Extended Family Photos Melbourne, Relaxed Group Photography

Why have a photoshoot with everyone?

Coordinating a big group can feel daunting. I photograph lots of extended family photos in Melbourne: sometimes it’s grown-up siblings with their parents, sometimes three or four family units with kids running everywhere. Getting everyone on the same page is never simple but these photos are exactly what your mum wants and, if we’re honest, you probably want them too.

As grandparents age and generations spread out, celebrating together becomes more important. An extended family photoshoot is a way to mark that.

In these sessions, I shoot a mix: some relaxed candids, large group shots, some more creative images, plus individual families and portraits of the kids. That way everyone walks away with something meaningful.

An informal extended family photo with lots of hugging on a green grassy lawn.

Relationships that rarely get photographed

Extended family sessions highlight relationships that often get missed:

Adult siblings together
Parents with their grown children
A grandparent with their great-grandchild

They also make the perfect gift. I often photograph sessions booked as vouchers for milestone birthdays, my own mum wanted one for her 60th, and that’s all she asked for. Grandparents love it, and you end up with images that stay on the walls for decades.

A birthday is a great excuse to book as you can gift a voucher or maybe your family is all in one place at the same time and that doesn’t happen very often, but doesn’t just need to be a special occasion.

an extended family in a row looking at the camera in the Australian bush but this still feels very casual and relaxed, the grandparents are in the centre surrounded by children and grandchildren

Coordinating a date for a family shoot

Getting everyone together is usually the hardest part. My tip: start with the trickiest schedules (like your nephew’s Sunday basketball) and work out from there. Once you know the main restrictions, check in with my availability and I’ll offer a few dates. Group chats on WhatsApp or Signal make this a whole lot easier.

Once a date is locked in, you’re already most of the way there.

But then someone is asking you what they should wear and you don’t know what to tell them…

What do we wear for our group family photos?

a laughter filled chaotic image of an extended family holding a sign that reads Abraham Family EST 1980 there are multiple generations present

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to coordinate. I’ve photographed plenty of extended family sessions where everyone wore what they liked, and it worked beautifully.

But if you do want a bit of direction, here are some tips:

Colour Schemes

Pick 2–4 colours (say blues, rusts, and neutrals). This keeps things visually cohesive while leaving room for individuality. Think about the season, location, and your family’s personality.

Level of Formality

Agree whether you’re dressing up a little, keeping it casual, or leaning into super-casual.

Texture

Chunky knits next to plain fabrics work well. Accessories like scarves or jewellery can add interest but skip hats as they can obscure faces. Leave the sunglasses at home.

Coordination and Visual Distractions

an extended family of parents and adult children look at the camera in a row they look comfortable and are in amongst striking gum trees

Don’t all match. The old jeans-and-white-shirt look? Best left in the 90s.
Avoid identical strong patterns (three people wearing polka dots in a row can be distracting).
Skip big logos or cartoon prints as eyes go directly to these ahead of faces.
Watch footwear: if one person has bright yellow shoes, they’ll steal attention from what matters.
Phones and smartwatches? Best to tuck them away in a bag (if they’re in your pocket, they’ll show)

an close extended family photo in front of a mechanics shop, the grandfather is in his work gear and other family members are leaning in

Pro tips for your extended family photoshoot

Feed the kids first. Always.
Comfort matters. Wear clothes that feel like you and suit the weather.
Trust the timing. Early morning or late afternoon light is kinder, especially with a large group.
Remind everyone it’s just one hour — and it will make Grandma really, really happy.
Make it an event. Plan dinner afterwards, bring a picnic, or even include your meal in the photos if that’s meaningful.
Extended family photos in Melbourne aren’t just about the posed group shots. They’re about connection, laughter, and having tangible images that honour your family as it is now.

Ready to Book Your Extended Family Session?

Extended family photos in Melbourne don’t just included these posed groups shots. You get LOTS of wonderful portraits and formal and informal groups. Check out a family session in full here.

Think this sounds great? Feeling up for the task of gathering your people? You’ve got this!

👉 Book an extended family shoot for your family!