The Herrell Family

Galveston, Indiana Extended Family Photography

FALL It is such a wonderful time to get the family together for extended family photography! The gorgeous colors, golden light and comfortable temperatures make it a prime season for large family pictures. This session was a gift for a special mom (that all families get to cherish)!

Have you ever wondered what an “extended” family session looks like? The Herrell family of 17 was so much fun to work with that I can’t help but share all of their smiles! They invited me to their parent’s home in late September. It was bordered by a beautiful natural field and mature evergreen trees. I like to start off the session with large group portraits - while young kids are still warming up! We do a variety of arrangements - some sitting and standing. Next it’s time to capture the grandparents with all of the grandchildren. Parents love to watch from behind - and usually prompt for giggles! When I have a large group of kids, I like to keep them moving and walking keeps their attention. Then I will photograph the grandkids individually with a variety of poses (sitting and standing) so that Grandma can have a BIG beautiful collage of her favorites - on a wall or in an album. Last but not least, I will arrange each family into their own grouping.

Getting a family this big together at one time can be a challenge so daughter Rachael scheduled in advance. I always suggest a weather back-up date when families are coming in from out of town to ensure that rain or wind doesn’t dampen the day. Here are some of my favorite tips:

What to Wear: Choose a color scheme (for example, yellow and orange) first. Decide what mom will be wearing first. (Because if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!) Next, anchor the men in darker neutrals (gray, navy, beige, army green, etc). Use the kids outfits to tie them all together - with a pop of floral, plaid, something fun and unique. Remember to layer - you can always throw on a textured sweater or cute jacket if the weather takes a turn.
Prepare in advance: Everyone feels more confident when they know what to expect. Talk to your kids about what will happen during your session. Keep it light and fun. But please don’t tell them to “cheese”.
Go with the flow: This is real life. The only thing your photographer wants is to capture your family’s connection! If a toddler isn’t cooperating, take the focus off the camera and start interacting. I promise you, there is no reason to be stressed about taking family portraits!

Still have questions? Just send me a message. I’d love to help you design an extended family portrait session that works for your family!