holds significance for your family or offers a beautiful backdrop. Whether it’s a local park, a family home, or my studio, make sure the setting reflects your family’s style and is easily accessible for everyone involved.
3. Prepare Children Ahead of Time: Kids can be unpredictable, so preparing them for the session is important. Explain what will happen and make it sound like an adventure. Bring snacks, favorite toys, or comfort items to keep them happy and engaged. Schedule the session around nap times to ensure they are well-rested and in good spirits.
4. Keep Everyone Comfortable and Relaxed: The key to capturing genuine family moments is ensuring everyone feels at ease. Communicate any concerns or special requests to your photographer beforehand. On the day of the shoot, encourage family members to be themselves, laugh, interact naturally, and focus on having fun. The more relaxed everyone is, the more authentic and memorable your photos will be.

Wrapping It Up

I’m so glad I got to be a part of this celebration of family! I just loved working on this family session on Sea Island, and it was great to see Megan and Justin again and meet their family. If you’d love to have your own family session, I would love to hear from you!

Not only do I offer full-service photography, which means I’ll help you every step of the way, but I also offer many great ways to elevate your family’s legacy, such as beautifully framed photos and personalized gallery design.