A Multi Generational Family Session on the Beach
Planning a multi-generational or extended family beach session in Northeast Florida? I specialize in photographing large families in a calm, guided, connection-focused way — serving St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Jacksonville.
Although most families have plenty of photos of their own children, many do not have updated family photos that include their extended family members. In fact, most of us only have the rigid, posed images taken at the last family wedding. As families grow and dynamics change, it becomes even more meaningful to have photos that show the unique bond that exists within your extended family.
What I love most about these large group photo sessions is that no two are ever alike. Each family has its own rhythm, energy, and way of loving each other and that always shines through. These sessions are energetic, fast-paced, and truly so much fun.
This recent multi-generational family beach session in St. Augustine was a blast. Two of the sisters are former newborn clients of mine, and I met their mother during both of their in-home newborn sessions. When they reached out in the winter about gifting a session to their mother for the holidays, I was thrilled because I knew this photo session would be a special one.
There are five sisters, and three of the sisters have children. In total, there are six grandchildren and four of them under the age of four. You might be thinking this session was destined for chaos, but it was quite the opposite. It was relaxed, joyful, and full of connection. The children were incredibly cooperative, even though the session began well after bedtime. They absolutely crushed it, and I don’t think a single tear was shed.
In order for an extended family photo session to run smoothly, it’s important that I understand each family’s goals. Some people want very specific groupings, some prefer more traditional portraits, and others lean toward completely organic images. This session was centered around the beautiful matriarch of the family. She is not only stunning, but also the coolest grandma I have ever met. We focused on capturing the siblings together, both with and without their parents, and left time at the end for relaxed images in the ocean.
I just loved working with this breathtakingly beautiful family. Here are some of my favorites from the evening.
Planning an Extended Family Beach Session?
Ideal for families of 8+ people
Gentle posing + movement-based prompts
Help choosing the best beach location and time of day
Styling guidance for large groups
Full gallery of edited images
Frequently Asked Questions About Extended Family Phtoos on the Beach
How many people can be included?
Extended family sessions typically include 8–25+ people.
What’s the best time of day for beach photos?
Sunrise or the hour before sunset offers the softest light and fewer crowds.
Do you help with outfits?
Yes — I provide styling guidance and color palette suggestions for large groups.
One of the things I love most about photographing extended families is watching how everyone naturally falls into their roles. The siblings slip back into old dynamics, grandparents soak in the chaos and joy, and the kids simply get to be themselves. These are the in-between moments that tell the real story of a family.
Large family beach sessions don’t have to feel overwhelming. I gently guide groupings and movement while leaving space for connection to unfold naturally. We move through a mix of full group portraits, smaller combinations, and candid moments so families walk away with a well-rounded gallery.
Multi-generational sessions are especially meaningful because they preserve relationships that change quickly over time. Capturing grandparents with their grandchildren, siblings together, and quiet interactions in between creates a visual record of this season that becomes more valuable with every passing year.
Beach sessions offer such a beautiful, relaxed backdrop for extended families. The open space allows kids to move freely, parents to breathe a little easier, and everyone to settle into the moment. The result is imagery that feels natural, connected, and true to the family.
If you’re planning a multi-generational or extended family beach session in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, or Jacksonville and want photos that feel natural, connected, and true to your family, I’d love to hear more about what you’re envisioning.
