I recently had the chance to do something that had been on my heart for over five years: an extended family photo session. We originally planned to do it during the pandemic, but like many things, life shifted, and the timing just never lined up. Fast forward to today—and we finally made it happen!

I collaborated with my good friend Ingrid, who also happens to be an incredibly talented food and lifestyle photographer. She suggested a unique location in Vaughan called The Art Walk, a vibrant alley filled with graffiti art. We scouted the spot together ahead of time, picking out areas we loved and figuring out how to best use the space.

Then came the real challenge: finding a day that worked for all three families. Honestly, that was probably the hardest part of the entire process! But once we nailed down a date, the fun part began—planning outfits and getting everyone excited.

All in all, we decided on a simple outfit formula: light tops and darker bottoms, which helped us coordinate without looking too “matchy-matchy.” In the end, everything came together beautifully. The photos turned out even better than I imagined, and watching my parents enjoy them has been the highlight for me.

Thinking about planning your own extended family session?

Here are my top 3 tips to make it a success:

1. Let go of perfection.

The best photos are the ones that feel real. Don’t stress about getting the “perfect” shot. Let the kids be themselves—smiling, frowning, being goofy, or shy. That’s where the magic is.

2. Give outfit guidance.

As a matter of fact, it helps everyone when you set a general theme or colour scheme. Whether it’s neutrals, light tops with dark bottoms (like we did), or a mood board of complementary tones, it goes a long way in creating a cohesive look.

3. Trust your photographer.

Seriously—let them do their thing. As a photographer myself, I handed over full creative control to Ingrid, and I’m so glad I did. She captured our family’s essence perfectly and made the entire experience relaxed and fun.

Now I can’t wait to print these images and get them up on our walls. There’s something so special about seeing those moments frozen in time, especially when shared with the people you love most.

Read one of my blogs on the benefits of having an extended family session!