Extended family photos are so special. A beautiful blend of chaos, connection, and pure joy—I just love them!

If you’re thinking about gathering your family for photos on one of our gorgeous South Bay beaches, here’s everything you need to know for a session that’s both stress-free and full of heart.

Why Extended Family Photos Matter

Life moves quickly, and it’s rare that everyone’s in the same place at the same time. An extended family session isn’t just about photos—it’s about documenting the legacy you’re building together. It’s the way your kids light up around their cousins, the way grandparents’ faces soften watching little ones play, and the laughter that bubbles up when someone inevitably gets splashed by a wave.

These are the images you’ll look back on twenty years from now and say, “Remember that day at the beach?”

Best South Bay Beach Locations for Your Extended Family Photos

One of the best parts of living in the South Bay is the abundance of stunning beach locations perfect for family photos. Some of my favorites include:

• RAT Beach / Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes) – Perfect for smaller crowds and beautiful rock formations.
• Redondo Beach – Great for long stretches of sand and a relaxed vibe.
• Manhattan Beach Pier – Iconic South Bay backdrop, especially at sunset.
• Hermosa Beach – Vibrant energy and plenty of space for big groups.

Each beach offers its own magic, and I love helping families choose a spot that feels like them.

Tips for a Successful Extended Family Beach Session

An extended family photo session is a little different from your typical family shoot. With more people (and personalities!) comes more moving parts—but that’s also where the magic happens. Here are a few tips to ensure your South Bay beach session goes smoothly:

1. Keep It Simple

• Don’t overthink it. You don’t need perfectly posed shots of every person. The beauty lies in the candid, in-between moments—grandparents giggling with grandkids, cousins racing down the sand.
• Go with the flow. Kids will be kids. Let them run, dig in the sand, and splash a bit. Often, those unscripted moments become the photos you love the most.

2. Timing is Everything

• For beach sessions, golden hour (about an hour before sunset) gives us that warm, dreamy light the South Bay is known for.

3. Communicate Ahead of Time

• With extended families, it helps if one person acts as the point of contact. This keeps scheduling and communication clear and ensures everyone knows where to meet and what to expect.

How I Approach Group and Special Shots

I always begin an extended family session with the full group shot while the kids are still fresh and attention spans are at their best. Once we have that important photo captured, we’ll move into smaller groupings—individual families, grandparents with their grandkids, the cousins all together, and any other special pairings that matter to you.

Before your session, I’ll work closely with your family’s main point of contact to create a shot list so we don’t miss anyone or anything meaningful. This helps the session flow smoothly, and you can relax knowing we’re capturing all the connections that tell your family’s story.

Styling Tips for Extended Family Photos on the Beach

Styling a big group might feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to keep it cohesive and stress-free:

Start with Neutrals

• Think creams, soft whites, gentle greys, and sandy tones.
• Neutrals photograph beautifully against the ocean and sand without competing for attention.

Add Subtle Pops of Color

• Soft blues, sage greens, or muted blush tones can look gorgeous woven in subtly.
• Avoid overly bright colors or large logos that distract from faces and emotions.

Keep It Comfortable

• Choose clothes that move. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and relaxed fabrics work well for the beach.
• Plan for bare feet—most families end up barefoot in the sand by the end of the session!

Coordinate, Don’t Match

• No need for everyone to wear the same outfit. Instead, pick a color palette and let each family member choose pieces within it for a harmonious look that still feels personal.

Common Concerns (And Why You Don’t Need to Worry)

“What if the kids don’t cooperate?”
Let kids be kids. Truly—that’s where the magic happens. I’m a mom, too, and I expect a bit of chaos. We’ll lean into the play, and I’ll guide gently without forcing stiff poses.

“What should we wear?”
I’m here to help! I offer styling guidance and can even review outfit choices ahead of time to make sure everyone feels confident and coordinated.

“Will it be stressful with so many people?”
Not at all. My sessions are relaxed, playful, and designed to let genuine connection shine through. We’ll capture both big group shots and smaller, more intimate moments, so everyone has a chance to shine.

Let’s Tell Your Family’s South Bay Story

An extended family beach session is more than a photoshoot—it’s a celebration of your people, your love, and the legacy you’re building together. Whether your crew is local to the South Bay or gathering from afar, I’d love to help you create images that feel true to your family’s story.

Let’s create something beautiful ➔ Click here to start planning your session.