Extended Family Session in North Lake Tahoe

One of my favorite things to photograph is extended family sessions—especially when they’re tied to a meaningful celebration. And this session lives rent free in my head!

This sweet family of 22 came together to celebrate Grandma’s 70th birthday, and the love between them was evident from the very start. When they filled out their pre-session questionnaire, they shared that they wanted amazing family photos that we could cherish forever, along with capturing natural candids. But what stood out most was their desire to “remember how much love we had as a family and how lucky we are to have each other”. And truly, that’s exactly what this session was all about. This beach in North Lake Tahoe was the perfect backdrop and gave the kiddos a spot to play after our time was over.

From the moment we started, there was laughter, energy, and such a genuine sense of connection. I delivered over 200 images and each one was better than the last! With a group this large, there’s always a beautiful mix of personalities, which is one of my favorite things about extended family sessions—little ones running around, cousins giggling together, siblings catching up, and grandparents soaking it all in. We made sure to capture those classic group portraits everyone will frame and pass down, but just as importantly, we embraced the in-between moments.

Some of my favorite images came from the candid interactions—brothers being brothers and the way everyone naturally gravitated toward Grandma. You could feel just how much she and Grandpa are at the heart of this family.

Photographing a group this size might sound like a challenge, but extended family sessions are always so rewarding. It’s about more than just getting everyone looking at the camera—it’s about preserving a feeling. The joy, the chaos, the closeness… all of it tells a story that deserves to be remembered.

By the end of our time together, it didn’t feel like I had just photographed a session—it felt like I had witnessed something truly meaningful. A family that shows up for each other, celebrates together, and genuinely enjoys being in one another’s presence.

These are the moments that turn into heirlooms. The ones that, years from now, will bring everyone right back to this season of life—together, joyful, and full of love.

Happy 70th to an incredible grandma, and cheers to a family that truly understands what matters most.