Waukesha WI Extended Family Photography
Extended family photography sessions can be a little chaotic.
They can also be incredibly meaningful.
I do not typically advertise extended family sessions as one of my main session types. However, this year alone, I am booked for at least ten of them! Most of these sessions come from repeat clients who finally convince their parents to get the whole family together for photos.
And I completely understand why.
Getting everyone together for a large family photo session takes some planning. However, the result gives you something that becomes more valuable every year.
Spring Family Photos at Retzer Nature Center
For this Waukesha extended family session, we photographed the family at Retzer Nature Center.
Retzer Nature Center is one of my favorite locations because it offers so much variety. The park looks beautiful throughout the seasons, but I especially love it in late spring.
We used several different areas during this session. We started in a field surrounded by tall trees. Then, we moved onto the boardwalk trail and also used the fence near the parking lot.
Having several backdrops helps keep a large session moving. It also gives the final gallery more variety.
Photos of Every Family Combination
Of course, we always start with the big group photo.
That is the image everyone needs.
Then, we break things down into smaller groups.
I photograph each immediate family. We get the grandparents with all of the grandchildren. We photograph adult siblings together. We also make time for any other combinations the family wants.
That variety matters.
Besides weddings, most people do not get many professional photographs with their entire extended family. Life gets busy. Kids grow up. Grandparents get older. Families move to different cities and states.
So while coordinating a group of 15 people can feel like a lot in the moment, these photographs become incredibly meaningful as the years pass.
A Full Circle Photography Moment
One of my favorite details from this session was that one of the immediate family groups was an original client of mine.
I first photographed them when I was just starting my photography business more than ten years ago.
Getting to photograph them again as part of their extended family was such a full-circle moment.
Photography gives me the chance to watch families grow, and moments like this remind me just how special that is.
What to Wear for Extended Family Photos
This family also did an amazing job coordinating their outfits.
They chose soft spring earthy tones with neutrals and pops of soft green, blue, and pink.
Coordinating 15 people without making everyone look identical can be tricky. This group absolutely nailed it. The colors worked together while still allowing everyone's individual style to show.
Extended Family Photos Without an Extra Fee
I also do not charge an extra fee simply because your family includes more people.
That means you can focus on getting everyone together and creating the combinations that matter most to your family without worrying about an additional extended-family surcharge.
If you have been talking about getting the whole family together for photos, this is your sign to make it happen.
Interested in an extended family photography session in Waukesha or the surrounding area? Fill out my contact form and let's start planning: https://www.kendallkuss.com/about/
