How to Prepare for an Extended Family Photo Session
Extended family photo sessions are about more than just getting everyone in the same frame. They’re usually tied to something meaningful a holiday, a reunion, an anniversary, or simply the rare chance to be together. A little preparation goes a long way in making the experience relaxed and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Choose a Location That Gives You Space
When photographing extended families, space matters. Locations with open areas allow people to spread out naturally and move between groupings without feeling rushed. Beaches, large estates, countryside locations, and quiet viewpoints work particularly well.
If you’re travelling in Scotland, choosing a location that’s easy to access and doesn’t require a long walk is often the best option, especially when different generations are involved.
Think in Groups, Not One Big Photo
One of the biggest misconceptions about extended family sessions is that everything revolves around one large group photograph. While that image is important, the real value comes from breaking the session into smaller moments.
Couples, individual families, grandparents with grandchildren, siblings together these quieter groupings often become the most meaningful images. Thinking this way also keeps the session flowing and avoids long periods of waiting.
Coordinate Outfits Without Matching
You don’t need everyone dressed the same. In fact, that often works against natural-looking photographs. Instead, aim for a shared colour palette with soft, neutral tones that work well together.
Textures and layers photograph beautifully, especially outdoors. Scotland’s landscapes tend to suit earthy colours, muted blues, warm greys, creams, and soft greens. Comfort matters too if people feel good in what they’re wearing, it shows.
I have also written a more detailed guide on outfits and preparation for family photoshoots in Scotland if you would like extra guidance.
Plan Around Energy Levels
Extended family sessions work best when they’re planned around the needs of the group, not the clock. Young children, older family members, and travel schedules all play a role.
Short breaks, slower pacing, and flexibility make a huge difference. There’s no need to rush from one setup to another. The goal is to create an experience that feels calm rather than tightly structured.
Allow Time for Natural Moments
Some of the strongest images don’t happen during posed moments at all. They happen in between when people are talking, laughing, walking together, or simply standing quietly in the landscape.
Allowing space for these moments means not over-planning every part of the session. Trust the process and let things unfold naturally.
Embrace the Conditions
Scottish weather is unpredictable, and that’s part of its character. Wind, clouds, and shifting light often add atmosphere and depth to photographs, especially in outdoor settings.
Rather than aiming for perfection, approach the session with flexibility. Some of the most memorable images come from days that didn’t go exactly to plan.
Focus on the Experience, Not Just the Photos
Extended family sessions are often remembered as much for the experience as for the final images. Treat the session as time spent together rather than a task to complete.
When people are relaxed and present, the photographs naturally follow.
If you’re planning an extended family gathering and would like help creating a relaxed photography experience in Scotland, you can find more details on my approach to family sessions below.
Scotland family photographer page
You may also enjoy seeing a real extended family session photographed in Glasgow, captured during a 50th wedding anniversary gathering at Kelvingrove Park.
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