Making Extended Family Photoshoots Fun and Easy in 2025

Taking extended family photos can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning and organization, you can create lasting memories that everyone will cherish. A bit of fun and flexibility can make the experience much more enjoyable. In 2025, extended family photoshoots focus on real moments in a relaxed, fun setting, whether for an event, holiday, or reunion.

By following some simple tips, you can make your extended family photoshoot easier and more enjoyable. From choosing the right location to organizing group shots efficiently, a little preparation can save you time and reduce stress. When everyone feels comfortable, you’ll capture genuine moments that show your family’s love and connection. These photos will be treasured for years to come, making the effort totally worth it.

1. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Shoot

Planning is the most important part of a successful extended family photoshoot. Make sure you give enough time for everyone to get ready, travel to the location, and settle in. It’s best to choose a date and time that work for most family members. A weekend or holiday is often ideal, as more people are available. Confirm the date early, especially for family members who live far away, to ensure everyone can plan ahead.

Picking the right location is also important for your extended family photoshoot. Choose a place that has enough space for the whole family and doesn’t have too many distractions. Outdoor locations like parks or beaches are ideal for their natural beauty and space for everyone to move around. However, if the weather isn’t great, an indoor location with good lighting can also work. Make sure there are no harsh lights or dark shadows that might ruin the pictures.

Finally, don’t forget to discuss what everyone will wear for the extended family photoshoot. Try to match your outfits, but make them simple. Matching clothes is fine, but avoid anything too flashy or busy, as it can draw attention away from the people in the photos. Neutral colors, soft pastels, or simple patterns are often best. Let family members know in advance what to wear so they can come prepared and avoid last-minute stress.

2. Pick a Simple Theme or Color Scheme

Choosing a theme or color scheme for your photoshoot helps bring everything together. A simple theme can make photos look organized and stylish. It can reflect the season, a family tradition, or the family’s personality. For example, a summer shoot might use light colors like white and blue, while winter might feature warm tones like reds and browns.

The key is to pick a color scheme that works for everyone. You don’t need to match outfits exactly, but try to pick colors that will look good together. One way to do this is to pick one main color and let each person choose a shade that works for them. For example, if the main color is blue, some people can wear navy, others can wear light blue, and some can wear denim. This way, everyone looks connected, but there’s still room for individual style.

A theme can also make the shoot more fun. For holiday photos, like Christmas or Halloween, you can use seasonal decorations or props. A rustic theme with plaid shirts and boots can be great for fall, while a beach theme might call for sunglasses and flip-flops. Just keep it simple and make sure everyone is comfortable. The goal is to make the photos feel personal and special, not forced.

3. Break the Ice with Fun Activities

Family photo shoots don’t have to be all about posing. The best photos often happen when everyone is having fun. A simple way to get people laughing is by including a fun activity. This could be something simple, like playing a game, telling jokes, or even just chatting. The more relaxed everyone is, the better the photos will turn out.

Another way to make things more fun is to give everyone something to do. You could bring props, like balloons or signs, or suggest silly poses. For example, ask the kids to jump in the air or tell a funny story to make everyone smile. These little moments help create real emotion, and you’ll end up with pictures that feel more natural. It also helps take away any nervousness people might have, especially if they don’t like being in front of the camera.

Remember, not everyone in the family may be comfortable posing for photos, especially the younger children or shy relatives. Allow them time to feel at ease, and don’t rush them into the shot. Let them play or do something they enjoy. This way, you can photograph genuine smiles and fun interactions that everyone will love looking back on.

4. Organize Group Shots Efficiently

When you have a large family, it’s important to organize the photos so everything goes smoothly. Start by taking smaller group shots before getting to the big family photo. This can help reduce stress and save time. For example, you can take pictures of just the grandparents with their kids, the parents with their children, and then siblings together. Once these smaller groups are done, you can bring everyone together for the big family shot.

One way to keep things moving is to have a list of groupings prepared before the photoshoot. This helps avoid confusion and ensures you don’t forget anyone. Assign a specific time for each group so that no one is left out, and you can move on to the next shot quickly. Having someone direct the group shots allows the photographer to focus on capturing the perfect picture. This can be a family member who’s not in the photo, so they can help arrange people and keep everything organized.

Don’t forget to also get photos of the more intimate moments between family members. Some of the best shots happen when people are just interacting with each other, like hugging, talking, or laughing. These moments are more meaningful than posed photos and capture the love and joy that make family pictures special.

5. Embrace Candid Moments

While posed shots are great, candid moments often bring out the best in family photos. These natural moments show the true emotions and bonds between family members. Encourage everyone to relax, chat, and enjoy the time together. The more genuine the moments, the better the photos will feel.

Candid shots can also happen while people are waiting for their turn in the photos. If you’re taking a large family photo, take some shots while people are interacting in between the formal poses. These little moments often photograph a more authentic version of the family dynamic. Kids laughing or a sweet moment between generations often become the group’s favorite photos.

Another idea is to take photos of people doing something they enjoy. For example, a candid shot of a couple holding hands or smiling can be very touching, especially if they’ve been married for years. If the kids are playing or jumping around, those photos also bring out a lot of energy and fun. Focus on capturing true connections, not on everyone looking perfect.

6. Keep It Short and Sweet

Extended family photoshoots can get tiring, especially with a large group. To keep everyone engaged, it’s important to limit the amount of time spent on photos. Aim for a photoshoot that lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. This should be enough time to get all the important shots without wearing everyone out.

Keep the shoot quick and simple to help everyone stay focused and energized. If it goes on too long, people might lose interest, and it will show in the photos. It’s better to have a quick, enjoyable session than to drag it out and end up with tired, grumpy family members.

If you do need more time, plan for breaks in between shots. Let people relax and chat for a few minutes before getting back to the next group or pose. This helps keep the energy high and gives everyone a chance to reset.

7. Photograph Special Details

Sometimes the best photos aren’t the big group shots, but the small moments that mean the most. These details can make your photos even more meaningful. Look for special interactions, like a child holding their parent’s hand or a grandparent laughing with their grandchildren. These moments often show the deep bonds between family members, which is what makes family photos so precious.

In addition to people, remember to take close-up shots of any special objects or family traditions. If there’s a family heirloom or something important to your family, photograph it in the photos. This adds another layer of meaning and tells a unique story about your family.

Also, pay attention to the background. The setting can add extra charm to the photos. A background like a family home, garden, or living room can reflect your family’s personality and values.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and a relaxed attitude, extended family photoshoots can be both fun and memorable. Planning, choosing a simple theme, and capturing candid moments will create photos that reflect your family’s love and joy. Remember to keep things short and simple, focusing on photographing the real connections between family members. In the end, it’s the memories and emotions that will make these photos something to treasure for years.

Read Next: Family Portrait Ideas with 7 Captivating Poses and Shots