Last year, the day after Thanksgiving I had the pleasure of photographing an extended family session. The more I do this photography thing, the more I realize that my heart sings when the photo session tends to lean into a documentary style session. It is beneficial to both me as a photographer, to the parents and kids to just LET IT GO! I know, I know it’s easier said than done, but most of the time it is totally worth it.

There are so many families that come from all over and meet in one common location for all. This family decided to meet in New York as it was a common location for all, as one of the familes just had a newborn baby. These were brothers, sisters, their families, grandparents and a dog that came together in one hotel room for me to capture their family. There were no staged poses, just simply kids being silly, dancing to their favorite songs with their parents, and grandparents playing with their grandchildren all while being licked by a dog! Following the playfulness in the hotel room, we took a walk outside to a park and continued playing there.

After I delivered the gallery, I received the following from the granddad:

Susanna—My favorite present.  We plan on doing it again someday.  Be prepared to travel!  

Nothing, and I repeat NOTHING brings me more joy than when a client is ecstatic with their gallery.

If you are looking to book your own extended family session in New York that is more of a documentary style, please contact me.