Tips For Large Family Photos

To make family photos a success, planning is key. The more people you add, the more planning you need! Large family photos don't have to be stressful if you keep a few things in mind. With a little prep work, pictures can be a breeze!

Make Photos The Priority
When I do large family sessions, they are often extended family sessions. Often, the family is together for another purpose and they want to get photos while everyone is together. The problem arises when photos are something you try to squeeze in to the schedule, rather than making photos the priority. When photos are something you have to find time for, they become stressful. When you know you're going to have family around who isn't normally all together, build photos into your schedule from the very beginning. Ideally, you have an evening that is just set aside to take photos.

Plan Ahead
Once you know that everyone is coming into town, you can start planning. You can contact your photographer to book the date and select a location. You want to have all the details settled before everyone has arrived so that you can enjoy your time together and not think about photos until the day of your session. How far ahead should you plan? As far as possible. Basically, once you know that people are coming, you should pick your day for photos and book the photographer. Two months early is not crazy. You and your photographer will appreciate it.

Talk About Outfits
The thing that can stress people out the most is outfits. Again, with a little advanced planning, this can be a breeze. I recommend that the person who is booking the photographer pick their outfit first, then plan their family's outfits and then tell their extended family the color scheme. Another good route is to ask the grandmother (if there is one) to pick her outfit and work around her. Keeping just a few simple rules of thumb in mind, you can get everyone looking their best with minimum stress.


Let's look at an example scenario. Jenna is married to Shawn and they have three adult kids. Jenna's parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year and Jenna wants to get some nice photos while everyone is in town. Jenna's siblings are all coming with their own adult kids and grandchildren. We have four generations here - Jenna's parents, Jenna and her siblings with their spouses, Jenna's kids' generation, and then Jenna's grandchildren's generation.

The anniversary party is on a certain date, but the family will be in town for five days. There are other events planned, but one day is reserved for photos. Jenna contacts a photographer to book them for that day and then works with them to select a location. The photographer helps Jenna work on an outfit scheme and she and her mom pick their outfits first. Then they select the outfits for Jenna's dad and husband before telling the rest of the family what colors/styles are planned. This is all done and settled far in advance so Jenna doesn't have to think about it again until everyone is ready for picture day!


I hope that helps you plan for your own large family photos! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments! I'd love to answer them for you!


You Might Also Like

• Matching Up Outfits & Locations
• Pattern Dos & Don'ts
• Say Yes To A Dress & Heels

Bottom photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash