The Wall Street Journal

I got a call about a month ago from reporter, Alina Dizik. Alina is a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, who was asking for more information about extended family photography sessions.

She spoke with myself, and asked to speak with some of my clients as well. I reached out to Courtney, one of my sweet clients, and she was kind enough to also include her parents as well.

The Article

“The Year of the Giant Family Photo”

“When it comes to family photos, suddenly everyone wants into the frame.

Today’s families are opting for multigenerational portraits that bring together several households in one meticulously planned photo shoot, families and photographers say.

Quoting SRJP

Shannon Jones, a photographer in the Woodlands, Texas, says her extended-family shoots require more planning. She sends out a welcome guide and advises everyone to choose two or three colors for clothing, avoiding shorts or sleeveless shirts. Larger shoots can take up to four hours, and she encourages participants to get hair and makeup done.

She often photographs families in smaller groups, ensuring that each grandparent and grandchild has a one-on-one photo as a keepsake.

“It’s like a little mini-wedding,” says Ms. Jones, who has completed seven larger family shoots this year…

And More

Interest in bringing extended family members and groups of friends has increased over time, says Todd Marshall, general manager of Lifetouch.

Pamela Carlson, a dental hygienist from Montgomery, Texas, was thrilled to get an invite from her son and daughter-in-law for a family photo shoot celebrating the arrival of her newest grandson. Ms. Carlson, a former NFL cheerleader, decided she would skip her favorite pink, camera-ready ensemble and comply with the request to wear shades of navy and beige. Once she arrived, she made sure to listen to instructions. “I was a bystander—and when I was told to sit, I sat,” the 62-year-old says.

Ms. Carlson brought her 87-year-old mother, Johanna Kersten, allowing the photographer to capture four generations of family members, plus a cat and dog. The grandmothers made the photo shoot less hectic by keeping the two older grandchildren busy.”