A Little God Wink
There is something incredibly meaningful about extended family photography sessions. Grandparents, siblings, cousins, and babies all together in one place, these are the kinds of photographs that grow more valuable with time.
Recently I had the honor of photographing Kayla and Kyle’s extended family session at Lilly Farm in Climax, North Carolina, just outside of Greensboro. It was one of those beautiful golden evenings where the light was soft, the kids were running through the grass, and the whole family was simply enjoying being together.....But there was also a moment during the session that completely caught me off guard in the sweetest way.
A Sweet God Wink During This Family Session
As we were getting started, Kayla introduced me to her mom.
Her name is Polishia, but her grandmother name is “Gaga.”
The second I heard that name, my heart stopped for a moment. My mom’s grandma name was also Gaga. My mom passed away last February from Pancreatic Cancer. My son Jacob came up with the name. I haven't heard of any other Gaga's
Hearing that name instantly brought back so many memories. I honestly could have ugly cried right there. It felt like one of those quiet little moments where God reminds you that our stories are more connected than we realize.Standing there photographing three generations of their beautiful family while hearing that familiar name made the evening feel even more special.
Moments like that are exactly why I love what I do.
Photography isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about preserving people, relationships, and memories that matter.
The Beauty of Extended Family Photography
Extended family sessions are some of my absolute favorites to photograph. They capture the relationships that make up the bigger story of a family:
- Grandparents with their grandchildren
- Parents surrounded by their children
- Cousins laughing together
- Multiple generations in one frame
These photos often become some of the most treasured images a family has.
Lilly Farm in Climax was the perfect setting for this session. The open fields, soft golden light, and peaceful countryside just outside of Greensboro created the most beautiful backdrop for their family portraits.
5 Tips for a Successful Extended Family Photo Session
Planning an extended family photo session can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can make everything run smoothly.
Here are five tips I always share with families before their session.
1. Coordinate Colors Instead of Matching Outfits
Choose a color palette instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing. Neutral tones like cream, soft blues, denim, and earth tones photograph beautifully and keep the images timeless.
2. Start With the Full Family Photo
The first thing I always photograph during extended family sessions is the entire group together. This ensures we capture the most important image right away while everyone is still fresh and kids still have their patience.
3. Plan Your Family Groupings Ahead of Time
Extended family sessions usually include several photo combinations such as:
- The entire family
- Grandparents with grandchildren
- Individual family units
- Siblings together
- Cousins together
Having a loose plan keeps the session relaxed and organized.
4. Schedule the Session Near Sunset
The best light for outdoor family photos happens about one to one and a half hours before sunset. This “golden hour” light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering in photographs.
5. Let the Kids Be Themselves
Some of the most meaningful photos happen when kids are simply playing and interacting naturally. Running through the field, holding hands with grandma, or laughing with cousins often creates the most genuine and beautiful moments.
Why Extended Family Photos Matter So Much
One day these photos become so much more than pictures.
They become reminders of the way grandma smiled, the way cousins ran through the grass together, and the way everyone gathered in one place to celebrate family. And sometimes they include a little God wink like hearing a familiar name that brings back memories of someone you love.
Kayla and Kyle’s extended family session at Lilly Farm was one of those evenings I won’t forget. I’m so thankful I got to capture it.
Looking for an Extended Family Photographer in Greensboro, NC?
If you’re planning a family gathering or want to capture multiple generations together, extended family sessions are a beautiful way to preserve those memories.
Kind Light Co offers extended family photography sessions in Greensboro, High Point,Winston-Salem, and surrounding North Carolina areas.
Because these are the photos your family will treasure for generations.
xoxo,
Lauren
✨ Inquire about booking your family session here:
