When Cecily first got in touch, she explained that her entire family would be travelling to Glasgow at the end of June to celebrate her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. With twelve people coming together, eight adults and four children, she wanted to mark the occasion with photographs that felt meaningful rather than formal.
Extended family photography in Glasgow often centres around moments like this. A rare gathering, a milestone worth remembering, and the simple joy of having everyone in one place at the same time.
A relaxed start at Kelvingrove Museum
We began the session at the quieter side of Kelvingrove Museum, which works beautifully for larger family groups. There’s space to spread out, interesting architecture, and room for everyone to ease into the session without feeling rushed.
The kids were brilliant from the start, engaged, curious, and genuinely enjoying themselves. With no toddlers in the group and children who were happy to join in, we were able to move fluidly between full group photos, smaller family combinations, and candid moments.
Extended family sessions work best when there’s space to let things unfold naturally, and Kelvingrove offered exactly that.
Mixing group portraits with natural moments
For a large family photoshoot in Glasgow, variety is key. During the session we captured:
- The full family together
- Individual family units
- Grandparents with grandchildren
- Siblings and cousins interacting
- Plenty of movement and laughter in between
We played simple games, had piggyback rides for all the couples (everyone except the grandparents), and let the children set the pace when it felt right. These moments often lead to the most honest photographs, the ones families return to years later.
Moving through Kelvingrove Park towards sunset
As the session continued, we made our way towards Kelvin Way and the bridge, letting the walk itself become part of the experience. I often work this way during multi-generational family photography sessions in Glasgow. Walking gives people space to relax, talk, and forget about the camera.
By the time we reached Kelvin Way, the light had softened into gentle sunset tones. The park felt calm, the family settled, and everything came together naturally to finish the session.
A few words from the family
“I booked Shem for a photoshoot to celebrate my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary and I was so impressed not only with how he managed the photo session, but also with the results. There were 12 of us (including small children), but he was able to expertly direct everyone and got some really great posed and candid shots. I absolutely recommend booking with him!”
Why extended family sessions work so well in Glasgow
Glasgow offers a great balance for extended family photography. Locations like Kelvingrove Park provide open space, greenery, and architectural interest, all within walking distance. They work equally well for relaxed candids and classic group portraits.
When the weather, location, and people align, it’s possible to achieve a surprising amount in a 1.5-hour session without it ever feeling forced.
Planning an extended family session can feel overwhelming at first, especially with different ages and personalities involved. I’ve written a detailed guide that walks you through everything from choosing the right location to helping children (and adults) feel relaxed on the day.
Read: How to Prepare for an Extended Family Photo Session
If you’re planning a gathering with grandparents, adult siblings, and children, you can find more information about how these sessions work on my Family Photography in Glasgow page.
View Family Photography in Glasgow
Ready to Book?
If you’re ready to book an extended family photography session in Glasgow, or would like to talk through ideas and availability, you can use the contact form below. I’m always happy to help plan a session that feels relaxed, meaningful, and true to your family.