How to Coordinate Family Portraits for extended Families: A Complete Guide

Family portraits are a timeless way to capture the love, joy, and togetherness of your family, but coordinating a photo session for a large family can be a bit tricky. With multiple people, varying schedules, and different clothing styles, it can quickly feel like a daunting task. But fear not! With a little preparation and organization, you can create stunning portraits that reflect your family’s unique dynamics.

Here’s a complete guide on how to coordinate family portraits for extended families, covering everything from outfit choices to scheduling, to ensure your photos turn out beautifully.

1. Start by Scheduling a date Early

When you have a phot session scheduled with multiple generations included, the first step is to schedule the session well in advance. Coordinating everyone’s availability can be challenging, so try to plan a few months ahead, especially if you want the session during busy seasons like the holidays.

Send out a group message or create an event on a calendar app to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the date, time, and location. This helps avoid scheduling conflicts and gives everyone plenty of time to plan ahead.

Tip: Consider choosing a weekend or holiday when family members are more likely to be free, or opt for a time that works best for the youngest members, like mornings when kids tend to be at their best.

2. Choosing a Location

For extended family portraits, location is key. You’ll want to select a place that can comfortably accommodate all participants and provide a backdrop that complements the look you're going for. Some options include:

• Outdoor Parks: A spacious park or garden provides ample room for your family to spread out while creating a natural, relaxed feel.

• Family Home: Sometimes the best location is your own home. The comfort of being in a familiar space can bring out natural expressions and warmth in your photos.

• Beach or Lake: Water-themed portraits can create a beautiful atmosphere, with natural light and scenic backdrops.

• Studio: If weather is unpredictable, or you prefer a more controlled environment, a studio can be a great option.

Make sure the location you choose has enough space for all the family members and is accessible to everyone, especially older relatives or young children.

3. Coordinating Outfits

One of the most important aspects of family portraits is ensuring everyone’s outfits complement each other, without being too matchy-matchy. Here are some tips for coordinating clothes for a large group:

• Pick a Color Palette: Select a color palette that reflects your family’s style and works well with the location. Neutral tones like beige, white, and grey always work well, while soft pastels or earth tones can add warmth to outdoor shots. If you’re looking for a bolder statement, choose 2-3 colors that complement each other, such as navy, mustard, and coral.

• Avoid Overly Bright or Distracting Patterns: While patterns can be fun, too many bold or clashing patterns can distract from the overall look of the portrait. Stick to subtle patterns like stripes, plaids, or florals, and avoid logos or graphics.

• Incorporate Layers and Textures: Layers and textures, like jackets, scarves, or cardigans, can add depth and visual interest to your photos without being too distracting. They also give your family members more variety in their looks without having to change outfits.

• Coordinating Kids’ Outfits: Children tend to have a lot more freedom when it comes to their clothing choices, but it’s essential to make sure they are dressed in a way that fits the overall color scheme and style. Allow them to pick a few small accessories (like a favorite hat or shoes), so they still feel comfortable and natural.

• Consider the Season: Your clothing choices should match the season. For a winter session, cozy sweaters and scarves are perfect, while for a summer shoot, light, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are ideal.

• Ask for Help: I send a wardrobe guide at booking, have a client closet and can even send personalized wardrobe options for your family. If you already have an idea of what you want to wear, send photos to your photographer. Not every color is ideal for a photo session and it may not edit well. I am happy to help every step along the way to ensure your wardrobe is perfection!

Tip: Lay out the outfits for everyone in advance to avoid last-minute confusion, and take a photo of the full outfit set to see how the colors and styles work together.

4. Timing and Light

Lighting is crucial for great family portraits, and you’ll want to schedule your session during the “golden hour” for the best natural lighting. Golden hour is the hour right after sunrise or just before sunset, when the light is soft, warm, and flattering.

For large families, it’s important to plan for enough time for everyone to get ready and for the photo shoot itself. Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the session, especially if you want to capture a variety of different groupings and candid moments.

Tip: If you're shooting outdoors, avoid midday when the sun is at its harshest, as it can cause unflattering shadows and squinting.

5. Plan Groupings in Advance

For large families, you’ll likely want several variations of groupings—such as a full family shot, smaller family units (siblings with their children, for example), and portraits of grandparents with their grandchildren.

Before the shoot, talk to your photographer about the specific groupings you want. This will help them set up shots quickly and make sure everyone is involved in a variety of ways. Here are some common groupings to consider:

• Full family (everyone together)

• Parents and children

• Grandparents with their grandchildren

• Sibling groups

• Couples (such as parents or married children)

• Candid shots of everyone interacting

6. Keep Everyone Engaged

For large families, keeping everyone engaged and happy during the photo shoot is key. Small kids might get restless, or some family members may be nervous in front of the camera. Here’s how you can keep the mood light:

• Plan for Breaks: If the photo session is lengthy, schedule a few breaks, especially for younger children, to keep everyone fresh.

• Incorporate Fun Candid Shots: Don’t be afraid to get some candid moments between the more formal shots. These often turn out to be the most cherished and natural photos.

• Communicate with Your Photographer: A skilled photographer will know how to keep everyone engaged and make sure no one feels left out or awkward.

7. Enjoy the Process

The most important tip of all: Enjoy the process! A portrait session should be fun, not stressful. Take the time to laugh, interact, and enjoy the time together. Your photographer will guide you through the session and help create a relaxed atmosphere.

Ready to Have Some Fun with Your Family?

Coordinating a large family portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, preparation, and communication, you can create beautiful, lasting memories for your family to cherish for years. Remember to schedule early, choose outfits thoughtfully, select the right location, and most importantly, enjoy the experience. The result will be a stunning family portrait that perfectly captures your family’s unique personality and love.

Are you ready to book your family portrait session? Contact us today to schedule your shoot and create memories that will last a lifetime!