Fresno Extended Family Photos
Extended family sessions are always special, but these Fresno extended family photos with the Funks felt extra joyful. Last year, I photographed one of the daughters’ weddings, so it was such a treat to see everyone together again. This time, instead of a bridal gown and first dances, we had a beautiful tree canopy, an older baby and toddler, and expectant parents filling the frame. The combination of generations, milestones, and love made this session one I will not forget.
A Fresno Extended Family Photo Session at San Joaquin River Parkway
We met at San Joaquin River Parkway, one of Fresno’s most scenic outdoor gems. The Parkway stretches along the San Joaquin River and offers wide open views, mature trees, and plenty of shaded spots. It is one of my top recommendations for extended family sessions because it is both beautiful and practical.
For the Funks, we chose a spot beneath a massive old tree whose branches curved overhead like a natural archway. This provided filtered, even light that kept everyone comfortable in the summer sun. The Parkway’s open grassy areas gave us plenty of room to arrange large groups without feeling cramped.
Another reason I love this location for Fresno extended family photos is the variety it offers. In just a short walk, you can find rustic trails, river views, charming white ranch house, and lush greenery. That variety makes it easy to capture different backdrops in one session without moving the whole group far from the meeting point.
The Art of Coordinating Outfits for a Big Group
One of the first things I noticed was how beautifully the Funks coordinated their outfits. They chose a cohesive palette of soft neutrals in whites, creams, beiges, and a few muted sage and taupe tones. The effect was timeless, airy, and perfect for the natural setting at San Joaquin River Parkway. These colors worked beautifully with the summer greenery and filtered light, creating a calm, elegant feel in every frame.
Coordinating outfits for Fresno extended family photos can feel overwhelming at first, especially with many different households involved. The Funks’ approach is a perfect example of how to do it well. They kept patterns minimal and stuck to a shared tone family that photographed beautifully together. Variety came through in the textures—flowy dresses, linen shirts, and soft knits—which added depth and interest without pulling focus from faces and connections. Accessories stayed understated, letting the location and the relationships be the main focal point. This thoughtful planning meant each person could express their own style while still blending seamlessly into the overall look of the group.
Capturing Generations Together
Extended family portraits are more than a lineup. They are a visual record of family history, preserving the faces, connections, and milestones that make a family unique. With the Funks, we had multiple generations gathered in one place, creating an opportunity to tell a story that spans decades.
One family member was newly pregnant, another way very pregnant, and one had welcomed a baby. This meant we were not only photographing the people who were present that day, but also the beginnings of a new generation. Years from now, these children will be able to look back at these Fresno extended family photos and see the love and excitement that surrounded them before they could even remember.
It was heartwarming to see grandparents holding tiny hands, toddlers letting out quiet laughs, and parents beaming with pride at their growing families. These moments go beyond posed portraits. They capture relationships in motion—the gentle squeeze of a hand, the way a child leans into a grandparent’s side, the unspoken bond between cousins meeting for the first time. Every image becomes a thread in the fabric of a shared family legacy.
Posing for Connection and Comfort
When photographing a large family, I always start with the “all together” shot early in the session while everyone is fresh. This keeps kids engaged and helps adults relax, knowing we have already captured the must-have image.
From there, I move into smaller groupings, adjusting poses to fit personalities and relationships. With the Funks, I encouraged natural interaction such as leaning into each other, sharing a laugh, or giving a hip bump These gestures soften the frame and make the photos feel warm and connected.
The large tree at San Joaquin River Parkway gave us room to spread out without losing intimacy in the images. Each smaller group had its moment while others enjoyed a short break in the shade. That pacing makes extended family sessions flow smoothly.
Planning for a Smooth Extended Family Session
If you are planning your own Fresno extended family photos, preparation is key. Here are a few tips I use with my clients:
- Choose a location with room to spread out. Big families need space for multiple arrangements without feeling crowded.
- Pick a time with flattering light. Morning or late afternoon works best, but shaded locations allow more flexibility.
- Coordinate outfits early. Share a palette guide so everyone can shop or choose from what they have at home.
- Bring water and snacks. This keeps energy up, especially for kids.
- Be open to candid moments. Some of the best memories happen between the planned shots.
The Funks followed all of these guidelines, and it showed. The session felt calm, even with little ones, and we moved through our shot list without stress.
Why Hire a Photographer Experienced With Large Groups
Photographing a nuclear family is one thing. Photographing 15 or more people is another. An experienced extended family photographer knows how to balance lighting, posing, and timing while keeping the mood light.
I have worked with large groups in every season, and I know how to read a crowd, keep attention, and adapt quickly if kids or adults need a reset. In Fresno’s varied light conditions, having someone who understands both the technical and relational side of photography makes a huge difference.
It is also about anticipating moments. In a large group, you cannot stage every connection. You have to be ready to catch them when they happen. A toddler running to grandma, siblings sharing an inside joke, or a baby reaching for dad’s face are the moments that make Fresno extended family photos feel alive.
Ready to Plan Your Own Fresno Extended Family Photos?
If you have been thinking about gathering your family for a session, there is no better time than now. Babies grow, grandparents age, and life changes quickly. A professional extended family session captures the love and connection you share in this moment.
I work closely with my clients to choose locations, coordinate outfits, and plan a session that feels natural and enjoyable. Whether you are celebrating a milestone, welcoming a new baby, or simply wanting everyone in one frame, I would love to help you create timeless images.
Thank you, Funks, for trusting me to capture this chapter of your story. Your joy, love, and beautiful coordination made this session one to remember. From the moment you arrived, it was clear how much care you had put into making this day special—not just for the photos, but for each other. Watching you laugh together, seeing the little ones dart between relatives, and capturing the way you celebrated each new season of life was an absolute honor.
It is not every day that I get to photograph a family I already feel connected to from a wedding, and seeing so many familiar faces again made this session even more meaningful. I hope these images become a treasured part of your family’s history, passed down and revisited for years to come.
To see more inspiration, browse my other portfolio blogs.
When you are ready, reach out to book your own Fresno extended family photos. I would be honored to help preserve your family’s legacy.
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July 26, 2025
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