Why You Should Book an Extended Family Shoot
Because nothing says “I love you” like organizing a photo shoot with 17 of your closest relatives.
Let’s be real for a second—trying to gather your extended family in one place is basically like herding cats. Some live in Halifax, some are scattered across the country, and there’s always that one sibling that just got back from Thailand and is still “adjusting to the time zone.”
But when it all comes together? It’s pure magic. And as a photographer, I promise you: the chaos is so worth it.
Whether you all live here in Halifax Nova Scotia, or you're coming here on vacation, here’s why I think you should embrace the chaos and book that extended family photo session:
1. Because Grandma Deserves It
An extended family shoot is the ultimate gift—for you, for your parents, for grandma, and for future you, who will someday get teary-eyed flipping through these photos.
Your family’s story is worth telling. Extended family sessions offer a rare opportunity to capture the legacy of your family—whether it’s celebrating a grandparent’s milestone birthday, an anniversary, or simply the fact that everyone’s in the same place at the same time (which, let’s be honest, can feel like a miracle!).
These portraits become keepsakes for future generations. Imagine your kids showing their kids these images one day: “That’s your great-grandmother when she was 80—and she still made the best molasses cookies.”
2. You Finally Get Everyone in One Frame
Let’s face it: it’s rare that everyone’s together. Some of you are here in Halifax, others are in Ontario, and someone’s always traveling for work. An extended family shoot gives you the chance to hit pause, gather everyone in one place, and freeze a moment in time.
We’ll capture the big group shot, of course—but we’ll also break it down into smaller family units, cousins, siblings, grandparents with the grandkids, and any combination you’d like. It’s a full family experience, designed with everyone in mind.
With a proper extended family shoot, everyone shows up (in real life!), and no one ends up with half a face or awkwardly hovering behind a couch. I’ll guide you through the whole thing so it’s organized, stress-free(ish), and even kind of fun.
3. We're all in Nova Scotia—Let’s Use That
We are spoiled here in Halifax. Beaches, parks, ocean views, lighthouses that look like they belong in a Hallmark movie—it’s all right here.
Want to gather at the family cottage? Shoot in the Public Gardens? Frolic at Green Bay Beach? Let’s do it. The scenery is stunning so let's use it... plus, if we get a little wind-blown, that’s just “east coast charm.”
4. It’s Not Just Posing—It’s Laughing, Hugging, and Maybe Some Chaos. The REAL stuff.
Extended family sessions aren’t just about perfectly posed smiles (though we’ll get those too). They’re about real moments—like when the little cousins cuddle puddle each other, or Grandpa tells that same joke he’s been telling for 30 years (and still laughs at it).
I’ll capture the big group shots, of course—but also the smaller moments: siblings teasing each other, generations holding hands, and all the tiny interactions that make your family yours.
5. You’ll Never Regret It (Even if Grandpa Shows Up in Crocs... yes that's happened)
Here’s the truth: the days when everyone’s together are few and far between. Life keeps getting busy, and kids grow up faaaassstttt. .. And sometimes, family members start wearing Crocs in public with zero shame.
But you will treasure these photos forever. These are the ones that end up in frames, in albums for decades to come, and in your heart. You’ll look back and laugh at the outfits, smile at the memories, and be so glad you made it happen.
How to Plan an Extended Family Shoot (Without Losing Your Mind)
Okay, let’s talk logistics. This doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s how to make it smooth:
Pick one person for point of contact.
- Appoint a “family shoot captain” (maybe it’s you?) to coordinate with me and wrangle the rest of the crew. This helps avoid the classic 17-person group chat chaos.
Choose the date early.
- The earlier we plan, the better chance we have of avoiding summer vacations, soccer tournaments, and wedding season.
Location, location.
- Think about a meaningful spot—your family home, a cottage, a favourite beach or park. I’m happy to suggest places around Halifax or travel within Nova Scotia to make it special.
Outfits don’t have to match—but they should make sense together.
- Coordinated colours is better than completely matching outfits. Think soft, neutral tones with a few complementary pops of colour. Avoid logos and neons.
Leave room for fun.
- These sessions should be as relaxed and flexible as possible. I’ll guide the group, direct the shots, and make sure we get a variety, from the big group photo to intimate candid moments.
Ready to Make Some (Photogenic) Family Chaos?
Let’s do it. I’m based right in Wolfville Nova Scotia and happy to travel across Nova Scotia for your big family gathering.
I’ll help wrangle the group, keep it fun, and make sure everyone—even the shy toddler and the “camera-shy” uncle—has a great time.
Shoot me a message and let’s start planning. Bonus points if you bring snacks. Or a dog. Or both.
