What Exactly is an Extended Family Session?

The majority of my photo sessions are immediate family members only. Basically…parents and their kids! Once we start adding in grandparents, aunts/uncles, or other family members who live in a different household, I define that as an extended family session.

Extended family photo sessions tend to be larger, last longer, and include a longer must-have shot list. They tend to require more prep-work, more shooting time, and more editing. For that reason, they cost more! When you inquire about an extended family photo session, I’ll ask you who will be in attendance before giving you a session price.

Prior to your extended family photo session, I’ll send a questionnaire for you to fill out so I can learn everyone’s name, relation to each other, and age (kids only). I’ll also ask you for a list of people groupings/combinations you’d like me to photograph. This all helps me to prepare! Then I can arrive to your session with a plan. You can relax, and I’ll run the show!

Spotlight On: The Family Dog

Ok ok, if you’re just here for the cute dog photos…scroll down ;) But if you’re here to find out how to prepare for a photo session with your pup - continue reading!

A Few Things to Know

1) I LOVE dogs! I am a dog person, and I absolutely love meeting and photographing your furry friends! I don’t care if your dog jumps up or covers me in dog fur. It won’t faze me, so don’t worry!

2) Dogs can add a LOT to photos. The cuteness degree will go through the roof once your pupper steps into the frame.

3) Not every dog is right for every session. Especially for outdoor sessions, bringing your energetic dog may limit the shots we’re able to get. If it’s all a hassle you just don’t want to deal with, you can always leave your dog at home.

4) Dogs of varying ages, sizes, breeds, and energy levels can be great in photos! These factors will likely influence the type of shots we’re able to get, but most dogs can get in on the action in some way.

5) Not all locations are dog-friendly. For example, Christmas tree farms oftentimes won’t allow pets. Dogs are allowed at most parks, but it’s always helpful to let me know you want to bring your pet with you for photos.

6) Safety comes first. For every dog + newborn shot you see, there is a parent’s hand cropped or edited out of frame, there to protect the newborn in case of sudden movement. I will always ask about your dog’s temperament before taking photos. I won’t even attempt a photo of just a dog and baby if the parents don’t feel it would go well.

Tips & Tricks

1) If you plan to bring your dog(s) to an outdoor session, consider asking a friend of family member to come along and hold the leash for a few dog-free photos. This isn’t necessary, but it gives us a lot more flexibility to get the best shots with the least amount of chaos.

2) Most dogs need patience and treats. Bring both!

3) If your dog will be included in your in-home photo session, consider letting your dog roam around throughout the session. This gives your pup time to calm down and get used to me, which tends to make photographing them easier! Additionally, it allows for more authentic moments with the dog. For example, your dog (or cat) may come up and sniff your newborn’s head. What a precious, natural moment! Moments like these won’t happen if your pet is gated in a different area of the house.

Now what you all came here for…

But What if it Rains?

A lot of clients ask me what happens if it rains during their scheduled photo session - an excellent question! First off, please know that I’m checking the weather. If I see a forecast I find worrisome, I will absolutely reach out to you! But what I really need to see is the hour-by-hour forecast, and I won’t have visibility to that until the day before.

Now a forecast is a prediction, and predictions are sometimes wrong, but if things look questionable, I’ll reach out and we’ll make a game plan together! Some families prefer to reschedule and others choose to embrace the possibility of rain. And let me just tell you, rain can be BEAUTIFUL in photos! It’s not everyone’s thing, but if you’re open to rain pics, then awesome!