extended family photoshoot at beach

It might sound a bit cliché, but it truly feels like the world is spinning faster these days. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom of littles (who are no longer so little), or maybe we really do live at a faster pace. However, in the middle of all this running around, I can’t help but think back to my own childhood and how easygoing life felt. More than anything, I remember the connections, conversations, and sweet time spent with loved ones. 

I’ll never take for granted those long talks with my grandmother and how much wisdom she spoke into my life. When I look back to photos from school events and family gatherings, I’m reminded of all the milestones and beautiful in-between moments that have led to where I am today.

All that to say, even amid these busy lives we lead, I can’t encourage you enough to prioritize extended family portraits. Years from now, you will be so very grateful that you made a point to get everyone together for a large family session. It is more than worth the effort, and I guarantee you’ll love every minute of it.

large family photoshoot
family photos
couple's portraits, grandparents

8 Reasons to Schedule an Extended Family Photoshoot | The Woodlands Family Photographer

1. Get the Family Together

When is the last time you got the family together? I mean the whole family. I know it can be a bit tricky and you might have unique circumstances due to COVID, but if possible, use your extended family photoshoot as an opportunity for a family reunion. We can do it right here in The Woodlands, maybe at the WG Jones State Forest; or, I can meet for a session during a beach getaway in Galveston. Sunrise or sunset family sessions are absolutely stunning. If you need an excuse to get everyone together, here it is! Plus, no one wants to be left out of the family portraits, so they’re more inclined to make the trip.

Dazzling Diva Photography

2. Spend Quality Time

Sure, we’ll spend some time posing to get everyone in, but extended family sessions with Dazzling Diva are fun and sure to produce lots of laughter. I’m here to make it as easy and natural as possible. Before you know it, the we’ll have all the shots we need, and you can spend the rest of the day—or an entire weekend—catching up in person rather than through Zoom or social media. This is not a three-hour ordeal. Family sessions offer a refreshing break and help block out quality time for the family, and you’ll get some incredible photos you’ll cherish forever while you’re at it.

Dazzling Diva Photography
The Woodlands family photographer

3. Make Memories

Inevitably, when you get the whole family together in person, the kids will do something funny, you’ll discover an inside joke, and you’ll reconnect in a way you haven’t in years. In-person gatherings simply add so much more energy and meaning to the moment than you could ever have through a phone call or video chat. We could all use a family get together to help shine a bit of light during these pandemic times. Later, when you look back at these photos, you can reminisce on the fun times you had during your session together and enjoy the memories. These moments are what make life so beautiful! Don’t miss them. The to-do’s and appointments can wait. The memories and photos will last forever.

extended family photoshoot
Dazzling Diva Photography family portraits
extended family photoshoot

4. All-in-One Session

Because everyone is all together, this is also a great chance for each family unit to get a portrait or two as well—even a few sibling portraits, cousin photos, or an overdue romantic couple’s portrait! You really get the most out of an extended family photoshoot with several combinations of family photos.

Dazzling Diva Photography family portraits
extended family photoshoot
Dazzling Diva Photography family portraits
extended family photoshoot

5. Create Heirloom Mementos

My childhood memories get a bit fuzzy sometimes, but as soon as I pull out those old photos, the details come flooding back. If you have kiddos, it will mean so much to them that you took and saved these photos for them when they’re adults. The beautiful mementos can be passed down over the years. And, because you invested in professional photography, the quality won’t fade over time.

Dazzling Diva Photography family portraits
extended family photoshoot

6. Capture Milestones

It’s amazing how much can change in just a couple years. Kids shoot up like weeds (and parents usually discover a few more gray hairs). But those beautiful outward changes are sweet reminders of all the growth that’s happened. From precious baby rolls to toddler pigtails and preteen braces, you don’t want to miss a beat! And neither do the grandparents. Extended family sessions are great way to encapsulate how family relationships grow and change from year to year. These photos are truly priceless.

Dazzling Diva Photography family portraits
extended family photoshoot

7. Celebrate the Journey

That being said, an extended family photoshoot provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate how far you’ve all come—and also cherish what has remained the same. An extended family photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate pregnancies, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, new jobs, and new moves with those who have never left your side!

Dazzling Diva Photography family portraits

8. Remind You of What’s Important

Through thick and thin, these bonds are unbreakable, and it gives you a moment to take it all in and appreciate the special relationships in your life. It’s a fun reminder to never take a minute together for granted. These conversations and memories help shape you as parents, and they help shape your kids, too. It’s incredible how much power is in an image. A photo can bring you back and remind you of the most important parts of your life—your family.

extended family photoshoot

Book Your Extended Family Photoshoot with The Woodlands Family Photographer, Dazzling Diva Photography

An extended family photoshoot usually requires a full session. I am mostly booked for 2021 (check in for availability), but get in touch with me today to book your session for 2022, which will give you time to plan and coordinate with family members as well. 

I do have a few spots left for my upcoming seasonal minis. Large families may need to book 2 time slots. You can check available times, and book your session directly below:

Are you ready for a family reunion? Get the crew together again! And rest assured, I take COVID precautions very seriously to keep you and your family safe and comfortable during your session.

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