It can be a challenge to know how to arrange a really big family group. You could easily have four generations in one photo, which can add even more challenges Read more It can be a challenge to know how to arrange a really big family group. You could easily have four generations in one photo, which can add even more challenges with arrangements. Some families like family photos where they are all squished in together, in one big family group.
I’ve had some that want them completely mixed up, where nobody is grouped into separate families. This is okay, but I find that most families like to at least be able to tell which small families within the group belong together. You can do this by just having each family stand next to each other, or you can even put gaps in between each family. I usually do both, so they have options to choose from later.
Part of the reason extended family sessions can be so overwhelming is that there are often multiple families with different expectations and ideas. Jen Sebring is a photographer out of McKinney, Texas who has recently shifted her business into teaching and mentoring other photographers. With the right strategies, communication skills, and professional boundaries, even the most challenging family members can be guided toward productive participation in creating meaningful family portraits. Most photographers suffer through difficult family members during portrait sessions and wedding formals, hoping to survive the chaos and deliver decent results despite the interference.
Consider the long-term reputation benefits of becoming known as a photographer who can handle challenging family dynamics professionally and effectively.