After photographing countless multi-generational family portraits all over the world, I’ve learned a thing or two about making the experience stress-free—and actually enjoyable!

Here are my top tips to make your session relaxed, fun, and full of beautiful memories—whether it’s a family reunion, grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary, or a “let’s finally do this” generational photoshoot:

*Your home, holiday home or a holiday rental are easy, and personal backdrops for extended family photoshoots*

1. Choose a familiar, comfortable location

Your session doesn’t need to be somewhere fancy or far away. Whether it’s the family holiday home in Inverloch, a nearby park in Traralgon, or a local spot with special memories on the Mornington Peninsula, choosing a location everyone feels comfortable in keeps the mood relaxed and natural. The focus should be on the people, not on logistics or travel.

Pro tip: If you’re planning a family reunion or weekend away, let the accommodation be the backdrop—or choose somewhere within walking distance. Trying to get everyone into cars and to a new location is an unnecessary complication while you’re on a mini-holiday!

*Timing is vital for success: Before the grandparents are too tired, but not too early the the tweens/teens will be grumpy!*

2. Book the session for a time that suits everyone

Late afternoon often works beautifully for natural light, but the key is choosing a time when the group is relaxed, fed, and awake! Morning sessions can work too, but consider routines, naps, and energy levels. If you’re on a weekend away, day two usually works best: you’ve settled in, any latecomers have arrived, but everyone is still fresh enough to enjoy the session.

*From wardrobe choices to location scouting and getting your family excited- I’m there to make it easy*

3. Choose a photographer who specialises in multi-generational families

Big groups are very different from a quick toddler session. There are personalities to juggle, relationships to navigate, and logistics to plan. The right photographer will guide you through everything—from asking the right questions beforehand to keeping the session fun. They’ll help even the reluctant adult sibling or the “too cool for family” teenager feel comfortable and engaged.

*Connecting with all ages, and all personalities is my specialty at Classico Portraits!*

4. If you’re the “family photo organiser,” let’s make it easy

Almost every extended family has one person who ends up coordinating the photoshoot—often appointed, sometimes quietly volunteering, and sometimes bravely stepping up. I see you, and I’m here to make your life easier!

Before the session, we’ll discuss logistics, tricky family dynamics, and your vision for the final images. Together, we’ll work out clothing, timing, and location so you don’t have to stress over the details. On the day, I’ll gently guide the group, keeping the energy light and positive, so you can enjoy the moment instead of feeling like the director of a feature film.

Think of me as your co-organiser—I handle the tricky bits, you get to be part of the fun.

5. Wardrobe made simple—and timeless

Outfits can make or break a family portrait, but I’m here to make it easy. I’ll guide you on colours, textures, and styles that work beautifully together without looking overly matched or dated. The goal is timeless photos that feel natural and cohesive, so your family looks connected without anyone feeling uncomfortable in stiff or “too styled” clothing.

I’ll provide personalised tips in advance and can help with final tweaks on the day—so you can focus on enjoying your time together.

Related: Download my free 5-Minute Outfit Formula for iPhone Photos You’ll Actually Want to Print (useful for your professional photoshoot too!)

*Let me guide you through what to wear to look co-hesive, while still feeling like yourselves!*

6. Keep it relaxed and fun

Don’t worry about perfect poses or stiff smiles. The best portraits come from natural interactions—undertaking an activity looking baking, playing a quick game, sharing a laugh, or just sitting together in a quiet moment.

Allow your photographer to gently guide as needed so everyone feels comfortable and at ease. Those are the memories you’ll look back on years later, not “sit and smile” shots that leave everyone exhausted.

I love to join my clients on a day the family is already spending together and make the “formal portraits” a little activity in itself, while also documenting whatever they’re up to. For a family I photographed this year, who spend an entire week together every summer, it meant arriving just as the kids were getting in the pool for the afternoon. Capturing those fun, candid moments was a great way to get to know each child’s personality, which then made the posed shots later even more natural. By starting with something playful, everyone is happy and relaxed when it’s time for the more formal portraits.

See that full multi-gen session here.

*Cooking together make for gorgeous candid photos!*

7. Only purchase what you truly love

One of the benefits of working with me is that you only buy the photos you adore. This is perfect for extended families where everyone may be chipping in—each person can select the images that speak to them and suit their budget, without awkward conversations or compromises. Everyone walks away happy, and the family memories are preserved exactly as you want them.

*Collector books are my most popular product for extended family sessions.. and duplicates are half price!*

8. Bonus tip: tie it into a family reunion or weekend away

If you are planning a family reunion on the Mornington Peninsula or family weekend away in Gippsland (or beyond!), scheduling your family portrait during that time is ideal. You can capture the important group photos as well as candid lifestyle shots—family meals, walks, games, and activities—making the session feel like a natural part of your weekend, not a separate chore.

*I photographed this family during their holiday to Florence, Italy.*

In short: choose the right location, the right timing, the right photographer, and the right wardrobe—and let the magic happen.
You’ll end up with beautiful photos that capture your family as they are: connected, joyful, and perfectly imperfect.

Whether your family is visiting the Mornington Peninsula or Gippsland for a reunion, or you live locally and don’t want to put it off another day, a dedicated extended family photoshoot is the perfect way to preserve your story.

Note: I also still offer shoots in Europe on trips back or by commission. If you’re keen for that, let’s chat!

From playful cousins to timeless multi-generational portraits, I’ll help you create images your family will treasure for years to come.

Get in touch today to plan your custom session.

Hi, I’m Kirstie

Photographer and adventurer

Some of my favourite childhood memories are long weekends at my aunty’s place in Mt Martha and school holidays on the family farm in South Gippsland—moments spent with cousins, siblings, and grandparents that stay with you forever.

Those memories inspire the way I capture multi-generational and extended family connections today, focusing on laughter, love, and the little moments that make your family unique.

since 2012 I’ve helped families and pet-parents preserve these memories through heirloom albums, wall art, and timeless portraits on the Mornington Peninsula and in Gippsland (and beyond), so you can relive them for years to come.

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How to Plan a Stress-Free Extended Family Portrait Session near Melbourne