Why the Holidays Are the Best Time for an Extended Family Photo Session
The holiday season is one of the few times of year when everyone is finally in the same place. This is especially true for families with older children. Siblings fly in, college students come home, grandparents visit, and suddenly your house is full again. If you’ve ever thought about booking an extended family session, but struggled to coordinate schedules, the holidays are the perfect solution.
As a family photographer in Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine, I photograph a lot of multi-generational sessions this time of year. Although it can be hectic to plan, my clients always tell me after the session, “I’m so glad we did this while everyone was here.”
Here’s why.
1. It’s one of the only times the entire family is together
For most families, getting everyone in one place is a challenge. Jobs, kids’ sports, travel, different states, and busy schedules make it hard to coordinate a full-family gathering.
During the holidays, you already have:
grandparents in town
adult children home
cousins reunited
college kids back for break
Because everyone is already together, organizing a session becomes much easier. You’re not trying to find a random weekend that works for a few households. Instead, you’re simply choosing a time during the week you’re already gathered.
2. You’ll capture the relationships that matter most
Extended family photos aren’t just about a big group picture. They’re about the connections inside your family:
a grandmother with her grandkids
adult siblings together again
cousins who maybe only see each other once or twice a year
parents with their grown children
These photos become some of the most meaningful ones in the gallery because they reflect real family history and who your people are right now, in this moment of life.
3. The photos make thoughtful, meaningful gifts
Holiday photos aren’t only for the people in the photos. These images also make incredible gifts for the people you love.
Families often use these sessions to create:
framed prints for parents or grandparents
albums that document three generations
wall art to hang in shared spaces
updated photos for yearly cards or announcements
It’s gifting something personal, not just something purchased and it’s a gift that lasts.
4. The beach is beautiful year-round in Northeast Florida
One of the benefits of being in Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, or Jacksonville is that the beach is a beautiful backdrop even in late Fall and Winter.
Our coastal light is soft during the holidays, the temperatures are comfortable, and the shoreline is quieter than in summer. Whether you choose:
Ponte Vedra Beach
Vilano
…you’ll get clean, timeless images that feel relaxed and natural.
5. You’ll have family photos at a time when you’re already slowing down
The holiday season encourages people to pause. Kids are out of school, work slows down, and families naturally lean into traditions, time together, and a slower pace.
That energy makes for beautiful sessions.
People arrive more relaxed. They’re in good spirits. They’ve just shared a meal or finished wrapping presents or spent time together on the back porch. When a family is already connected, the session feels easy.
6. You’ll be grateful to have these photos years from now
Extended family sessions often become the photos families return to most—especially as life changes.
Kids grow. People move. Holidays shift.
Grandparents age. College kids become adults.
Years from now, the photos from these holiday gatherings will serve as a visual record of who your family was—your dynamic, your energy, your relationships, and the season of life you were in.
That’s something worth preserving.
Tips for Making Your Holiday Family Session Easy
Here are a few simple ways to keep things calm and organized:
Choose one color palette for everyone.
Neutrals, earth tones, and soft colors photograph beautifully on the beach.
Allow extra travel time.
Holiday traffic in Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine can be unpredictable, especially during the holiday season.
Let kids be themselves.
The more relaxed they feel, the more genuine the expressions.
Keep expectations simple.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.
Work with a photographer who guides you through the process.
Styling support, gentle direction, and experience with large groups make a big difference.
Thinking About Booking a Holiday Family Session?
If your family will be together in Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Jacksonville, or St. Augustine this holiday season, it’s the perfect time to update your photos.
Extended family sessions are available throughout November, December, and January, and I’m happy to help you choose a location, coordinate outfits, and plan a session that feels meaningful and not stressful.
Message me to plan your session today.