How These Sessions Won me Over
I’ll be honest—when I first started photography, extended family sessions weren’t my favourite. They felt big, busy, and a little overwhelming. So many people to pose, so many personalities to juggle, and always one family member who really didn’t want to be there. I used to think, “This is just too much.”
But then, something changed. I started noticing the moments, the way grandma’s eyes lit up when she hugged her grandkids, the proud smile on a grandparent’s face as they looked at what they started, the cousins laughing together like no time had passed. It hit me: these moments don’t always come around often.
Extended family sessions are about more than just a group photo. They’re about connection, legacy, and love that spans generations. Families grow and change so fast, kids grow up, loved ones move away, and sometimes, the people we love most aren’t with us forever. These sessions freeze a moment in time when everyone is together, when love and laughter fill the space, and when memories are being made right in front of me and I have the privilege of capturing it all.
One of my favorite moments is always watching grandparents with their grandchildren. There’s something so tender about the way a grandparent holds a child’s hand or whispers something that makes them giggle. I think about how one day, those kids will look back on these photos and see just how loved they were, even from the very beginning.
What used to feel overwhelming has now become the most meaningful part of what I do. I don’t just see a big group anymore—I see a story, a legacy, and a love too big and important to let slip by without freezing a few moments.
If you’ve been hesitating to plan an extended family session because it feels like too much work, trust me, it’s worth it. The laughter, the chaos, the hugs, and even the goofy smiles; they’re all part of your family’s beautiful story. And one day, you’ll look back and be so grateful you captured it all.
xo
Sara
