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Extended Family Session | Utah Family Photographer | Shannon White Photography

Updated: Sep 27, 2023

The thought of trying to coordinate a normal family photography session can seem daunting. There’s the outfit coordination, the date selection and the inconvenient timing of good light. Coordinating an extended family session with more than just your nuclear family may seem insurmountable. I’m here to tell you 5 good reasons why you should absolutely consider scheduling an extended family session in 2022.

family poses for pictures standing on a bridge
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Reason 1: Your Parents


Grandparents grew up in the age of film where professional photography wasn’t as accessible as it is now. Many haven’t been in front of a camera since your (or your siblings’) wedding day. Sure, they have likely been in countless iPhone pictures with the grandkids. However, it’s also nice to have an updated heirloom quality portrait of just them too! I am also willing to bet they’d love one of your family for their home.

patriarch and matriarch of family smile together
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Reason 2: Couples’ Portraits


Speaking of your wedding day, when was the last time you had a few portraits of yourselves? I always try to snap a few at the end of your family session but it’s always taken quickly before mayhem ensues! Imagine being able to relax in front of the camera while someone else makes sure your kid doesn’t jump in a mud puddle. Extended family session to the rescue! Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins are on toddler duty while you have your moment in front of the lens.

Couple embraces under and arch covered in vines
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer
Couple embraces under and arch covered in vines
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer
Couple embraces under and arch covered in vines
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Reason Four: Camaraderie


Extended family sessions are just plain fun. When there is downtime, there are all your closest people hanging around to laugh and chat with. Your kid won’t smile? There are lots of funny family members to make faces and hop on one foot.

family embracing and laughing while posing in front of an arch covered in vines
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

family embracing and laughing while posing in front of an arch covered in vines
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer
family embracing and laughing while posing in front of an arch covered in vines
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Reason Five: Easy Gifts


Because extended family sessions allow for time to photograph the entire family plus each nuclear family, the result is a year’s worth of easy gifts! Family Album for the grandparents, canvas for your brother. Matted and framed print for your sister, picture fridge magnet set for your toddler. Christmas cards? Check. The possibilities are endless!



beautiful woman smiles with sunlight shining through the trees
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer
beautiful woman smiles with sunlight shining through the trees
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

beautiful woman smiles with sunlight shining through the trees
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

beautiful woman smiles with sunlight shining through the trees
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer
beautiful woman smiles with sunlight shining through the trees
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

beautiful woman smiles with sunlight shining through the trees
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer
Family walks holding hand-in-hand while looking at each other and laughing
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Family walks holding hand-in-hand while looking at each other and laughing
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer
Family walks holding hand-in-hand while looking at each other and laughing
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Family walks holding hand-in-hand while looking at each other and laughing
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Family walks holding hand-in-hand while looking at each other and laughing
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Husband and Wife of 36 years pose for a portrait
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer
newly married couple pose for a portrait
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Woman smiles softly while standing next to Greek columns
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Woman smiles softly while standing next to Greek columns
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Woman smiles softly while standing next to Greek columns
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Woman smiles softly while standing next to Greek columns
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Woman smiles softly while standing next to Greek columns
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Woman smiles whole-heartedly while standing next to Greek columns
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer


family poses for family pictures in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Man smiling with his sons in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Man smiling with his sons in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Man smiling with his sons in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Man smiling with his daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Man smiling with his daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Man smiling with his daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Man smiling with his daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

woman poses with her grown up daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

woman poses with her grown up daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

woman poses with her grown up daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

woman poses with her grown up daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

woman poses with her grown up daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

woman poses with her grown up daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

woman poses with her grown up daughters in front of a rose garden
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

brothers and sisters laughing
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

brothers and sisters laughing
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

This particular family also used the session as an opportunity to commemorate a loved one who had just recently passe.



Family poses with a commemorative portrait of the family patriarch
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

daughter poses with a commemorative portrait of her father
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Family poses with a commemorative portrait of the family patriarch
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Family poses with a commemorative portrait of the family patriarch
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

Family poses with a commemorative portrait of the family patriarch
Extended Family Session | International Peace Gardens | Utah Family Photographer

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