The Runge Family Extended Family Session
Some sessions feel meaningful the moment everyone walks through the door, and the Runge Family’s extended family session was exactly that.
They reached out, wanting to gift their mom something truly special for Christmas. Not a sweater, not a candle, but time frozen. At 95 years old, she is the heart of this family, and it was clear from the very beginning that this session wasn’t just about photos. It was about legacy.
Family, Laughter, and Love
When the Runge family arrived, my home studio quickly filled with laughter, movement, and a whole lot of love. Eighteen people total—thirteen adults and five kids—spanning generations, personalities, and life stages. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t quite expecting that many people all at once, but thanks to an unusually warm winter day, we were able to keep the studio door open and let everyone rotate in and out comfortably. Organized chaos, the best kind.
Their color palette was perfection. Creams, browns, soft greens, and rust tones that felt cozy and timeless. Neutral, casual, and classic. Exactly the kind of styling that lets the people shine instead of the outfits doing all the talking.
The Matriarch
And then there was her. Their mom and great-grandmother. Ninety-five years young, with the sweetest smile and the kind of presence that makes a room feel calmer the moment she sits down. She was genuinely happy to be there, soaking it all in, surrounded by her family. Watching her interact with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was one of those quiet moments that remind me why extended family photography matters so much.
Capturing Candid Moments
We focused on a mix of posed portraits and candid moments. Big group images, smaller family groupings, grandparents with grandkids, great-grandmother with the little ones, and everything in between. The kids brought their own energy, talking about superheroes and tossing balls when we needed a little reset. And yes, we did our best to accomplish their biggest goal: one photo with the little boys smiling at the same time.
If you’ve ever photographed children, you know that request carries a certain level of optimism. But somehow, we made it happen.
Why Extended Family Portrait Sessions Matter
This session wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t stiff. It flowed naturally, with plenty of patience, laughter, and flexibility. Everyone showed up exactly as they are, and that’s what made the images feel honest. These are the kinds of portraits that will hang on walls, fill albums, and be pulled out years from now with stories attached to every face.
Extended family sessions like this are powerful. They tell a bigger story. One that says, we were here together. All of us.
If you’ve ever thought about gifting photos to a parent or grandparent, especially one who has built generations of family beneath them, this is your sign. Time moves quickly, but portraits like these let us hold onto what matters most.
Book Your Session
If you’re interested in booking an extended family session or want help planning something meaningful for your own family, I’d love to talk with you. Reach out through my website and let’s start creating something that will be treasured for generations.
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