Planning an Extended Family Session in Seattle

Getting everyone together for extended family photos is not a small thing. Between work schedules, naps, travel, weather, and trying to coordinate outfits for multiple families, it can feel like planning a small event.

But once everyone is together, it’s always worth it.

These sessions capture grandparents with grandkids, cousins growing up together, adult siblings with their own families now, and the people who are usually taking the photos finally getting to be in them too.

I photograph extended family sessions throughout the greater Seattle area, iserving families in Issaquah, Sammamish, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Maple Valley, Woodinville, Snoqualmie, North Bend, and surrounding areas.

What Counts as an Extended Family Session?

Extended family sessions usually include multiple families together instead of just one household.

That can include:

• Grandparents

• Adult siblings

• Cousins

• Individual family groupings

• The full family together

During the session, I photograph a mix of traditional group photos along with more natural interaction and candid moments.

Choosing a Location for Extended Family Photos in Seattle

One of the biggest things people don’t realize is that not every beautiful location works well for a large family session.

For extended family photos, I’m looking for places with:

• Easy walking access

• Space for larger groupings

• Good light close to sunset

• Enough room for kids to move around

The greater Seattle area has so many beautiful options for this: open fields, mountain views, and parks all photograph beautifully when the lighting and space work well for a bigger group.

What Should Everyone Wear?

The easiest way to make photos look cohesive is coordinating instead of matching.

I usually recommend:

• Neutral tones

• Earthy colors

• Soft textures

• Avoiding bright neon colors or large graphics

You do not need everyone in white shirts and jeans for the photos to look good.

What If the Kids Aren’t Cooperating?

This is probably the biggest stress families have before a session.

Kids do not need to stand perfectly still smiling at the camera the whole time.

Some of my favorite images happen in between:

• A grandparent holding a child

• Cousins laughing together

• Parents comforting their toddler

• Kids running back to their family

I guide sessions in a way that still allows kids to be kids while making sure we get the photos everyone wants.

Why Extended Family Photos Matter

These sessions are not just about getting one photo for a Christmas card.

They document an entire season of your family.

The grandparents.

The little cousins while they’re still little.

The relationships between generations.

And sometimes these are the only professional photos families have with everyone together.

Seattle Extended Family Photographer

I photograph extended family sessions at hand-selected locations in the greater Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest with a relaxed, natural approach. My goal is to help families feel comfortable and create photos that actually feel like them.

If you’ve been thinking about scheduling extended family photos in Seattle or the greater Seattle area, I’d love to help you plan a session together!

Book Here