The holidays are here—which means family, food, and festive fun! 🎄 But between all the baking, gift wrapping, and planning, it can be hard to find an activity that brings everyone together and creates something meaningful.
That’s where extended family portraits come in! As a Phoenix family photographer who’s worked with families of all sizes (and all ages!), I can honestly say this is one of the most rewarding and joy-filled sessions of the year. Whether it’s grandparents flying in, cousins reunited, or the first holiday with a new baby—these photos capture a little piece of your family’s story forever.
📸 Contact to Book Your Holiday Family SessionWhy Extended Family Photos Are the Perfect Holiday Activity
It’s not just about the pictures—it’s about the experience! During the holidays, most families are finally all in one place, which makes it the perfect time to gather for portraits.
Here’s why so many families choose to schedule their photo sessions during this season:
🎁 1. Everyone’s Already Together
The hardest part about extended family portraits is coordinating everyone’s schedules. But around the holidays, you’ve already done the hard work—everyone’s in town! Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a winter getaway, this is the ideal time to capture your family while everyone’s together.
🌵 2. The Phoenix Weather Is Perfect
If you live in or are visiting the Phoenix area, winter is the dream season for outdoor photos. Cooler temps, glowing sunsets, and golden light make for the perfect backdrop. Plus, there’s no melting makeup or overheating toddlers!
❤️ 3. It’s a Gift That Lasts Forever
Looking for a thoughtful, unique holiday gift? A family photo session is one that will be treasured long after the decorations are packed away. You can even surprise grandparents with a framed print or photo album from your session!
What to Expect at an Extended Family Photo Session
Extended family sessions are a little different than your typical immediate family shoot—but don’t worry, I’ll guide you through every step!
Here’s a peek at what to expect:
- A mix of poses – Full group shots, smaller family breakdowns, grandparents with grandkids, and of course, fun candid moments.
- Lots of laughter – With so many personalities in one place, these sessions are always full of smiles and stories.
- Patience and direction – As a mom of four and a former early childhood educator, I’m skilled at keeping everyone comfortable and having fun (even the little ones who’d rather be playing).
- A beautiful location – From the best family photo spots in Phoenix to hidden desert gems, we’ll pick a place that suits your family’s vibe.
What to Wear for Extended Family Photos
Coordinating outfits for a big group can sound tricky, but it doesn’t have to be!
Here are my favorite tips to make it simple (and stylish):
- Pick a color palette with 2–3 main tones (like navy, cream, and blush).
- Avoid perfectly matching outfits—coordinating is better than identical.
- Add textures and layers for visual interest (think cardigans, scarves, or denim).
- Dress for the location—the desert, a park, or an urban spot all have different vibes.
Need help deciding? Check out my post on what to wear for your family photo session for even more ideas and color combinations that photograph beautifully!
Choosing the Right Location
Phoenix is full of beautiful photo locations, and for extended family sessions, I love choosing spots with plenty of space and easy access.
A few of my top recommendations include:
- 🌵 Papago Park – Iconic red rocks and desert light.
- 🌳 Fountain Hills Park – Great open space with a beautiful fountain and mountain views.
- 🏜️ Scorpion Gulch – A rustic stone structure with plenty of charm and minimal walking required.
- 🌸 Mesa Community College Rose Garden – Perfect for colorful, floral backgrounds and easy parking.
- 🌾 Gilbert Riparian Preserve – Variety of scenery, from desert to ponds, in one location.
Each spot offers something different—and I’ll help you find one that fits your family’s personality best!
When to Schedule Your Session
The best time of day for photos in Phoenix is during the golden hour—that dreamy light just before sunset. It’s warm, soft, and flattering for every skin tone.
During the holidays, my calendar fills up fast (especially for extended family sessions), so it’s best to book 4–6 weeks in advance. This gives everyone time to plan outfits and coordinate schedules.
If you’re visiting from out of state, we can work around your travel plans to make sure we capture the perfect timing and light!
Why You’ll Love These Photos Forever
Extended family portraits are about more than getting everyone in the frame—they’re about capturing your family’s story.
These photos will:
- Celebrate generations together.
- Capture authentic smiles and relationships.
- Give your kids memories with their grandparents.
- Create heirlooms that can be passed down for decades.
Every time I deliver an extended family gallery, I know those images will hang in homes, appear on holiday cards, and remind families of the love that connects them—no matter how far apart they live.
💜 Contact Me to Schedule Your Extended Family Session
Ready to Make This Holiday One to Remember?
Whether you’re hosting the holidays here in Phoenix or visiting family in town, an extended family photo session is a wonderful way to make this season even more special. You’ll walk away with portraits full of joy, laughter, and connection—and memories that last long after the decorations come down.
Let’s create something beautiful together!
