Lyndsey Aberromby Photography
Extended Family Photoshoots: Why Include Grandparents
Most family photoshoots are organised around the children. But some of my favourite sessions at Ashridge and around Berkhamsted are the ones where grandparents come along too. Having a few big group shots with everyone in is a bonus. But it’s so much more than that. The way your child reaches for their grandma’s hand without thinking. The look a grandfather gives a grandchild who’s up to something. The cousins all together for once.
When grandparents join a session, we can create lots of different combinations naturally throughout the shoot. When the whole family gets together this might include:
- the whole extended family
- grandparents with all the grandchildren
- individual grandchildren with grandparents
- the grandparents together
- each family unit separately
- all the cousins together
Or, when its just your family unit and the grandparents, we get all of the combinations and lots of softer connections too.
Extended family photoshoots make good gifts
A multigenerational shoot is also a genuinely useful present when you’re stuck for ideas. They work well for:
- A milestone birthday (60th, 70th, 80th)
- A wedding anniversary
- A retirement
- Christmas
- When family are over from abroad or down from elsewhere in the UK
For grandparents especially, photographs with everyone together tend to mean more than another wrapped present.
I hear the same sentence a lot “We’ve been meaning to do this for years.”
The Cousin Photos
One of my favourite parts of extended sessions is photographing the cousins together. Children grow up alongside their cousins for huge stretches of childhood and almost never have proper photographs together. Just phone snaps at birthdays.
Holding hands, sitting on a grandparent’s lap, climbing things they shouldn’t, getting the giggles. These end up being some of the most-loved images from the gallery.
How The Cost Works
Most extended family sessions are split between households, often as a gift for the grandparents. Rather than one family covering the full fee, grandparents, siblings or different family groups chip in. Because each family comes away with photographs of both their own family and the wider group it works out as good value compared to booking separate sessions. Pricing is the same as my standard family sessions. You can see the packages [on the family photography page].
What The Photoshoot Feels Like
Fast moving and fun. I work quickly to make sure we get plenty of variety and capture the real connection between everyone. Lots of movement. Lots of laughter. Plenty of those in-between moments where nobody’s posing and the photos suddenly look like your family. Grandparents can join in where they want to and sit down when they want a break. Kids can be kids. The focus is on the people and the relationships, not on getting everyone to stand still and smile at once.
When To Do The Photoshoot
Family photoshoots with grandparents work well at any time of year. Extended family sessions aren’t tied to a season. The focus is on the people and being together, not on the backdrop. If people are travelling from different location it’s always worth trying to co-ordinate a date as early as possible. People often schedule sessions for early in the year – photoshoot vouchers are given as Christmas presents, and then the shoot takes place early in the year before the summer chaos begins. Or think about timings when your familiy naturally gets together – birthdays, anniversaries etc.
Where I Photograph Extended Family Photoshoots
Most sessions happen at Ashridge Estate. It works well across generations – lots of space, easy parking, and benches when grandparents need a break. I also photograph extended families at many other locations across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and North London. Parks, gardens, family homes, places that mean something to you. Home sessions can be a good option if longer walks are tricky for any of the grandparents, or if everyone’s gathering at one house anyway.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an extended family photoshoot take?
Around an hour to ninety minutes, depending on group size and how many family units we’re photographing.
How many people can be included in the photoshoot?
There is no fixed limit. I’ve photographed extended family groups from three to twenty-plus. Larger groups may just need a little more time.
What if a grandparent has mobility issues?
Please let me know and we can pick a shoot location to suit everyone. Ashridge has flat, accessible paths, and plenty of benches. We can also do the shoot at home or in the garden if thats easier.
Can the cost be split between families?
Yes, most extended family bookins are split between households. I send one invoice, and you divide however it works for your family.
Do you travel if our grandparents live elsewhere?
Let’s chat, but yes, I do. My extended family lives a few hours away, so I know how extra important getting together is when you don’t all live nearby. Drop me a message and we’ll see if we can make it work.
Thinking About a Family Photoshoot?
I photograph relaxed family sessions across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire & North London – focussed on connection, personality and real family moments.