As your family matures and your children start having children of their own, or looking towards your parents and seeing their anniversaries add up, it’s always beautiful to commemorate these special milestones with an extended family photo session.

Extended family sessions are for Grandparents, their children and spouses, and grandchildren. These session usually take about 1-2 hours giving room for large group shots, and ensuring each family grouping has a chance to have photos.

Shorter sessions are available as we are always able to take important shots first if people need to leave early, but I find it’s best to have a bit of time to settle into your session and time to move to other locations nearby. The more time we have the more opportunities for stunning photos.

I know it can be incredibly difficult to coordinate everyone together on the same day, so I want to be mindful of your time. It’s best to communicate your needs and work together to make sure everyone is on the same page and understands the desired outcome.

The Process:

Initial group shots are done first for the best chances of getting all the kids to cooperate. I take tons of shots and do head-swapping in photoshop if needed to get the perfect group shot. The goal is to get a few setups to give variety and the best chance of having everyone looking. We will try for group shots three times in three different locations to get the best chance of getting photos that will last a lifetime.

I help walk everyone through how to stand, and group people to make sure things look best. It’s meant to be a relaxed and enjoyable experience. I keep things upbeat and have lots of positive feedback about how fun and easy my sessions are.

Next, we take images of smaller family groups with little ones first and give them breaks. Most of my locations have lots of space for little ones to roam and enjoy some (tidy) snacks in between photos.

Next, we do photos with the grandchildren and grandparents. Then Grandparents with their children. Lastly, I do individual or smaller group pairings at the request of anyone present. We can get all of the images you would like and a ton more!

Often it’s the in-between shots that are the best. My policy is to follow the lead of the children and everything usually goes to plan. I love the idea of coordinating your wardrobes as it makes the whole thing come together.

What if it rains?

We can book a weekend where everyone can meet up and plan for a Saturday shoot and if the weather isn’t great we can try for Sunday just in case. I have 9 clear umbrellas just in case there is some light rain. I can try and order some more if that is something you are interested in. They look super cute in photos!

The Cost:

Extended Family Photo have a sitting fee of $400 + tax ($750 for Mainland locations) which includes:

• Wardrobe consultation for each family members
• Complementary Professional Hair and Makeup for one person (subject to availability)
• Up to two outfit changes
• 2 Hours of photography on location or in studio
• Travel up to two outdoor locations (if time allows)
• Custom framing and wall art consultations
• Zoom ordering session where I help you have pick your images

All images are sold separately, meaning you only buy the images you absolutely love. Some people spend $500, some spend $5000. The average investment is $3500 which include digital images, and complementary prints and a beautiful keepsake box handmade in Italy.

Locations:

• Campbell Valley located in Langley BC is a beautiful location with grassy fields, a duck pond, and heritage barns.
• Crescent Beach located in White Rock has Ocean views, beautiful trails with grassy hills.
• Elgin Park, White Rock with a Heritage homestead, ocean views, and grassy meadows.
• Redwood Park, Surrey with Natural Forested area with trails.
• Cowichan Valley, Victoria, Parksville, Crofton, Langford (travel fee may apply).

Summary of the process:

1. Your sitting fee is a $400/$750 Non-refundable retainer which is paid at booking along with a signed contract.
2. I will send you a booking form for you and your family with my contract and minor release forms etc.
3. We pick a date for your session with concession dates in the event of bad weather, travel restrictions, etc.
4. I provide wardrobe consultation with examples to make sure that you will knock your photos out of the park. From head to toe it’s important to look your best and have a cohesive look as a whole family.
5. On the day of our shoot, we work together to get all the photos on your wish list and a few more!
6. Your photos are partially edited within three weeks and viewed via a zoom reveal where we pick your images together. I help bring your vision to life!
7. We work together to pick the best images to prints for an heirloom album for your home (sold separately).

If you need help with organizing your extended family session please don’t hesitate to reach out. Some things aren’t worth putting off. Give your family something beautiful to look back on for years to come.

Email me at familyarchivephotography@gmail.com or send me a message through my contact form to set up your session today!

This session below was for a couple who had a BIG surprise. It was revealed after months and months of waiting they were PREGNANT! I was asked at the end of the session to get everyone to say “On the count of three say… Aman is Pregnant!!!!” and the look of surprise on everyone’s faces was so precious. Tears of joy and hugs all around for the happy parents-to-be. It was such a privilege to be part of this special session.