Where Family Stories Live on
There are few occasions that bring an entire family together quite like a milestone anniversary. An extended family photography session is a special way to preserve those rare moments when multiple generations of a family can all gather in one place.
Between busy schedules, growing families, and loved ones living in different places, having everyone together for one photograph becomes more meaningful with each passing year.
This Newport Beach extended family photography session celebrated an incredible milestone: 56 years of marriage. Eighteen family members came together, including grandparents, children, grandchildren, teenagers, and toddlers, to celebrate the couple who started it all.
The first thing this family told me wasn't how many people would be there or what time they wanted photos. They told me they were celebrating their parents' anniversary. Right away, I knew these photographs would mean so much more than simply documenting who was there that evening. They would preserve a family's legacy, not only for today, but for the children, grandchildren, and generations still to come.
Planning a Newport Beach extended family session
Planning photos for a large family can feel overwhelming at first. Coordinating schedules, deciding on a location, and making sure every family combination is photographed can seem like a lot.
That's why my approach is centered around making the experience feel relaxed and organized from the beginning.
Before every session, I help families choose the perfect location, plan the best time for beautiful natural light, discuss outfit coordination, and create a list of the groupings they'd like photographed. By the time everyone arrives, there is no wondering where to stand or what comes next. My goal is for your family to simply enjoy being together while I take care of the details.
During an extended family photography session, we typically capture:
• The entire extended family
• Each individual family
• Grandparents with their children
• Grandparents with grandchildren
• Sibling and cousin portraits
• Natural moments throughout the evening
Having a plan allows us to capture every important portrait while still leaving room for the candid moments that often become families' favorites!
Why Newport Beach, California Is Perfect for Extended Family Photos
Newport Beach is one of my favorite locations for extended family portraits in Orange County. The wide beaches provide plenty of space for larger groups, while the coastline creates a timeless backdrop that never goes out of style.
Sunset is especially beautiful here. The soft evening light creates warm, natural portraits and gives families the chance to slow down, walk along the shoreline, and simply enjoy being together.
What to Wear for Extended Family Photos
Coordinating outfits for a large family can feel overwhelming, but the goal is not for everyone to match. Instead, I recommend choosing a color palette that feels cohesive while allowing each person's personality to shine.
Soft neutrals, coastal tones, creams, blues, and earthy colors photograph beautifully against the Newport Beach coastline. Adding textures like linen, cotton, and layers can create a timeless look without distracting from the most important part of the photographs: your family's connection.
I'm always happy to provide styling guidance so everyone feels confident and comfortable during the session.
Celebrating a Family Legacy
A 56th wedding anniversary represents far more than the number of years spent together. It represents a lifetime of memories, traditions, and a family that continues to grow because of the love two people chose to build decades ago.
Watching grandparents surrounded by their children and grandchildren was a beautiful reminder that photographs become more valuable with time.
One day, these images won't simply show what everyone looked like. They'll remind future generations where they came from, the people who came before them, and the love that brought them all together.
That's what makes extended family photography so meaningful.
Looking for a Newport Beach Extended Family Photographer?
Whether you're celebrating a milestone anniversary, planning a family vacation, or simply realizing it's been too long since everyone has been together, I'd love to help preserve this chapter of your family's story.
If you're looking for a Newport Beach extended family photographer or an Orange County family photographer, Vermeersch Photography would be honored to create timeless images your family will cherish for generations!
