Why Extended Family Sessions Matter | Simply Blessed Portraits
Life moves so quickly, and one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is preserving the people we love most exactly as they are right now. Extended family sessions are about so much more than just taking photos — they are about documenting generations, relationships, laughter, and the legacy your family is building together.
At Simply Blessed Portraits, our extended family sessions are designed to feel warm, connected, and meaningful while creating timeless images your family will treasure for years to come.
What Is an Extended Family Session?
An extended family session typically includes grandparents, adult siblings, spouses, children, and grandchildren all together in one session. These sessions are perfect for:
- Family reunions
- Anniversary celebrations
- Milestone birthdays
- Holidays when everyone is together
- Updating family portraits
- Capturing grandparents with grandchildren
- Creating heirloom artwork for your home
One of the most beautiful parts of these sessions is documenting the connections between generations. The hugs from grandparents, cousins laughing together, siblings teasing each other, and parents surrounded by the family they built — those are the moments that become priceless over time.
What To Expect During Your Session
We know coordinating multiple family members can feel overwhelming, but we work hard to make the process simple and enjoyable from start to finish.
Before your session, we help guide wardrobe coordination, location planning, and group combinations so everyone feels prepared and relaxed.
During the session, we photograph a variety of groupings including:
- The full extended family
- Individual families
- Grandparents with grandchildren
- Sibling groups
- Couples
- Children together
- Special requested combinations
Our goal is to create a mix of posed portraits and natural interactions so your gallery feels both polished and authentic.
The Importance of Being In The Photos
So often, families wait for the “perfect time” to schedule portraits, but the truth is these moments matter now. Children grow, grandparents age, and life changes quickly.
Photographs become part of your family’s history. They are the images your children and grandchildren will one day look back on and cherish. They tell the story of your family, your love, and the people who mattered most.
Styling Your Extended Family Session
For the most timeless look, we recommend coordinating colors rather than matching exactly. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, creams, muted blues, warm browns, and soft pastels photograph beautifully and help create a cohesive, elegant gallery.
Flowy dresses, layered textures, and classic pieces always add a soft, luxe feel to your portraits while keeping the focus on connection and emotion.
Creating Heirlooms That Last
Your family portraits deserve more than sitting on a phone. Many of our families choose to turn their images into framed wall art, canvases, albums, and keepsakes that can be passed down for generations.
There is something incredibly meaningful about walking through your home and seeing the people you love displayed on your walls.
Book Your Extended Family Session
Whether your family is gathering for a special occasion or you simply want to preserve this season of life together, we would be honored to help tell your story.
Extended family sessions tend to book quickly, especially during spring and fall seasons, so we recommend reserving your date early.
