After the pandemic, many families were looking to book a fall extended family session. Since we were all apart so long during the pandemic, I think this is the best way to celebrate families and to really preserve these fleeting moments in time. Five families booked their fall extended family session this year and I am already looking forward to so many more in 2022.
Fall Extended Family Session: Planning
Typically, one family member reaches out to me to coordinate the session. For this family, it was Kate. I worked with Kate to organize a date where her whole family would be together. They reviewed my favorite locations, and opted to hold the session at their home. I am very flexible and happy to accommodate custom locations. My only warning is that the light may not be ideal, and there is no way for me to truly know that ahead of time. Kate was completely understanding and we decided we would make it work!
Kate came to the studio about a month before her session to try on dresses from the Client Closet. We worked together to decide on a color palette and I coached her through how to support her in-laws in dressing their families. After her dress consult, Kate decided to go with a dress that she already had which I encouraged. Whenever you feel confident in something, you should definitely go for that!
Fall Extended Family Session: The Day Of
On the day of the session, I arrived a few minutes early to scout the location with my assistant. The most gorgeous autumn light was pouring through the trees and I knew that we hit the location jackpot for this fall extended family session.
We started off with all of the posed shots of the whole family and then we had fun! We mixed it up with candid shots, different variations of groupings and then each family got their own breakout session.
Before extended family sessions, I usually get an email from someone in the family, giving me a heads up about family dynamics. And I am here to tell you: I got it. ALL families have their dynamics, which is why I take over from the moment I get there. You don’t have to worry about telling your brother what to do, I got it and I’m not afraid to use my (former) teacher voice.
Planning Your Extended Family Session
We had so much fun at this fall extended family session in Collinsville, CT. I love that when my assistant and I went to the car, the family headed back to the patio for drinks and appetizers. It really is the best way to have a family event and make family portraits happen too!
If you are considering booking an extended family session in the fall, I strongly recommend reaching out as soon as you know you want to do it. Coordination of dates can be challenging with so many people involved and my calendar for the summer and fall fills up quickly.
Final Notes
These pictures make amazing gifts for those hard-to-shop for grandparents. And you will absolutely never regret having these memories for your children, with all the people that love them so dearly.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my latest work. Adding your name to my priority list is the best way to make sure you get first access to mini session sign ups and promotions throughout the year.
