A Guide to Large Family Group Photography

A portrait of a large Mormon family taken in Newport Coast, outdoors, featuring a mother, father, and their five children. The family is dressed in semi-formal attire: the father in a gray suit, the mother in a mauve dress, and the children in various outfits including a white lace dress, a floral dress, and light-colored shirts and pants. The family members are sitting and standing close together on a lush green lawn with trees and shrubs in the background. They are smiling and looking at the camera, capturing a moment of familial love and togetherness in a natural setting.

Capturing the Porter Family at Newport Coast | A Guide to Large Family Group Photography

A large family portrait taken outdoors in Laguna Beach. The group consists of several families, including men, women, and children of various ages, dressed in formal attire. They are standing and sitting on a lush green lawn, with a backdrop of trees, bushes, and a beautiful house with a terracotta roof. The group is smiling and posing together under an overcast sky. Every photo shoot tells a unique story, and recently, I had the opportunity to capture the Porter Family’s story at the stunning Newport Coast. Photographing such a large, extended family was a challenge. It provided a wonderful opportunity to explore the dynamics and connections within this close-knit group. Here’s a glimpse into the experience and some tips on making the most of large family group photography.

The Importance of Family Pictures

A group portrait of six adult siblings taken at the Newport Coast Marriott. They are standing closely together outdoors, smiling warmly at the camera. The siblings are dressed in formal attire: three men in navy blue suits, one man in a gray suit with a blue floral tie, one man in a gray blazer with a checked shirt, and a woman in a light purple dress. The background features lush greenery, adding a natural and serene ambiance to the portrait. This image captures a moment of family bonding and joy Family photographs are treasures that hold a special place in our hearts. They document the growth, changes, and bonds within a family. For the Porter Family, this shoot was particularly significant because it included multiple generations, from grandparents to grandchildren. Capturing the essence of these relationships and the legacy of the family was a priority. Grandparents, in particular, are the pillars of the family, and their presence in photos symbolizes the heritage and continuity of family traditions.

What to Wear: Formal Outfits for a Cohesive Look

A family portrait featuring a smiling mother and father with their three daughters, taken outdoors. The mother is holding a baby girl in a blue dress with a white headband, while another young girl in a purple dress with a navy bow sits beside her. The father, dressed in a navy blazer and checked shirt, holds their eldest daughter, who is wearing a white dress with a light blue bow in her hair. The family is posing against a backdrop of lush greenery, capturing a warm and joyful moment together. One of the key elements to a successful large family photo shoot is the outfits. For the Porter Family, they chose a formal dress code. Men and boys were dressed in suits and ties, while women and girls wore elegant dresses. This cohesive look not only adds a touch of sophistication to the photographs but also ensures that the focus remains on the faces and expressions, rather than a mix of distracting clothing styles. A portrait of a large Mormon family taken in Newport Coast, outdoors, featuring a mother, father, and their five children. The family is dressed in semi-formal attire: the father in a gray suit, the mother in a mauve dress, and the children in various outfits including a white lace dress, a floral dress, and light-colored shirts and pants. The family members are sitting and standing close together on a lush green lawn with trees and shrubs in the background. They are smiling and looking at the camera, capturing a moment of familial love and togetherness in a natural setting. Here are some tips for dressing for a large family photo shoot:
  1. Coordinate Colors: Choose a color palette that complements the setting and season. Neutral tones, pastels, or jewel tones often work well for formal attire.
  2. Avoid Loud Patterns: Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns to avoid clashing.
  3. Comfort is Key: Ensure everyone is comfortable in their outfits, especially the children, so they can move freely and feel at ease during the shoot.
  4. Accessories: Keep accessories minimal to maintain a timeless look.

The Magic of Head Swapping

A large extended family portrait taken in Newport Coast, featuring grandparents with their numerous grandchildren. The grandparents are seated in the center, holding some of the younger grandchildren. The group is dressed in semi-formal attire, with the children wearing a mix of dresses, suits, and casual outfits. The lush greenery, palm trees, and elegant staircase in the background add to the scenic outdoor setting. The family is gathered on a well-manicured lawn, capturing a moment of joy and togetherness with the grandparents surrounded by their loving grandchildren. One of the challenges in large family group photography is ensuring everyone looks their best in a single shot. With many people in one frame, it’s common for someone to blink, look away, or have an unflattering expression. This is where the technique of head swapping comes into play. Head swapping involves combining multiple shots to create one perfect image. If someone has a great expression in one photo but is blinking in another, we can seamlessly merge the best parts of each photo. This ensures that the final image captures everyone at their best. It’s a meticulous process that requires attention to detail, but the results are worth it for a flawless family portrait.

