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Family Reunions

Day after Thanksgiving, it has been rainy for days but has let up just a little bit. I am driving deep into the mountains surrounding Gaston, Oregon. I pull up to a large gate and follow a small road through a field, then a forest and into a clearing with a beautiful view of a small valley backed up against a forest. The mist was sitting amongst the trees, picture perfect waiting for me.

Sarah contacted me a couple weeks earlier. This year they were planning a particularly large gathering at her Fathers house for the Holiday. The perfect time to gather everyone for a photo. In today’s busy world, getting everyone together at the same time feels harder than ever. Families are spread across cities, states, and sometimes even countries. Work schedules, school calendars, sports, and life commitments all pull us in different directions. That’s exactly why extended family photo sessions are so meaningful—and why they are truly priceless.
When all generations are able to come together, it’s more than just a gathering. It’s a moment in time that deserves to be documented. These are the moments that become family history.

Here’s what my extended family photo sessions typically include:

1. Big Group Setups

We start with beautifully posed photos of the entire extended family together. These are the images that often become framed prints, holiday cards, or legacy portraits for grandparents.

2. Individual Family Units

Each immediate family gets their own dedicated time in front of the camera. These images are perfect for updating family photos, wall art, or gifts.

3. Individual Portraits

I also capture individual portraits of children, couples, or adults who would like them. These add variety to your gallery and give everyone something special.

4. Custom Groupings You Care About

Every family is different, which is why I offer flexibility with groupings. This can include:

  • All the cousins together
  • Adult siblings (brothers and sisters)
  • Grandparents with all their grandchildren
  • Grandparents with each individual family
  • Any other meaningful combinations you’d like

If it matters to you, we make time for it.

5. Pets Included

Pets are ALWAYS welcome! If your family is traveling together and bringing pets along, I’m happy to include them in the session. My own family includes a dog and cat and I would always want to include them. I know first hand those pets are members of our families and I love documenting them as such!

When Is the Best Time to Book an Extended Family Session?

Many families choose to book during:

  • Family reunions
  • Vacations when everyone is together
  • Holidays
  • Milestone celebrations or anniversaries

Extended family photo sessions are truly an investment in your family’s legacy. Long after the vacation ends or the reunion is over, your photos will remain. They’ll tell your story, preserve your connections, and remind you of how special it was to have everyone together.
If you’ve ever said, “We should really get a photo of everyone,” this is your sign to do it.