Extended Family Session Prep Guide

An extended family portrait session is a wonderful way to document special moments with loved ones you might not see very often. Our extended family sessions are just a little bit different than our classic family portrait sessions. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an extended family portrait session with Claudette Farthing Photography.

How We Define Extended Family

Extended family is an add-on to the regular portrait session rate. “Extended” covers a pretty wide range as far as what family members and how many. I usually apply it to groups of six or more if those being photographed are outside the immediate family (for example, a family of four, plus two grandparents, would be an extended family session). These sessions can also include cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and/or family friends.

With a wide variety of family members to photograph, I will have many potential combinations — I try to capture individual families within the larger group and any other combinations that you would like (like all the cousins together with grandpa and grandma!). Letting me know ahead of time if you have a specific list of combinations is always helpful. It’s so important to me that we have plenty of time to capture all of these moments.

Location: My strengths as a natural light shooter means that I really love outdoor sessions. A beautiful field is such a simple and gorgeous backdrop. We will hold the session wherever we want, but it’s very important that we work together to determine the best location. I have go-to locations in the area that I love and I’m always open to new ideas as well.

Time of shoot: Believe it or not, this is one of the most important pieces of the session. As the sun goes down it provides the best lighting for photos, we photographers call it the "golden hour", and trust me, it's magical for pictures. Evening light not only is very even, clean, and flattering, but it's also how I get glowing backgrounds if it's sunny the day of our shoot. Shooting anytime midday with harsh sun and shadows isn't flattering. Most session appointments will be arranged in the late afternoon and evening, which can vary throughout the year and be a little on the earlier side in late autumn. 

Happy Kids: Kids with full bellies are happy kids! Though evening time can sometimes conflict with dinner, please plan to have something filling to eat before the session. This is especially true for babies and toddlers, but really everyone. Naps and snacks before make things go so much better!

During the session, please don't stress about them behaving! I love photographing children, so I have quite a few tricks up my sleeve. 

What to wear: The name of the game is coordinating, not matching. The days of all jeans and white shirts are out! I recommend picking 3-4 colors. Picking just one color looks flat. Two colors isn't usually much better because if they aren't bright it can lack a little visual interest.

Here’s some styling tips:

1. Choose your colors first. Colors can sometimes feel tricky. I find it helpful to look at the color palettes here to find a what color palette I’m most drawn to. You will notice that my editing style is really well complimented by colors with rich tones and light neutrals. I recommend avoiding bright primary colors, neons and hot pinks and even opting for an ivory or cream over solid white.

2. Don’t match, coordinate. Layers and textures are two wonderful ways to make this happen. When adding textures, consider sweaters, lace, denim, etc.

3. Don’t be afraid to dress up! A long dress can be a simple choice with a huge positive impact.

4. Avoid wearing clothing with graphics, characters and large logos when possible.

5. Don’t forget to keep your location in mind. If we will be out in the field, your stilettos may not be the best option for the day but we can still make it work. As you’re putting outfits together, feel free to email me a snapshot of what you’ve chosen if you need input! I’m happy to help.

Check this Pinterest board for outfit inspo - (6) Pinterest

HAVE FUN!

When it comes to photographing children, you can expect me to say or do silly things to get real smiles. Adults, for the posed shots, just keep looking at the camera and smiling while all that craziness is going on. Otherwise, follow my direction, play with the kids and just have fun! For the times that you aren’t in the picture, you can stand back and let us interact with the kids so they’re looking right at us and not distracted. If I need some help, I'll let you know.

With younger children especially, I am happy to let kids run around a bit between posed shots. Letting them be little goes a long way in helping them warm up and we love capturing those candid moments. Lifestyle sessions are built around the idea of letting kids be little and embracing the fun and magic of playtime as a family.

Above all else, I want you to enjoy yourselves during your extended family portrait session. I'll do my part to make sure you look amazing and will give you directions as needed. For the most part, you can relax and do what feels natural; if we need to make adjustments, I'll let you know. Just have fun! Trust me.. the “we’re actually having fun” smiles are always the best ones.