Why Extended Family Portraits Matter So Much
One of the most beautiful parts of photographing families in Edmonton is seeing how love stretches across generations. There’s something deeply meaningful about capturing not just parents and kids, but the entire family — grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles — all gathered together in one place, full of laughter, stories, and hugs that last a little longer.
Extended family portraits are about so much more than one photo. They’re about celebrating where you come from, honoring the people who raised you, and documenting the incredible bond your children share with their grandparents, their cousins, and the extended circle that makes your family whole.
As an Edmonton family photographer, I often hear clients say, “We haven’t had a photo with Grandma in years,” or “We’ve never all been in the same picture.” And my response? Let’s change that. These portraits are priceless — especially as time moves on and the kids grow up faster than we expect.
There’s a quiet magic in photographing grandparents holding new babies, or cousins giggling together under a tree. It’s in the way Grandpa tells a joke that makes everyone genuinely laugh, or how Grandma’s arms are the ones everyone naturally falls into. These moments aren’t staged — they’re real. And they deserve to be remembered.
I keep these sessions relaxed and fun. Whether we meet in your backyard, a favourite Edmonton park, or gather in the comfort of your home, I gently guide the session while allowing your family’s natural connections to shine. We’ll take a few classic group shots (because yes, Grandma does want one for the mantle!), and then move into the in-between moments — the hugs, the tickles, the shared smiles.
These photos will mean something different to each person in them. For the kids, they’re a reminder of where they come from. For the parents, a rare glimpse of everyone together. And for the grandparents? They’re often the most meaningful gift of all.
So if you’ve been thinking about booking extended family portraits in Edmonton, don’t wait for “the perfect time.” The perfect time is now, just as your family is — full of life, laughter, and love that deserves to be remembered.
Get in touch here to book your extended family session — I’d love to help you tell your family’s story, one hug at a time.