The Session at Newport Coast

A family portrait taken in Orange County, CA, featuring a mother, father, and their five children. The father is wearing a blue suit and tie, while the mother is dressed in a purple dress. The children are dressed in semi-formal attire, including two boys in white shirts with ties, a girl in a navy blue dress, another boy in a white shirt with a light blue tie, and a baby girl in a floral dress sitting on her mother's lap. The family is posed outdoors in front of lush greenery, capturing a moment of togetherness and happiness in a natural setting The Newport Coast provided a stunning backdrop for the Porter Family’s photos. The scenic beauty of the coast, added a natural elegance to the shoot. The formal attire of the family contrasted beautifully with the casual, beachy environment, creating a unique and striking visual. A family portrait taken in Newport Coast on an overcast day. The photo features a smiling father in a navy blue suit and tie, a mother in a light blue dress, and their two young children. The daughter is wearing a light pink dress, and the son is dressed in a light blue shirt and navy pants. The family is sitting closely together with lush greenery in the background, capturing a moment of warmth and togetherness despite the cloudy weather. This image highlights the family's joy and connection in a serene outdoor setting. During the session, we took a variety of shots, from the entire group to smaller family units, and individual portraits. The grandparents were photographed with their grandchildren, capturing the joy and pride that comes with seeing the younger generation grow. These images are not just pictures; they are a testament to the family’s love and togetherness. A family portrait taken in Newport Coast featuring a smiling mother, father, and their toddler son. The mother is wearing a blue dress, the father is dressed in a gray plaid suit with a blue floral tie, and the toddler is in a white shirt with a light blue tie and navy pants. The family is sitting closely together outdoors, with lush greenery in the background, capturing a moment of happiness and togetherness. The natural setting adds a serene and joyful ambiance to the photo. Photographing the Porter Family was an enriching experience that highlighted the importance of family, the beauty of a well-coordinated group, and the magic of post-processing techniques like head swapping. Large family group photography requires careful planning, coordination, and a bit of technical skill, but the result is a collection of images that families will cherish for generations. A portrait of three young sisters taken outdoors in Newport Coast. The eldest sister, wearing a white dress with a light blue bow in her hair, and the middle sister, in a light purple dress with a navy bow, are holding hands with their baby sister. The baby sister is dressed in a light blue dress with a white headband. The girls are smiling and standing together in front of a backdrop of lush greenery, capturing a moment of sibling affection and joy. This image highlights the close bond and happiness of the sisters in a natural setting. If you’re planning a large family photo shoot, remember to coordinate your outfits, choose a meaningful location, and trust in the process to create beautiful, lasting memories. And don’t forget, the moments you capture today will be the legacy your family looks back on tomorrow. A portrait of five young children taken outdoors in Newport Coast. The children are sitting and kneeling on a lush green lawn, smiling and looking at the camera. The group includes two girls and three boys. The girls are dressed in a white lace dress and a navy blue floral dress, while the boys are wearing light blue and white shirts with gray pants. The background features trees and a blurred view of buildings, creating a serene and natural setting. This image captures the children's happiness and close bond

For anyone looking to capture their family events or special occasions, consider hiring Blue Sky Studio. We specialize in creating beautiful, lasting memories through our photography services. Whether it’s a large family gathering, a milestone celebration, or a special event, our team is dedicated to providing professional and personalized service to ensure your moments are perfectly captured. Contact us today to book your next family photo shoot and let us help you create memories that will be cherished for generations.

  portrait of five young siblings taken outdoors in Orange County. The children are sitting and kneeling on a lush green lawn, smiling and looking at the camera. The group includes two boys dressed in white shirts and ties, a girl in a navy blue dress with a light blue bow, a toddler boy in a white shirt with a navy tie, and a baby girl in a white and blue floral dress with a headband. The background features lush greenery and flowering plants, creating a natural and serene setting. This image captures the siblings' close bond and joyful expressions.
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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAQ: Large Family Photo Sessions – Planning, Process, and Tips

1. What is considered a large family for a photo session?

A large family photo session usually includes 8 or more people, often spanning multiple generations—grandparents, adult siblings, cousins, and children. These sessions are perfect for family reunions, anniversaries, or special occasions.

2. How do you plan a successful large family photo session?

Start by:

  • Choosing a lead contact (usually the one booking the session)

  • Scheduling 3–6 weeks in advance

  • Selecting a date when everyone is available (use group scheduling tools like Doodle or Google Calendar)

  • Booking a photographer experienced in coordinating big groups

Advance planning is key to ensuring a smooth, enjoyable session.

3. How long does a large family photo session take?

Expect the session to last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the group size and number of shots. The time allows for:

  • Full group portraits

  • Breakout groups (grandparents with grandkids, sibling groups, etc.)

  • Candid moments and individual family units

4. How do you organize posing and groupings in a large session?

A skilled photographer will:

  • Start with the full group shot first while everyone is fresh

  • Use a shot list to guide smaller groupings

  • Mix posed and candid shots for variety

  • Bring a stool or step ladder for layered posing and height variation

Make sure the group knows to stay nearby until all combinations are captured!

5. What should we wear for a large family photo shoot?

Go for coordinated color palettes, not identical outfits. Tips:

  • Choose 2–3 complementary colors

  • Stick to neutrals, soft tones, or earth shades

  • Avoid bold patterns, logos, and neon

  • Plan ahead and share outfit ideas in a group text or email

Pro tip: Use Pinterest or Canva to create a shared outfit board!

6. Where is the best location for a large family photo session?

Choose a spot with:

  • Ample space for group posing (parks, beaches, open fields)

  • Easy parking and access

  • A scenic but not crowded backdrop

  • Shade options or soft lighting if it’s midday

Ask your photographer for location suggestions that work well for large groups.

7. How do we keep young kids happy during a large session?

Keep things fun and flexible:

  • Bring snacks, toys, or a favorite blanket

  • Let them move around between shots

  • Don’t stress perfection—natural moments are golden

  • Choose a time of day that avoids naptime or bedtime

Photographers who work with families know how to keep things light and fast-paced.

8. Can we include pets in a large family photo shoot?

Absolutely! Pets are part of the family. Just let your photographer know in advance and bring:

  • A leash or harness

  • Treats or toys

  • A helper to manage the pet between shots

9. What’s included in a large family session package?

Every photographer is different, but most large group packages include:

  • 60–90 minutes of shooting

  • A set number of edited digital images

  • Access