Extended family photoshoots in Cornwall
Extended family photography sessions in Cornwall
An extended family session is a photoshoot that involves extra family members, such as grandparents, grown siblings etc in addition to the nuclear family.
I do several extended family sessions each year - and I have grown to really love them!
Why book an extended family photoshoot?
The most common reason for booking an extended family photoshoot with me is that everyone is gathering in Cornwall for some special occasion from all over the country (or globe), and it’s a rare opportunity for photos together.
The special occasion is often something like a ruby wedding anniversary, an 80th birthday celebration, and the whole tribe are congregating in Cornwall to celebrate.
The largest group I’ve been asked to photograph is 36, but it’s usually around 8-12 people, including little ones.
Where do extended family photoshoots take place?
When it comes to extended families I’m usually the one who does the travelling and they have the spot decided - either a place dear to them, or where they live or are staying etc. I’ve photographed extended families at their homes, at hotels, on beaches.
A family photo to surprise an elderly parent with for their birthday.
What happens during an extended family session?
In short, anything and everything!
Extended family photoshoots are a little different to normal family sessions. I am usually conscious that there is a lot more posing involved - way out of my comfort zone - and ‘stand and look at the camera’ type of shots, but this is because they have hired me to capture them all together and that means some bits can feel more formal. But there is still plenty of chatting and banter and I do still love capturing the in-between moments, when everyone laughs at a joke or do something silly.
My priority is to get some of the ‘all together‘ shots done and depending on the group, as many more relaxed, naturally posed photos of smaller groups (all the girls, or grandparents with grandchildren etc) then each family group together, or kids doing something fun. It all tends to unfold as the dynamics come out and as long as everyone is having a good time, I’ll keep snapping and seeing what happens.
There are always way more photos taken than usual which answers my next FAQ…
Why is there a supplement charged for extended families?
I charge a supplement on top of my session fee for extended families simply because the sessions often go for longer, involve several families so you basically get a mini family session each if you want to - and there is a ton more work involved afterwards.
This does not include travel, which is often added on top of the session fee & extended family supplement - but I always try to keep it fair.
There is a lot of value in whatever you pay, and I take the responsibility of delivering photos that will mean a lot to many people very seriously.
“Michelle was so lovely and instantly put us all at ease. She couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating. The photoshoot was great fun and enjoyed by us all. We’re so pleased with the photos - really relaxed and informal. Thank you.”
Past sessions - case histories
Judi’s 80th Birthday at the Nare Hotel, Cornwall
The whole family (three generations) were staying at The Nare Hotel in Veryan, Cornwall, in celebration of Judi turning 80. It was their favourite place and the perfect location for an extended family session capturing everyone together.
We’d initially arranged to meet at Carne beach, which The Nare overlooks, but decided the gardens of the hotel would be preferred and easier for the elders. The contact person for the session was Helen, and she was in charge of forwarding on my messages, prep guides, and info on outfit co-ordination.
The evening of the session a chilly wind whipped up and I got in touch to see if they’d want to move it, but there was no other suitable time so we stuck with our arranged slot and it turned out to be a beautiful golden evening.
The grandchildren (all in their teens) were fantastic - I didn’t know what to expect as this age can be awkward! The banter and pranks were endless and the whole group were such fun to be around.
We took some family photos first - I usually start off with the more posed safe shots, and then things can loosen up from there. I chose a bench with the light filtered from the back by a tree, and then once the sun had dipped a little we went to the lawn overlooking the ocean, where the kids played on the swings and the dog was brought out for some smaller family photos.
Overall a beautiful session that was a lovely memory in itself. And the photos were gorgeous!
Family holiday in St Mawes
This family was scattered all over the place - from Scotland where some of them still lived - to Australia - and they were in St Mawes all together for the first time in a while.
We arranged to meet below the St Mawes Castle at the beach there, after toying with the idea of taking a walk along the coast path. The beach idea won out when we realised how wet and muddy the coast path would be, and it was a good spot for everyone to settle.
There were two infants and the timing was set around their naps, which can sometimes spell disaster but they did really well.
I took some candid photos while we waited for everyone to arrive, and then did a mixture of smaller family groups posed and everyone all together. It was a really lovely session and I love the colours of the day and relaxed vibe of the photos.
A gentle home session
This family were together celebrating an 80th and a 1st birthday, within a few days of each other. Both grown up girls were visiting their parents at the family home in St Austell, and they just wanted a couple of photos together.
Because of illness and a recent hip op, they asked if they could do the session at home where it would be easier and as luck would have it, the sun shone and the rain stopped so we could be out in the garden (although with this smaller group indoors would have been ok too).
The focus was on quality rather than quantity - I wanted to make sure I got everyone in the right setting with the right light, in the short time we had. They only wanted a handful of photos, and those in recovery could only manage so much. So we started at the back garden and worked our way around to the front, for a short and sweet session followed by a more lengthly coffee and chat back indoors, which was wonderful!
If you have an occasion coming up and rare opportunity to get extended family members together in a photo get in touch about an extended family session.
