Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph a number of different types of family photo sessions all over Muskoka as a local family photographer, with amazing families who all have unique stories. Some sessions include birthdays, anniversaries, couples, and smaller families, including some pet sessions with their humans along, of course, and large extended family sessions! 

The larger sessions have really developed a special place in my heart; however, there’s something magical about seeing all the generations come together. Families are messy, complicated and often drive each other crazy. No two families are alike. Their stories of how their family has grown over generations are each unique and special, and I love seeing the love, connection, and laughter that shines through during each session. 

I love being able to capture all the generations of a family in one image. Families grow and change. Often they get busy and don’t see each other as much as they’d like. For older family members like grandparents, having all of their family together in one place is a treasured day, and I love being there to capture those moments so families can remember them for years to come.

Getting to spend time with loved ones is a wonderful way to create memories, and I feel privileged to capture those moments so they last forever.

Extended family sessions have this beautiful, fun, chaotic energy, and I find these sessions rarely have calm moments. There’s always laughter, kids running around, and little surprises happening all around, which makes capturing authentic family interactions so exciting and rewarding.

One very sweet moment  I loved during a session this past summer, we had a group of young toddlers having their turn doing photos with one of their grandparents.  Like a lot of toddlers, having to sit in one spot wasn’t much fun. So most of the family members broke into song behind me, getting the kids to clap and laugh, even grandma was laughing by the end.

When planning your family session I recommend always planning for a bit of extra time with kids. The extra time creates flexibility if a little one needs a break or some extra time to warm up to all the excitement of an extended family session. Especially for sessions with a forest backdrop like we’re so lucky to have here in Muskoka, wearing comfortable shoes and clothes that might get a little dirty by the end will help put everyone at ease. 

If you’re wondering how an extended family session goes, here’s a quick look at my process to get all the shots and help the session run smoothly. When I photograph an extended family session, I like to start with group shots while everyone is fresh and the little ones are awake and more cooperative. Then, I like to break it down into individual families, giving everyone else a break for a few moments. Next, I like to photograph siblings, grandparents, and any other shots we don’t want to miss!

Every session looks a little bit different, but that’s a general idea of how a session with me will go! 

If you’re interested in booking your own extended family session in Muskoka, send me an email here; I’d love to connect! 

Curious to see more family and portrait sessions? Take a look here