Sometimes I get the honor of photographing some really amazing families, I typically allow a limited amount of family sessions during my slower season or winter months due to wedding season and when I do, its so fun to watch families interact together and play and just be themselves. When I photograph a family session, I would say about 15% of that is posed traditional style posing and the rest I encourage play and silliness 🙂 Rebecca called me up one day and asked if I would be able to photograph not only her family but her extended family as well, of course I will! Typically for larger family groups, I choose a location that is open and free of a lot of crowds so we can save time photographing. Time is also important, with larger groups, I usually schedule these sessions early in the morning or early evening to make sure that light is perfect because of the nature of my style as a natural light photographer.
As for clothing options, try not to be matchy matchy, stay away from jeans and white shirts or everyone wearing one solid color! Have fun with it and blend together 🙂 Some location ideas, natural settings such as a marina and dock, beach front on the waterfront, Nature Parks, vineyards such as Garden Vineyards, etc. If you have a private property you would like to use, I also encourage that!
Here are some of my faves from our session with the Gardner family, love them!