When was the last time your entire family was together in one photograph?
For many families, it has been years. Between busy schedules, growing children, work commitments, and family members living in different cities, gathering everyone together can feel nearly impossible. That's why extended family photography sessions have become one of my favourite services to offer as a Spruce Grove family photographer.
These sessions are about preserving memories, celebrating relationships, and creating beautiful artwork that can be enjoyed for generations. Whether you're planning a family reunion, celebrating an anniversary, welcoming a new family member, or simply wanting updated photos with everyone together, an extended family session is the perfect opportunity.
As a Spruce Grove photographer, I love creating a relaxed experience where everyone, including your pets, can feel comfortable and enjoy the moment.
Who Can Attend an Extended Family Photography Session?
One of the best things about booking an extended family session is that there are no strict rules about who can attend.
Your session can include:
Grandparents
Parents
Adult children
Grandchildren
Siblings
Cousins
Aunts and uncles
Significant others
Family friends
Pets
As both a Spruce Grove family photographer and pet photographer, I always welcome dogs into family sessions. They are family too, and some of the most meaningful images often include the four-legged family members who share our lives.
What to Expect During Your Extended Family Session.
Many families worry that coordinating a large group will be stressful, but that's where hiring an experienced Spruce Grove photographer makes all the difference.
Every session is carefully planned to ensure we capture all the important combinations efficiently while keeping the experience fun and relaxed.
- The Full Family Portrait
- Individual Family Units
- Grandparents & Grandchildren
- Sibling Photos
- Couple Portraits
- Pets & Their People
What Should We Wear for Family Photos?
One of the most common questions I receive as a Spruce Grove family photographer is what everyone should wear.
The goal is coordination, not matching. Choose a colour palette that complements one another rather than having everyone wear identical outfits.
Some timeless options include:
Cream
Beige
Soft greens
Warm browns
Light grey
Dusty blue
Soft blush
The family featured throughout this blog chose a beautiful neutral palette that photographs beautifully and creates a timeless look.
A Few Things to Avoid:
Large logos
Neon colours
Busy patterns
Athletic wear
Clothing that doesn't feel comfortable
Most importantly, wear something that feels like you.
Studio or Outdoor Family Photography?
As a Spruce Grove photographer, I offer both studio and outdoor family sessions.
Studio sessions are ideal for:
Large multi-generational families
Winter sessions
Families with young children
Grandparents who prefer easy accessibility
Timeless, clean portraits
Outdoor sessions offer:
Beautiful Alberta landscapes
Seasonal colours
More room for larger groups
A relaxed atmosphere for pets
Both options create beautiful images, and I'm happy to help determine which location best suits your family.
Why Extended Family Photos Matter
Years from now, these photographs will become more valuable than you can imagine.
Children grow up. Grandchildren arrive. Parents become grandparents. Families change.
Photographs allow us to preserve the relationships, personalities, and connections that make our families unique.
As a Spruce Grove family photographer, some of my most meaningful sessions are the ones that bring multiple generations together in front of the camera.
Book Your Extended Family Session
If you're looking for a Spruce Grove photographer or Spruce Grove family photographer to capture your extended family, I'd love to help.
Extended family sessions are about more than simply gathering everyone together for a photo. They are about preserving family history, celebrating the relationships that matter most, and creating images that will only become more valuable with time. Whether you're documenting a special milestone, planning a family reunion, celebrating an anniversary, or simply realizing it's been far too long since everyone was in the same photo, there is never a wrong reason to book a family session.
I photograph extended family sessions throughout Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, Edmonton, and surrounding Alberta communities, offering both studio and outdoor options. From grandparents cuddling grandchildren, to siblings reconnecting, to family dogs stealing the spotlight, my goal is to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience that results in genuine, meaningful images.
Every family is unique, which is why I take the time to learn what is most important to you before your session. We'll create a plan for family groupings, discuss the best location for your family, coordinate wardrobe suggestions, and make sure everyone—from toddlers to grandparents to pets—feels comfortable and included.
If you're wondering which session would be the best fit for your family, you can explore my available photography packages below. You'll also find examples of past family sessions in my portfolio to help inspire your own photoshoot and see what an extended family session can look like.
View Family Photography Packages
Browse My Family Photography Portfolio
