Boston Extended Family Photographer

Ever since I was born, my mom’s side of the family has been incredibly close. We visited California, where most of them lived, every year, and taking a family portrait was non-negotiable. Usually with a camera timer, a tripod, and film.

Unfortunately for my grandmother (to whom this was maybe the most important thing in her whole life), I managed to ruin every single one of these photos. From age 0 to probably 15. Weird faces, closed eyes, looking the wrong direction. I had a real talent for sabotage. On the plus side, I now know exactly how to connect with kids who seem intent on making a weird face in every photo. Because they are me.

But here’s the thing: today, those pictures are some of the most precious things we have. Not only because a lot of the family has passed away (some unexpectedly), but because they’re a testament to the love and bond between everyone. It’s wonderful to see new babies and partners added as the years go on, to watch those babies grow into adults, and eventually to see them add their own babies.

This is why extended family sessions are one of my favorite types of photography. I always go above and beyond to make sure they’re not only perfect on the technical and artistic side, but that the experience is fun. And much better than ours was, with my grandmother screeching at everyone to smile.

What Makes These Sessions Different

Lighting that works anywhere, anytime

My most recent extended family session was at noon. Technically the worst time of day to photograph people. But it was the only window when everyone could be there. They were flying in from Japan, Belgium, and all over the world for an October Thanksgiving (because they couldn’t make it in November), and we had exactly two hours before dinner was ready.

So I packed what amounts to a small studio into my car and brought the light to them. Because this family was local, I’d actually visited their house ahead of time to scout which spots would make the best photos. When I arrived on the day, I knew exactly where to set up, which meant we could focus entirely on connecting with each other rather than figuring anything out.

Whether you’re gathering at high noon in a backyard, in dim indoor lighting at your parents’ house, or on a beach at 3pm, I know how to shape light to flatter everyone. From the youngest grandkid to great-grandparents. You shouldn’t have to choose between good photos and the time that actually works for your family.

I read the room (and adapt to it)

Here’s what I don’t do: show up with a script of canned photographer jokes and a one-size-fits-all approach.

What I do is pay attention. I pick up on inside jokes, family dynamics, and what actually makes your family laugh. That October Thanksgiving crew? All adult kids with a very particular sense of humor. So I leaned into that. I wasn’t trying to get them to perform. I was riffing off what was already there.

The result? Genuine laughter. Real connection. Photos that feel like your family, not like a stock image titled “Extended Family Portrait #47.”

I understand the logistics (because I’ve lived them)

Coordinating multiple households across different time zones, with varying levels of enthusiasm for “family photos,” is no small feat. I get it. I help streamline the planning (from wardrobe coordination to timeline) so the actual session feels easy. My goal is for this to feel like the least intrusive part of your time together, not the most stressful.

After the session, I provide a video walkthrough of the entire ordering process. From viewing your slideshow to selecting your package to using the online print store. So everyone in the family, regardless of tech comfort level, can navigate it easily.

I’ve worked with every age and personality type

Two-year-olds who refuse to look at the camera? Been there (and was that kid). Eighty-year-olds who are self-conscious about being photographed? I make them feel comfortable and beautiful. Teenagers who’d rather be literally anywhere else? I win them over.

The technical expertise matters, but so does the human part. Knowing when to direct, when to step back, and when to just let the moment unfold. Also knowing when to put a toy dinosaur on your head to get a three-year-old to look at you. (That’s in my technical manual somewhere.)

What an Extended Family Session Includes

Every extended family session includes:

• The full group portrait (everyone together, usually the first shot we take while energy is high)
• Individual family units (each household gets their own set of portraits)
• Grandparents with all the grandchildren (and sometimes one-on-one moments with each grandkid)
• Adult siblings together (a rare opportunity that means the world to parents)
• Couples portraits (grandparents alone, each set of parents)
• Candid, connected moments throughout (not just posed lineups)

I don’t put a strict time limit on these sessions. They typically run 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the group and how many combinations we’re capturing. The goal is to get everything you want without it feeling rushed.

Why my process works beautifully for families spread across the country (or the world)

Here’s where extended family sessions can get complicated with other photographers: how do you coordinate ordering when everyone lives in different states or time zones?

My process solves that.

About three weeks after your session, you’ll receive a private digital slideshow of your edited images. You’ll have 24 hours to view it as many times as you want, which gives everyone, regardless of time zone, a chance to see the photos and weigh in on favorites.

Here’s how it typically works: each person or household watches the slideshow and reports back on which images they love and which collection size would work for them. Then you make a decision as a family about which package to purchase. Or, if one person is covering the cost (hi, Grandma), they can make the call based on everyone’s input.

