Extended Family Photoshoot Guide: Outfits, Tips, & Ideas in Northern Indiana & Southwest Michigan
Analiese (one of my 2025 brides) and her sisters gave their parents the sweetest Christmas gift—an extended family photoshoot. Truly the best gift ever! A photo gift certificate is such a thoughtful way to celebrate parents or grandparents because it gives them memories they’ll treasure long after the holiday has passed.
We scheduled it for June at New Buffalo Beach, one of my favorite spots along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and it turned out to be the perfect summer evening. A little bit of cloud cover rolled in, which gave us the dreamiest light for portraits with their crew.
This family is extra special to me! I grew up playing sports with the Hooten girls and photographed 3 out of 4 of their high school senior photos, so capturing them again, this time with their parents, spouses, and kids, felt like such a full-circle moment. And since Analiese is one of my 2025 brides, I also had the chance to photograph her and Matt’s ‘Romantic Hamstra Gardens Engagement Session‘, which makes documenting this season of life for them even more meaningful.
A Peek at the Hooten Family’s Session at New Buffalo Beach
We started the evening on the boardwalk and in the dune grass before heading down to the water. Maevelyn (the littlest star of the night!) stole the show with her silly faces and big smiles, but every single person brought so much energy and love to this extended family photoshoot. From the sisters linking arms as they walked through the beach grass to grandparents snuggling grandbabies, it was a session full of laughter, joy, and memories I know they’ll treasure.
Why an Extended Family Photoshoot Is Worth It
Extended family sessions are one of my favorites because they bring everyone together in a way that’s rare once kids are grown and starting families of their own. These photos become treasures not only for parents and grandparents but also for the kids who will look back at them years from now.
During every extended family photoshoot, I make sure to get all of the meaningful combinations:
- The big group shot (of course!)
- Each individual family unit
- Parents with their kids
- Grandparents with grandkids
- Sibling shots
- Aunties and nieces/nephews
- Cousins together
Sessions usually last about an hour (maybe a little over depending on the size of the group), which is plenty of time to get through the big group portraits and all of the smaller combinations while still keeping kids (and grandparents!) happy.
Extended Family Photoshoot Outfit Ideas
Coordinating outfits across multiple families can feel intimidating, but the Hootens absolutely nailed it. Their blue, white, and khaki palette was perfect for the beach—classic, coastal, and timeless. Against the green dune grass and sandy shoreline, it gave just the right amount of contrast while still keeping everything cohesive.
A few tips to keep in mind when planning your extended family photoshoot outfits:
- Choose 2–3 main colors. For the beach, neutrals with soft blues and whites always look amazing. In a park or field, earth tones like greens, tans, or muted rusts can be beautiful.
- Mix textures and subtle patterns. Cabralin and Skyler’s floral dresses paired beautifully with the delicate textures in Dana, Analiese, and Mia’s dresses.
- Keep patterns minimal. One or two patterned pieces add depth, but too many can feel busy in group photos.
- Coordinate, don’t match. The goal is that everyone looks great together without feeling like they’re in a uniform.
- Consider your setting. Think about the backdrop—for example, the Hootens’ outfits looked incredible against the dune grass at New Buffalo Beach.
Pro tip: You can save outfit inspo from Pinterest or save this blog post for your next family photo session!
Best Locations for Extended Family Photos in Northern Indiana & Southwest Michigan
This extended family photoshoot took place at New Buffalo Beach, and it reminded me why it’s such a favorite spot. The soft sand, tall dune grass, and the prettiest evening light. But New Buffalo isn’t the only great option!
I photograph extended family sessions all across Southwest Michigan, including St. Joseph, Union Pier, Sawyer, Bridgman, and Three Oaks. Each town offers unique backdrops, from piers and boardwalks to grassy dunes and charming downtowns.
And for families local to Northern Indiana, there are beautiful options closer to home. South Bend, Mishawaka, and the surrounding areas have parks, open fields, and wooded paths that photograph beautifully at golden hour. No matter which location you choose, the key is finding a space that feels natural and comfortable for your family.
Extended Family Photos in Northern Indiana & Southwest Michigan
The truth is, parents won’t be around forever. Babies won’t stay little forever. Time is quickly fleeting, and that’s why extended family photos matter so much. These sessions give you something tangible to hold onto. The way your little one crinkled their nose when they smiled, the sound of your sister’s laugh frozen in a photograph, the soft creases around your grandparents’ eyes when they looked at you with love. It’s more than just a group picture. It’s a way to remember this exact season of life, with all of its chaos, joy, and beauty.
If you’re thinking about planning extended family photos in Northern Indiana or Southwest Michigan, I’d love to help your family create a gallery you’ll treasure for generations. And if you’d like to see more of my sessions from New Buffalo, you can browse them here.
Until then, you can learn more about me here. If you think I’m the right family photographer to capture your extended family photoshoot, or if you’d love to surprise a family member with a gift certificate for a session, I’d be so excited to connect with you! You can inquire with me here. In the meantime, make sure to check out more families on the blog. And if you want to keep in touch, you can follow me over on Instagram for more!
