GILBERT AZ PHOTOGRAPHER | EXTENDED FAMILY PICTURES
As a Gilbert, AZ Photographer, extended family sessions are some of my favorites! I love capturing the relationships and connection that spans generations.
That being said… extended family sessions can also be some of the most stressful. There are usually a lot more kids to worry about than your standard family session and, the biggest one… coordinating outfits for several independent and often VERY different families.
I do my best to make the whole experience as simple and stress free as possible but here are a few tips to help you plan for the best possible outcome.
The 60/40 Rule – Outfit Planning
When you have a big group to outfit for extended family pictures Neutrals are your BEST FRIEND! As a general rule, 60-70% of what everyone is wearing should be Neutrals and only 30-40% should be colors. This rule should also be followed within each individual family.
For example. If you have a family of 6 people, at least 4 of you should be wearing primarily neutrals. For the other 2 family members, dress them in two different colors that look good together. Need help choosing what colors? Check out my style guide.
Follow the same process for each family, using at least 3 colors and no more than 4 across the entire extended family.
Make it fun!
If you want the kids to be happy and smilie, YOU HAVE TO BE HAPPY AND SMILIE! And not just once you arrive. You have to stay happy, light hearted, and smilies all day long. When you wake up, while you’re getting ready… the priority is for everyone to have a happy day and that starts with Mom and Dad.
If you can keep it up all day, it will bleed over into your session and your kids will be much more likely to smile (because they’re feeling happy and confident and secure in your love), and pictures will be a positive experience for them instead of a miserable one.
As a plus, this means they’ll be more likely to have a good attitude next picture day because they’ll remember it as a fun family memory.
I’d love to work with you! Please contact me to book your Gilbert AZ family pictures! To view more of my work and stay up to date, follow me on Instagram.
