Whenever the topic of family reunion photos comes up in conversation, everyone agrees that they are long overdue and should have been taken years ago. The conversation then turns to planning, and although everyone agrees to prioritize taking family reunion photos, no further action is taken. While it makes everyone happy to have agreed on the importance of taking pictures, unfortunately, the planning process stops there.
During the planning process of family reunion photos, there is always one family member who is willing to take action and start the planning process of this overwhelming but undoubtedly important part of the family legacy process. The family member in charge must find and communicate with the photographer and choose the most suitable location, date, and time for everyone involved. Although it may sound simple, it can be a challenging task to execute.
Jennifer’s Family reunion photos
Jennifer was one of those family members who took the initiative to connect with me. She contacted me to inquire about the process and ideas for family photography at her upcoming extended family reunion. As family reunion photos can be challenging to plan and execute, I agreed to assist Jennifer with her family photos. When helping families with their reunion photos, I ask several questions for various reasons, but most importantly, I feel a sense of duty to assist the family member who took the initiative to contact me. I strongly believe that my work will benefit families in the long run.
I learned that Jennifer has two brothers who have their own families, and they all have a mother and father. This means there are 15 family members in total. However, it can be challenging to coordinate their plans, schedules, and priorities. Despite this, I provided Jennifer with several options for dates, times, and locations that would work for everyone. I made sure to consider accessibility for older and younger family members, as well as their parents. I am happy to report that Jennifer was able to choose a location, date, and time that worked for her family, and I am glad that I could assist her in achieving this.
Family gathering at Paletta Mansion
In today’s world, thanks to our smartphones, everyone can take photos and be called a photographer. However, achieving common ground becomes challenging when it comes to satisfying various people with different preferences and perspectives. A photographer’s job entails more than just capturing images, as they have to cater to the likes and dislikes of their clients.
I was introduced to Jennifer’s family at the Paletta Mansion parking lot. They all had vibrant looks in their eyes, and I could tell that they were all excited and nervous about the family reunion photo. I wanted to waste no time during our two-hour photo session, so I led Jennifer and her family forward.
Assessing the situation and acting accordingly is the 1st step to successful family reunion photos.
While walking with Jennifer’s family, I realized that to ease the awkwardness of taking photos, I should begin by taking photos of her family first. This way, the other family members would observe the process and gradually adjust themselves towards the middle of our photo session.
Jennifer was with her husband and three teenage daughters, and I found it easy to start positioning them for the photo shoot. As I worked with them, I began to mix up their poses and gradually moved towards taking a group shot of the whole family.
As the session progressed, I noticed other family members giving positive feedback. For me, this indicated that the session was going well. I took this opportunity to include everyone in the family reunion photos.
When working with larger groups, I always first begin with the biggest group. Once we have finished the group photos, I focus on capturing family photos with all the members. This includes grandparents, grandchildren, and any other combinations that may be present.
Paletta Mansion Family Photography
Some of my favourite locations for photography in Burlington are Paletta Mansion and Lakeview Waterfront. These places are perfect for family reunion photos as they can accommodate large groups and save time. The scenery is also very versatile, offering beautiful lake views, nearby forests, beach access, flowers, and many other great things.
In the middle of the session, I had Jennifer’s parents rest on a bench in the shade before continuing with their beach photos.
Having only two of them sitting on the bench has given me the opportunity to take some very candid photos of them. They haven’t realized that I am taking pictures and enjoying these candid moments. I had the grandchildren come around them and hug their grandparents warmly.
It was heartwarming to know that this family would cherish the photos they took.
Beach family reunion photos
Some of the family members brought their significant others with them, so I offered to take photos of just the couples. I thought it would be a nice gesture to include them in the family photos, as they might not be able to attend future reunions. This way, they could feel like part of the family and strengthen their relationship with their partner’s family. I made sure to take photos of every possible couple combination, knowing that this might be the last chance for everyone to be together and create some lasting memories.
The Hidden Benefits of Family Reunion Photos
As a family photographer for the past 25 years, I have developed close relationships with numerous families. I have been privileged to capture their happiness during family reunions. During these events, I always inquire if any additional family members would like to be included in the photos. I have noticed that many families include their furry friends in the reunion photos, and I always encourage them to do so. After all, pets are also an important part of the family.
There are numerous advantages to having family reunion photos, but here are the top three:
1.) Family reunion photos strengthen the relationships between siblings and cousins. Connecting, hugging, and sharing memories with relatives increases the connection and strengthens family ties with those who often attend family gatherings where photos are taken.
2.) Families can document their family legacy and keep photos of their loved ones in different stages of life. It’s an excellent way of preserving moments in time, such as having a family pet who’s no longer with them or sudden growth spurts of little ones.
These photos are a great way to reminisce and enjoy these precious memories of times spent together.
3. ) The last and most important thing is ensuring these photos include family members who left us. From my experience, there is no price tag to photos where all my family members were involved and pictured.
Losing my parents and having those family photos are only proof and documents that I can look at and enjoy for a lifetime.
Start planning your family photos.
Many of us tend to delay taking family reunion photos, waiting for a better time and place to do it. However, we need to realize that the best time to plan a family reunion picture is when we start thinking about it.
If reading this made you feel that your family reunion photos are overdue, do not worry. Reach out, and I will create a smooth planning experience that will have you asking yourself why you waited so long!
Thank you, Jennifer, for taking the initiative to round up your family members to give them the best possible memories they can cherish forever.
- Photos taken by Dragi Andovski, published ©2024 DA Photography
- Photo Location: Paletta Manson and Lakefront Park, Burlington, ON
- DA Photography Families on Instagram
- For more inspirations and choice of location check our photography locations tips page.
- Want to see some more family reunion photos? Check this family at Gairloch Gardens in Oakville.