More Than a Holiday Card: Why This Is the Year for an Extended Family Photoshoot

There’s a feeling that settles in with the first truly crisp New England air. You can sense it when you walk through the Public Garden and see the leaves turning, or catch the faint scent of cinnamon from a local cafe. The holidays are coming, and with them, that familiar, annual thought: “We need a good photo for the holiday card this year.”

Getting a beautiful photo of your immediate family is a wonderful goal. But what if this year, you could capture something even more profound? What if you could freeze a perfect moment in time with everyone—the grandparents beaming with pride, the cousins laughing together, the whole wonderful, chaotic crew that makes your family yours?

An extended family photoshoot isn’t just about getting a bigger picture; it’s about creating a timeless heirloom, simplifying your holiday gift-giving, and turning a photo session into a memorable family event. This guide will walk you through why it’s the best gift you can give this year and how to make it happen, stress-free.

The “Why”: More Than a Photo, It’s a Legacy

The Ultimate Gift for Grandparents 

Let’s be honest, what do you give the people who have given you everything? More sweaters? Another gadget? What grandparents truly want is to see their family happy and together. A beautiful, professional portrait of their entire legacy—all the people they love most in one frame—is a gift that will undoubtedly bring tears to their eyes. It’s an irreplaceable treasure that will become the centerpiece of their home and their hearts.

A Snapshot of Your Family, Right Now 

Life moves so incredibly fast. Babies become toddlers in the blink of an eye, cousins who live states apart grow into the best of friends during holiday visits, and new partners join the fold. An extended family photo captures your family tree at this specific, precious moment. It’s a treasure for your kids and for future generations to look back on, to see where—and who—they came from.

Make a New Tradition (and a Fun Excuse to Get Together!) 

Instead of thinking of it as another task on the holiday to-do list, frame the photoshoot as a special event in itself. It’s a wonderful reason to coordinate and gather that isn’t centered around a formal, hectic holiday meal. The photoshoot itself becomes a happy memory—an hour dedicated to simply laughing, hugging, and connecting with each other.

Planning Your Boston-Area Photoshoot: The 3 Key Steps

Step 1: Wrangling the Crew (Logistics Made Simple)

• Appoint a Captain: To make things easy, designate one person as the main point of contact to coordinate with your photographer and the rest of the family. This streamlines all communication.
• Scheduling is Key: Finding a date that works for multiple households can be tricky! Use those Google calendars or any other tools you like to sync up your schedules. And a gentle reminder: my fall and holiday calendar books up very quickly, so starting this conversation in early October is the perfect time to ensure you get a spot!

Step 2: What to Wear (Coordinate, Don’t Match!)

• Pick a Palette: The days of matching white shirts and jeans are behind us! For a timeless, cohesive look, choose a color palette of 3-4 complementary colors. For a classic New England feel, think about tones like navy, cranberry, cream, and camel. This allows for individual personality while still looking beautifully put together. 
• Think Textures & Layers: Especially for a Boston fall or winter shoot, layers are your best friend! Cozy knits, classic plaids, soft corduroy, and stylish jackets not only keep you warm but also add wonderful visual depth and interest to your photos.
• Comfort is King: The most important rule! Everyone, from the youngest toddler to grandpa, should feel comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing. Happy people make for beautiful, genuine photos. And your photographer is there to help you narrow down your wardrobe choices!

Step 3: Location, Location, Location (Showcasing Boston’s Charm)

• Urban & Chic: For a stylish, city vibe, we can explore the iconic brownstones of Beacon Hill, the cobblestone charm of Acorn Street, or the modern architecture of the Seaport District.
• Natural & Classic New England: For a softer, more traditional feel, we are spoiled for choice with beautiful beaches. I always love a good coastal vibe!
• Cozy & Personal: Sometimes the most meaningful location is home. An in-home session can be incredibly special, capturing the family in the environment where so many memories have already been made.

Easing the Worries (And How I Help!)

“What if the kids (or grandpa!) won’t cooperate?” 

Please, do not worry about this! My sessions are relaxed, patient, and fun. It is not about stiff poses and forced smiles. It’s about capturing connection. We’ll swap stories, play games, and create an environment where everyone can be themselves. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve for getting genuine smiles from all ages.

“It’s a big investment.” 

This is a common concern, but I encourage you to think of it as a shared investment. When the cost of the session is split between the individual families (for example, siblings and their parents chipping in), it’s often incredibly affordable—sometimes even less than what each family might pay for their own private mini-session.

“We’re just so awkward in front of the camera.” 

Almost every single person says this to me, and it’s my job to prove them wrong! My approach is candid and gentle. I’ll give you enough direction so you feel comfortable, but the best photos happen in the in-between moments—when you’re laughing at a shared joke, hugging your grandma, or chasing after the little ones. My goal is for you to forget I’m even there.

A Gift That Lasts Forever

This holiday season, give a gift that will only grow more precious with time. More than just a picture for a card, an extended family photo is a celebration of your unique story, a moment of true togetherness, and an heirloom your family will cherish forever.

My fall and holiday calendar is booking quickly, but I’ve reserved a few spots specifically for special sessions like these. If you’re ready to create a beautiful memory for your family, get in touch with me to start planning. Let’s capture your story!