Extended Family Photo Shoot Ideas for Beautiful, Timeless Memories in Pennsylvania
When it comes to preserving memories, few moments are as meaningful as a photo session that brings together multiple generations. We recently had the privilege of photographing a beautiful extended family in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. With parents, five grown children, their spouses, and the grandchildren all gathered together, it was the kind of session that reminds us why we do what we do—capturing connection, legacy, and love in its most heartfelt form.
Set against a woodsy, greenery-filled backdrop in Central PA, this extended family photo shoot was the perfect blend of candid joy and elegant composition. Whether you’re planning a similar session or looking for inspiration for your own multi-generational gathering, here are a few extended family photo shoot ideas to consider.
1. Plan for Group Variations
One of the most effective ways to create a complete gallery is by planning for various groupings. We started with the entire family together, then broke things down into smaller combinations—grandparents with grandkids, siblings together, individual nuclear families, and couples. This gives each family unit personal images while celebrating the whole family’s connection.
2. Keep the Wardrobe Coordinated but Comfortable
This family chose a natural color palette with soft earth tones and neutrals—perfect for the wooded surroundings in Curwensville. When planning your extended family session, choose a palette with 2–3 anchor colors and let each member build from there. It keeps the photos cohesive without looking too “matchy.”
3. Incorporate Movement and Interaction
With younger children and larger groups, we like to encourage gentle movement: walking together, holding hands, sharing a laugh. These lifestyle moments feel genuine and help everyone relax. Especially for extended families, this approach brings warmth and authenticity to the images.
4. Choose a Natural Backdrop
A wooded location like this one in Curwensville offers a timeless, serene setting that doesn’t distract from the people in the frame. If you're considering your own session, parks, gardens, or even a meaningful family property can all work beautifully.
At JTR Media, we love working with families of all sizes to create portraits that are meaningful, relaxed, and timeless. If you’re looking for extended family photo shoot ideas or planning a session in Central Pennsylvania, we’d be honored to help you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments.