Your Guide to Extended Family Photography Sessions

Your Guide to Extended Family Photography Sessions: Capturing Memories in Melbourne

For Melbourne families, there’s nothing quite like getting the whole crew together. From grandparents and grandkids to aunts, uncles, and cousins, extended families bring a unique energy and love. And what better way to capture that special bond than with a photography session?

I love helping Melbourne families create lasting memories with extended family photo shoots. But we know wrangling a large group can seem daunting. Fear not! This guide will help you navigate the planning process and ensure a smooth, enjoyable session that everyone will love.

Planning Your Melbourne Extended Family Session:

• Location, Location, Location: Melbourne offers a stunning backdrop for family photos. From the Royal Botanic Gardens to Brighton Beach, or even your own backyard, choose a place that resonates with your family. Parks provide natural light and space for kids to roam, while beaches offer a relaxed, coastal vibe.
• Coordinating Outfits: Aim for complementary colours rather than matching exactly. Think neutrals, soft tones, and pops of colour that won’t clash. Avoid busy patterns and consider the season – light fabrics for summer and cosy layers for winter.
• The Fun Factor: Let’s face it, wrangling a large family can be tricky. Embrace candid moments! I’ll capture genuine interactions, playful moments, and of course, the classic posed family photo.

On the Day of Your Shoot:

• Schedule Strategically: Consider golden hour lighting (just after sunrise or before sunset) for the most flattering light. If you have young children, a morning session might be ideal to capture their best smiles before nap time.
• Capture the Groups: We start with the all-important full family portrait. Then, move on to smaller groups like grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, or individual families.
• Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes the most beautiful moments happen organically. Let me your, photographer capture genuine interactions, silly faces, and bursts of laughter.
• Fed and Happy: A happy family is a photogenic family! Make sure everyone has had a good meal or snack beforehand.
• Relax and Have Fun!: This is about capturing memories, not staged perfection. Don’t stress about forced smiles – the more relaxed everyone is, the better the photos will be.

Capturing More Than Just Smiles:

I’m here to capture the essence of your family beyond the posed portraits. Here are some ways we can create magic:

• Grandparents and Grandchildren: These heartwarming connections are pure gold. We can capture snuggles, stories being shared, or playful moments.
• Sibling Shenanigans: Candid moments of cousins playing, teasing, and creating memories together are priceless.
• Candid Interactions: Sometimes the most beautiful photos are the unscripted ones – a laugh shared between parents, a comforting hand on a shoulder, or a child’s infectious joy.

Beyond the Session:

• Treasured Keepsakes: After the shoot, you’ll receive a collection of beautiful photos that capture the essence of your family. Consider creating albums, wall art, or digital keepsakes the gift of photography keeps on giving for years and generations to come.

Bonus Tip: Involve everyone in the planning process! Let family members share their ideas for locations, outfits, or even props for a more personal touch.

Ready to capture the love and laughter of your extended family? At Lives On Love Street, I specialize in creating relaxed and enjoyable photo sessions that result in timeless memories. Contact me today to discuss your vision and book your Melbourne extended family photography session!