As a photographer on 30A, we love creating stunning home decor for our extended family photo sessions, keep scrolling for some tips on a stressfree family photo session.
Destin, Panama City Beach, 30A - they are all perfect locations for an extended family vacation. And while on vacation, creating memories, take an hour and enjoy a sunset or sunrise family photo session. These sessions are some of my favorite but also require a bit of preparing! There are definitely lots of factors when it comes to planning and executing a successful extended family session. Understanding the process before our session will help you get the most out of your experience.
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Large families sometimes leads too lots of opinions. Here are a few quick tips I want all my extended families to be aware of:
PICK A SIMPLE COLOR PALETTE: Choosing wardrobe can be overwhelming when dressing multiple families and body shapes. Keep it simple! Chose a neutral color tone (beige, taupe, gray, cream, white). If you would like to add a pop of color, be sure it's only one or two and make sure they are same color harmony as main color.
SOLID COLORS: Wardrobe pieces should be simple and flattering. Keep away from patterns as they are distracting to the eye and can. Great options for the guys are solid color button down shirts (short or long sleeve). Ladies be sure to choose items that cover your upper arms, while we love the summer tanks, it's best to keep those upper arms covered so too much skin isn't showing.
START WITH THE MATRIARCH'S WARDROBE: This often means Grandma’s outfit should be chosen first. Match Grandpa to her and then plan the rest of the families wardrobes around theirs.
Many wonder just exactly how an extended family session works when photographing at sunrise or sunset on the beach. While every photographer does it different, and sometimes we need to adjust based on when children will cooperate best, this is how our extended family photo sessions typically flow.
Our goal is to will capture some posed images of the entire group FIRST. For this reason, it is importantant that all adults in the group are ready at least 30 mintues before session time. This photo is the main focus of this extended family photo session but also one of the hardest to get, especially with overtired little ones and grumpy dads.
After whole group, I will move to grandparents with grandchildren and a group image of just the grandchildren. After that, my flow goes as follows:
Grandparents and their original children
Grandparents with their original children and spouse
Sibling picture of original children
Individual families, shots of each kid and couple- I start with the family who has the most toddlers/babies
Any other requests (mom/daughters, dad/sons)
Often times meeting one hour before sunset or 15 minutes before sunrise is enough for our session. However, larger families may take longer. I will try to move as fast as possible! Coming to your session with an idea of the shots you want will also really help me speed along!
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Booking your extended family photo session with Melonie Marie Photography is easy! Do it online at your earliest convenience, even if that's at 2:00 am!
Simply click on book now, choose STANDARD session and choose your date and time (sunrise/sunset) and head to check out!
After check out, you will be emailed a session confirmation, and a contract that requires your online signature.
Then the fun begins! We will be in contact within 48 to start discussing the details of your extended family photo session. Be sure to check your email and complete the questionnaire as soon as you receive it so we can start planning the adventure!
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