Big Group Photos for the O Family :: North Andover Photographer
Meeting up with a big group for family photos is something I actually don’t do super often. But this big family is an exception that I make. Mr. R and his parents have been on the blog and social media quite a few times over the years. And they’re actually my neighbors! I first photographed the whole extended family a few years ago and since then it has become a yearly tradition. This family consists of the grandparents, their three children, their spouses, two grandkids, and a pup. The gang’s all here! You can see their session from the previous year here.
When it comes to photographing extended families like in this large group portrait session, there are a lot of different combinations that are important to get. A photo of the full group is step one. But then breaking everyone off into their separate family groups is step two. And then there are all the other smaller pairings. Grandparents with their grandbabies. The cousins together. A photo of the three siblings, and then another of the three siblings with their parents. So many different combinations, each one special and important. Typically for these larger group sessions I’ll have a list or spreadsheet that I bring along with me. This will have all of the different must have configurations. Then, depending on time, we can have some fun and make some more combinations and get some solo portraits of the kids. It all depends on what the family is looking for!
Styling Extended Family Photos
One question I’m asking frequently for family portraits–especially large group extended family sessions like this one. What should we wear? Styling any session can be difficult. And the more people involved the more stressful it can seem. My first piece of advice: don’t stress! My second piece of advice: stick with neutrals. This session is a great example. Everyone stuck with shades of blue and white. Jeans and khakis are both good options for pants. White button down shirts are classic and easy. Light blue is a gorgeous option that looks great with white and khaki. And having some pops of navy offsets the lighter colors in a way that is attractive and convenient. Great job, O Family!
For more in-studio and outdoor family photo sessions check out my most recent Family Photography Round Up blog post. And click here for even more from my Ideas for Family Photos Pinterest board.
Looking for big group family photos for your extended family? Extended family portraits can take a lot of coordination. But they are definitely worth the time and effort. Crabapple Photography is located in Andover MA and serve clients from around the area including Tewksbury, Dracut, Methuen, Haverhill and beyond. Kate McKenna has been photographing Massachusetts families since 2009. Contact Kate today to book your session.
