Extended Family Photographs in the Hudson Valley

Extended Family Gatherings and What You Need To Know When Planning Photos

My Top Tips For A Seamless Session in and around the Hudson Valley, Westchester and NYC areas

Group of five happy children sitting on the sidewalk in front of a vintage blue storefront. — Five cheerful children pose together outside a charming vintage storefront, showcasing their playful personalities and colorful outfits.

Happy family sitting together in a bright, modern indoor space with large windows. — A joyful Hudson Valley family gathers for a warm, candid portrait in a sunlit room.

Family enjoying photo albums at a gathering in the Hudson Valley. — Candid moment of multiple generations sharing memories through photo albums outdoors.

Family enjoying a cozy fire outdoors in autumn. — A warm family moment around a campfire in a scenic fall forest setting.

Extended family gatherings are special; it is grandparents with grandkids, fathers and sons, cousins, mothers and daughters. Often times, people gathering from many different places, and reuniting for a brief moment in time. Additionally many of these gatherings are to celebrate milestone events. I photograph extended family gatherings often as a way to commemorate these occasions.

I know logistics with large groups of family can often be challenging! But it doesn’t have to be. When you have generations together in the same place, it is an occasion marked perfectly with photographs. It is a way to preserve this exact moment in time, with everyone happy and enjoying their present moments.

Summer in particular brings a rise to extended family gatherings. So if you are considering photography to mark a special occasion within your family, I’d love to help! Here are some tips to planning photos with large groups of friends or family.

Keep expectations realistic. As much as it would be nice, not everyone will follow your suggested style guide or color schemes perfectly. Don’t stress on it. Remember the reason why you chose to do photographs in the first place. It is centered more on the people than aesthetics.
Understand not everyone will be super excited or comfortable having their picture taken. It’s ok- I am used to it!
I follow a general flow when I do large family gatherings that seems to work pretty good. Whoever is my point of contact person, that will be who I go over my general timeline and flow with leading up to the day. It is best to have one point of contact with your photographer.
Often times an an activity or gathering point is great to incorporate for extended family sessions. Examples include- paging through old albums, gathering around fire pits, or playing a fun game.

While we are planning, I will send a questionnaire to the point of contact person to fill out. This helps me as the photographer know if anyone has any reservations, or any dynamics or preferences to be aware of. Organization is key to success for extended family sessions!

I have done many extended family sessions over the years, and so I am here to help and be a resource for you. Consider how special these images will be to your family as the years go on. And if you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to say hello!

Welcome

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of authentic documentation. Our stories and truths are not only a gift for ourselves, but also through the generations, becoming treasured keepsakes as proof of our place and time. My passion lies in storytelling that focuses on your present moments. Whether our adventures take us deep into the Hudson Valley, high in the Catskill Mountains, or within the comfort of your home, it is always about where you are meant to be and where you feel the most alive.