Extended family sessions
I photograph them every year, usually around the holidays when people want to take advantage of their whole families being together for once. I really made myself evaluate how to continue photographing them in a way that seems more than a shot list of photos to get through.
There’s usually at least one person that does not want to be there taking photos, there’s usually a crying toddler (or two, or... many), and making sure everyone in the photo looks great with a large group generally takes a good eye, patience and determination.
But the thought of having my own family photographed someday when we’re all together crossed my mind recently. My siblings and parents (and myself) are getting older and growing their little families at a scary fast rate and I would love to have this time in our lives frozen.
There will probably be someone who doesn’t want to be there, there will for sure be crying toddlers and it will probably be a challenge for the photographer to get us all in our prime.
So what’s the point of this whole thought?
I would want a photographer who understands how special and rare moments with everyone together are. And it will take effort to coordinate.
And the other point is… it is so worth it.
Being behind the lens seeing photos of family moments I’ve captured over the years and hoping to be in front of the lens with everyone someday is what made me realize it’s way more than just a shot list of family photos.
The truth is you can’t put a price on these memories together. Whether it’s a tripod, an iphone or going the whole 9 yards and hiring a photographer; sometimes it takes one person to push for something like this and it. is. worth, it.
