This week, I had the pleasure of embarking on a whirlwind adventure at Yanahali Park in Columbia, TN, capturing the beautiful chaos of an extended family session. As always, it was a rollercoaster ride of laughter, love, and a whole lot of photos.

When it comes to photographing large groups, having a solid structure in place is key to ensuring we capture all the essential photo combinations. But let’s be real – with kids running around and grandparents trying to corral them, sticking to a rigid plan isn’t always feasible. That’s why I like to approach these sessions with a loose plan, ready to improvise and adapt at a moment’s notice.

So, how do I tackle the madness? Well, it all starts with the grand finale – the big group photo. Wrangling everyone into position and getting them to smile simultaneously is no small feat, but hey, I love a good challenge!

Next up, it’s all about the grandkids. I mean, who can resist those adorable little faces? I aim to capture the sweet bond between grandparents and grandkids, freezing those precious moments in time for generations to come.

And then there’s the individual family shots. From the rowdy toddlers to the camera-shy teenagers, each family brings its own unique energy to the table. I always start with the family that’s likely to be the trickiest to photograph – usually the one with the two-year-old tornado in tow. You know they are my favorite, but also the most likely to take some extra time.

As I work my way through the session, I keep my eyes peeled for those spontaneous moments that truly capture the essence of the family. Whether it’s a sibling group hug or a playful exchange between generations, these candid shots often end up being the real gems of the day.

Of course, no extended family session would be complete without a few snaps of the “original family” – the adult children with their parents. It’s a beautiful reminder of the ties that bind us together, across generations and miles.

And finally, as the session draws to a close, I aim for one last group photo. By this point, everyone is usually feeling more relaxed and at ease, resulting in some of the most genuine smiles of the day. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an incredible session and send everyone home with memories to cherish forever.

But remember, this is just a loose plan. I’m constantly adapting and adjusting on the fly, allowing for breaks, wardrobe changes after the baby spits up, etc. . After all, photography isn’t just about capturing poses – it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and memories that will last a lifetime.

So, there you have it – a day in the life of an extended family photoshoot. It’s chaotic, it’s unpredictable, but above all, it’s filled with love and laughter. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.