Extended family photographer Buckeye AZ
There are family photos that happen because someone needs an updated picture for the wall.
And then there are family photos that happen because you know something is about to change.
The Royden family session was definitely the second kind.
On August 22, I photographed the Royden family (21 in all) in Buckeye, Arizona. Five individual families came together for an extended family photography session at Bonnie and Tom’s home, and while the reason for getting everyone together was simple, the meaning behind the photographs was anything but. One of the grandsons, Kyle, was preparing to leave for military boot camp on September 8.
Five Families, 21 People and One Very Hot Arizona Evening
If you know Arizona in August, you already know where this is going.
It was HOT. (and this year was one of the hottest on record, uh!)
As in, approximately 114 degrees hot the day of this shoot.
We planned the session for 5:00–6:00 p.m. to take advantage of the softer evening light and it was amazing. Chef’s kiss for this AZ light.
And then my camera overheated. Not “my camera feels a little warm” overheated. It froze. Completely.
Thankfully, I had a backup camera, because apparently extended family photography requires some type of stress to make it all come together.
We kept going.
Why Their Home Was the Perfect Location
When people think about family photography in Buckeye, they may immediately picture a desert location, mountain overlook, or open field.
But sometimes the best location is already sitting in your backyard or your front yard in this case.
Bonnie and Tom’s property had exactly what this family wanted: beautiful green grass, mountains in the distance, and for me as the photographer – filtered light coming through the branches.
But there was something even more important.
It was home.
For a family this large, being somewhere familiar can make a huge difference. There was no loading 21 people into cars, trying to coordinate multiple households, or worrying about getting everyone somewhere on time and most important making Grandpa Tom happy so he could peace out the moment his part was done.
The setting was beautiful, but it was also meaningful.
And that is something I think families sometimes overlook when choosing a location.
The prettiest location isn’t always the location that tells your story best.
These Are the Families Behind the Photos
The Roydens described themselves as sarcastic and not particularly serious.
They weren’t kidding.
There were grandparents, adult children, spouses, siblings, cousins, grandchildren, and five separate family units all coming together for photographs.
There were also twins tickling their younger brother, cousins walking toward me and bumping into each other, and plenty of personalities.
And then there was Tom.
Tom did not exactly hide the fact that family pictures were not his favorite activity.
But watching him throughout the session told a different story.
He may have wanted to get the whole thing over with, but he clearly loved his family.
And his cigar was basically an accessory.
At one point, all the guys got together for photos with their cigars, which ended up being some of my favorite images from the entire evening.
The Photograph That Meant the Most
At one point during the session, I asked everyone to gather around Kyle.
As the family walked toward him and surrounded him in a big group hug, I watched this young man stand in the middle of all the people who love him.
That was the moment.
Not the perfectly posed family portrait.
Not everyone looking at the camera.
That hug.
Because these photographs weren’t really about having one more picture of everyone together.
They were about remembering what everyone looked like, felt like, and how it felt to be together before Kyle left for the next chapter of his life.
Of course, there were also the photographs where the grandkids thought they were getting away with flipping me off when I wasn’t looking.
Spoiler: I saw them.
And yes, they’re in the gallery.
Some photographs belong in the frame because they’re beautiful.
Some belong because they make you laugh 20 years later.
I want both.
Three Things You May Not Have Thought About for an Extended Family Session
- Consider your family home.
You don’t necessarily need to find a public photography location. Think about the places that are already part of your family’s story—a backyard, grandparents’ home, a family farm, or another meaningful private property.
- Give your photographer the complete shot list ahead of time.
With 21 people, there can be a LOT of combinations. Grandparents with grandchildren, adult children, spouses, cousins, siblings, individual families, generations and couples can quickly become overwhelming.
Having the list ahead of time helps your photographer build a plan instead of trying to remember everything while 21 people are standing in front of them.
- Tell your photographer the family dynamics.
Don’t worry about telling me that Grandpa hates pictures.
Please tell me.
Knowing who is reluctant, who is shy, who is hilarious, who needs a little extra direction, and who should absolutely be included in certain combinations helps me photograph your family as people—not just as a group of faces. And I’m not above bringing someone their favorite candy bar to win them over.
Extended Family Photography Is About More Than Getting Everyone in One Picture
The Royden family reminded me why I love photographing families.
Families aren’t quiet.
They aren’t always perfectly coordinated. (Although the Royden family sure was)
They don’t always follow directions.(Unless you are this family)
And they definitely don’t always take themselves seriously.
But that is exactly what makes them yours.
Kyle’s military journey was about to begin, and this family didn’t know when they would all be together again.
So they made the time.
They gathered at home.
They wore white shirts and jeans.
They laughed.
They teased each other.
They hugged.
They smoked cigars.
They survived 114-degree Arizona heat.
And, thankfully, they survived my camera freezing.
Most importantly, they created photographs that will let them remember this exact version of their family.
Because one day, these 21 people will look different.
The kids will be adults.
The cousins will scatter.
Life will change.
And Kyle will have stories of his own.
That’s why I believe family photography isn’t really about getting everyone to smile at the camera.
It’s about holding onto a season before it changes.
And sometimes, that’s worth sweating for.
Planning Your Own Extended Family Session?
If you’re considering extended family photos in Buckeye, Avondale, Goodyear, or throughout the West Valley, I’d love to help you create a session that feels like your family—not a generic checklist of poses.
You can learn more about me and my approach to family photography on my Kim VanOs Photography, and when you’re ready to start planning, contact me here to plan your photoshoot..
I’m currently booking family sessions and upcoming minis, so if you’ve been saying, “We really need to get everyone together for photos,” this is your sign.
Don’t wait until everyone is together again.
That might be exactly why you should take the photos now.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer – Kim
FAQ — Extended Family Sessions
What is the best location for an extended family photo session?
You don’t always need a traditional photography location. A family home can be an excellent choice, especially when grandparents live there or the property has meaningful elements such as a favorite tree, backyard, garden, porch, or view. A familiar location can also make a large group feel more comfortable.
How many people can be included in an extended family photography session?
There isn’t a magic number, but the more people you have, the more important planning becomes. Before the session, I recommend creating a complete list of every combination you want photographed. For a large extended family, this can include the full group, grandparents with grandchildren, adult children, individual families, siblings, cousins, couples, and different generations.
Should I tell my photographer about difficult family dynamics?
Absolutely. And no, you aren’t going to offend me. If Grandpa hates pictures, someone is camera-shy, a toddler has a tendency to disappear, or there are specific relationships you’d like photographed separately, knowing beforehand helps me create a smoother session. Your photographer isn’t just photographing faces—they’re managing people.
What should we wear for an extended family session?
Coordinating doesn’t have to mean everyone wears identical outfits. A simple color palette can create a cohesive look. For the Roydens their choice of, white tops and blue jeans kept the focus on their relationships while working beautifully with the greenery and mountain backdrop.
How do you photograph a family this large without everyone standing still the entire time?
I use a combination of traditional group portraits and prompts that encourage interaction. For the Roydens, having the cousins walk toward me and bump into each other created genuine movement and laughter. With large families, those in-between moments often become some of the favorite photographs.