The three collections are:

• 8 digital images + $125 print credit ($890)
• 16 digital images + $250 print credit ($1,190)
• All digital images + $500 print credit ($1,490)

Once you’ve selected your collection, everyone has access to an online store connected to your gallery where they can use the print credit (or purchase additional products). The credit is good for a month, which means each family can order what they want for their own home. Canvas prints, framed portraits, albums. Without having to coordinate with each other.

So Grandma in Florida can order a large canvas of the whole family. Your sister in Seattle can get prints of her kids with their cousins. And you can put together a gallery wall. Everyone gets what they actually want, shipped directly to them.

Most extended family sessions result in larger collections, since there are simply more people and combinations to capture. Which is why the “all digitals” package tends to be the most popular choice for these sessions.

The session fee to book is $390, and that’s the same whether you’re a family of 5 or a family of 25. No extra charges for larger groups.

See full pricing and process details →

When to Schedule Your Extended Family Session

The most popular times for extended family sessions are when everyone’s actually together:

• Summer reunions (whether it’s a week at the Cape, a family vacation, or just everyone home for a long weekend)
• Thanksgiving (often the best weather window in New England for outdoor photos, and everyone’s already gathering)
• Christmas/holiday break (we can absolutely shoot indoors with beautiful light and keep everyone warm)

The truth is, there’s no “perfect” season. Just the season when your family can actually be in the same place at the same time. And that window is shorter than we’d like to think.

I wrote about this in my newsletter: how quickly things change, how fragile these opportunities are, and why waiting for “the right time” often means missing the chance altogether. You can read more about that here: The Broken Already Cup and here: The Two Souls. The short version? If you’re thinking about it, don’t wait.

How far ahead should you book?

For Thanksgiving and Christmas, I only take 2-3 extended family sessions per holiday break (because I’m also trying to spend time with my own family). Those dates book up quickly, often 2-3 months in advance.

Summer is more flexible, though I do block out time for my own family travel. If you know you’ll have everyone together, reach out as early as you can so we can get you on the calendar.

I’ve even planned family getaways around shoots when the timing worked out, so if you have a specific window, let’s talk and see what we can make happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an extended family session cost? Do you charge extra for larger groups?

The session fee is $390, and that’s the same whether you’re a family of 5 or a family of 25. There’s no extra charge for larger groups. About three weeks after your session, you’ll choose a collection that includes both digital images and print credit, ranging from $890 to $1,490. See full pricing and process details →

How long does a session take?

Most extended family sessions run 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the group and how many different combinations we’re capturing. I don’t put a strict time limit on these. The goal is to get everything you want without feeling rushed.

What if some family members live far away? How does the ordering process work?

My process is designed specifically for families spread across different states (or countries). Everyone gets 24 hours to view the slideshow and weigh in on favorites, which accommodates different time zones. Once you’ve selected your collection, everyone has access to an online store where they can order their own prints, albums, or wall art and have them shipped directly to their home. Learn more about the process →

How far in advance should we book?

For Thanksgiving and Christmas sessions, I recommend booking 2-3 months ahead, as I only take 2-3 extended family sessions per holiday break. Summer is more flexible, but if you know your family will be gathering, reach out as early as possible to secure your preferred date.

What’s the best time of year for an extended family session?

There’s no “perfect” season. Just the season when your family can actually be in the same place. I shoot year-round: summer reunions, Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas visits, and everything in between. Each season has its own beauty, and I know how to work with New England weather in any month.

What if the weather is bad?

I always have a backup plan. For outdoor locations, I scout ahead and identify indoor alternatives if needed. I also bring professional lighting equipment so we’re not dependent on perfect natural light. We’ll make beautiful photos happen regardless of what the weather does.

Can we do the session at our home? Do you travel outside the Boston area?

Absolutely! Many extended family sessions happen at family homes, especially when grandparents are hosting. I’m based in Lincoln, MA, and travel within 30 miles at no extra charge. Sessions beyond 30 miles incur a travel fee. If your family is gathering somewhere special to you, let’s talk about making it work.

How should we prepare for the session? What should we wear?

I send every client a comprehensive guide that covers wardrobe coordination, logistics, and how to mentally prepare for the session (especially helpful when coordinating multiple households). You can also read my guide to preparing for a family session here →

Planning a Family Gathering? Let’s Capture It.

If your extended family is gathering soon (or if you’re overdue for photos that include everyone from grandparents to grandkids), now’s the time.

I only take a limited number of extended family sessions each season, so if you’re thinking about it, don’t wait.

Book a discovery call to talk about your vision, or fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

I’d love to hear about your family and help you plan a session that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful.