Multigenerational Family Photos: Why Grandparents and Extended Family Belong in Your Session
There's a version of your family photos that includes everyone who matters most - not just the four of you, but the grandparents, the aunts, the cousins, maybe even the grandpa who flew in from out of town. And yet, so many families talk themselves out of including extended family before they even ask. Too many people. Too complicated. We don't want to make it a whole thing. I get it. But I've seen what happens when families say yes to it anyway - and those are often the sessions I think about long after the gallery is delivered.
When One Person Changes Everything
I photographed a family session where a little boy was having a hard time warming up. He wasn't feeling it, and honestly, that's completely normal for kids. What shifted everything was his grandfather. The moment grandpa scooped him up and held him, the little boy relaxed completely. That bond between them - the comfort and the trust - showed up in the photos in a way that nothing else could have created. It was real, and it was specific to those two people.
That's the thing about multigenerational sessions. You can't plan for those moments, but you can make space for them.
Why Grandparents Almost Always Say "I Don't Want to Intrude"
This comes up a lot—especially during newborn sessions. A grandparent is visiting, quietly staying to the side, not wanting to get in the way. And I usually say the same thing: they should absolutely be in the photos!
Because that baby is going to grow up, and one day, they’re going to look back and want to see the people who loved them from the very beginning.
A grandparent holding a newborn might not feel like a big moment in the moment—but it becomes one later.
And once families think about it that way, the hesitation usually fades pretty quickly.
What to Know Before You Book a Multigenerational Session
We don’t have to choose between posed and natural
If your parents want that one photo where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling, we’ll absolutely do that. And then we’ll move into the more relaxed, candid moments. It can be both.
They don’t have to be there the whole time
Sometimes grandparents join for part of the session, we get those photos, and then things shift back to just your immediate family. It stays really easy and flexible.
Yes, it takes a little more planning—but it’s almost always worth it
Getting everyone together can feel like the hardest part. But these are the photos that tend to live on walls, in albums, and in your kids’ hands years from now.
These Are the Photos Your Kids Will Actually Want
I think about this a lot. Years from now, your kids aren't going to scroll through thousands of phone photos. They're going to look at the images that were made with intention - the ones that show their people, all together, in the same frame.
That little boy and his grandfather? Those photos exist because the family said yes to bringing grandpa along. And that bond is now documented. It's preserved. It belongs to that family forever.
That's what multigenerational sessions are really about. It's not about coordinating outfits or managing a crowd. It's about honoring the people who are part of your family's story right now, in this season.
Ready to Include Everyone Who Matters?
If you’ve been going back and forth about whether to include grandparents or extended family, I’m always happy to talk it through with you.
We can keep it simple, low-pressure, and actually enjoyable for everyone involved.
Reach out through my contact page, and we’ll figure out what makes the most sense for your family—whoever that includes.
What to Wear for Extended Family Photos (A Realistic Approach)
This is usually the biggest question once extended family is involved.
And honestly, it can feel like a lot—because now you’re coordinating multiple households, different ages, and different styles.
The goal isn’t to make everyone match perfectly. It’s to make everything feel cohesive when you’re all standing together.
Here’s how I usually guide families through it:
1. Start with a Color Direction (Not Exact Outfits)
The easiest way to keep a large group looking pulled together is to choose a general color palette and build from there.
A few directions that tend to work really well:
Earth tones: creams, tans, olive, rust, soft browns
Soft neutrals: whites, beiges, light grays, muted pastels
Jewel tones (great for fall/winter): deep green, navy, burgundy, plum
Once you have a direction, everyone can choose something within that range. It keeps things cohesive without feeling forced or overly styled.
2. Think About the Overall “Vibe”
This is something people don’t always consider, but it makes a big difference.
Ask yourself: do we want this to feel more casual or a little more dressed up?
Casual: denim, flowy dresses, sweaters, barefoot kids, softer textures
Slightly dressy: button-ups, structured dresses, nicer fabrics, a bit more polished
Either works—it just helps if everyone is roughly on the same page so one person isn’t in a formal outfit while someone else is in athletic wear.
3. Let the Location Guide You
Where we shoot can really help shape what looks best.
Beach / coastal (like Half Moon Bay): lighter tones, soft neutrals, flowy fabrics
Grassy fields / Presidio: earth tones and layers photograph beautifully
In-home sessions: soft, simple, and comfortable usually works best
Urban / city: slightly more structured or elevated outfits can feel really nice
You don’t have to overthink it—but keeping the setting in mind helps everything feel more intentional.
4. Comfort Really Matters (Especially Across Generations)
This is a big one with extended families.
If someone is uncomfortable—whether it’s a toddler, a parent, or a grandparent—it shows pretty quickly.
A few things I always keep in mind:
Shoes that are easy to walk in (or easy to slip off)
Nothing too tight or fussy
Layers for the Bay Area (it can change quickly, especially near the coast)
Let grandparents wear something they feel good in, even if it’s a little more classic
The goal is for everyone to feel like themselves, just slightly more put together.
5. Avoid Matching Within the Same Immediate Family
This is something I gently steer people away from.
It might feel like a good idea for everyone in one family to wear the same color (all white, all denim, etc.), but when you’re standing next to each other, you end up blending together instead of standing out as individuals.
Especially in a larger group, it can make things look a little flat.
Instead, I always recommend staying within your overall color palette, but mixing it up within each family:
One person in a lighter tone, another in something slightly deeper
Different textures or layers
Small variations that give each person their own presence
It still feels cohesive, just with a lot more dimension.
6. You Don’t Need to Coordinate Everything Perfectly
With larger groups, it’s not realistic to lay everything out or control every detail—and you don’t need to.
As long as you have:
a general color palette
a similar level of dressiness
and no one wearing something super distracting
…it all comes together really nicely.
And I’ll guide you through positioning and groupings so everything feels balanced in the photos.
If you’re unsure, you can always send me a few options or colors you’re thinking about. I’m happy to weigh in—this is something I help families with all the time, especially for extended family sessions.
Extended Family Photo Session FAQ
How do you handle large groups without it feeling chaotic?
I keep things moving, but relaxed. We’ll start with the more “everyone together” combinations, and then break into smaller groupings naturally. It never feels like a production—just a guided flow.
How long should we plan for a session with extended family?
Usually, about an hour to an hour and a half works really well. That gives us enough time for group photos, smaller combinations, and some candid moments without it feeling like too much for kids (or adults).
What if kids aren’t cooperating?
Totally normal. I don’t expect kids to perform. Some of the best moments happen when we let go of that expectation a bit. And having grandparents there often helps more than anything—they’re magic in those situations.
Can we include grandparents for just part of the session?
Yes, and this is actually really common. We can start with everyone, get those photos, and then shift into just your immediate family. It keeps things flexible and easy.
Do we need to pick a location that works for everyone?
Ideally, yes—but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. I can suggest spots around the Bay Area that are easy to access, have good light, and work well for multiple generations (including anyone who prefers less walking).
What combinations of people will you photograph?
We’ll get the full group, grandparents with grandkids, each individual family unit, and any other combinations that feel important to you. I’ll guide this so you don’t have to think about it in the moment.