What to Expect During Your Smoky Mountain Extended Family Session
A lot of people hear “extended family session” and immediately picture chaos, forced smiles, and someone whisper-yelling “JUST LOOK AT THE CAMERA.”
If you’re planning a Smoky Mountain extended family session with KLY Photography, here are three very real, very honest tips so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes there will be a little bit of chaos... and that's okay!
Let’s just get this out of the way first: when you put multiple families, different personalities, and kids in one place… it’s not going to be silent and perfectly organized.
And that’s actually a good thing.
Extended family sessions are meant to feel relaxed and natural. There will be moments of kids wandering, someone cracking a joke at the worst possible time, and at least one person asking, “Wait… am I supposed to be in this one?”
I’ll guide everyone through the photos, organize groupings, and keep things moving so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. But I also leave room for those in-between candid moments. Those are likely the photos you’ll love the most later!
We’ll Do the “Everyone Looking” Photo… and Then the Fun Ones
Yes, we will absolutely get the classic photo where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. (Grandma will be happy.)
But that’s not where we stop.
After that, I like to loosen things up with prompts that get people interacting: talking, laughing, cuddling kids, and just being together. You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about what to do with your hands (a universal struggle, honestly).
I’ll gently guide you the whole time so it never feels awkward or forced. Think less “photo shoot” and more “hey, let’s hang out in the mountains and I’ll capture it.”
Everyone Gets a Chance to Shine!
If there will be kiddos participating in your session, changes are EVERYONE from the grandparents to aunties are going to want a photo with them. I typically try to capture all the adorable moments with the littles first and then we’ll transition to other family groupings so no one is left out.
I like for each family unit, couple and individual to have their chance to be snapped in front of the Smoky Mountain scenery, so I’ll spend a few minutes with each group, pairing or person providing a number of prompts for the perfect combination and signature and candid moments to choose from later. We’re all family here and each of you deserves to be captured during this season of life!
You Don’t Have to Make Everything Perfect
This might be the most important tip of all.
Your Smoky Mountain extended family session does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. Outfits don’t have to match exactly. Kids don’t have to behave flawlessly. The weather doesn’t have to be Pinterest-level ideal.
What matters is that you showed up together.
These sessions are about documenting this special time and who your family is right now. The height differences, the personalities, the relationships, the way your people fit together in this moment.
Years from now, you won’t be focused on whether someone blinked or a kid got a little muddy. You’ll be grateful you took the time to get everyone in one place and capture it.
Final Thoughts (From Your Friendly Smoky Mountain Family Photographer)
Extended family sessions might feel like a lot on the front end, but once we get started, most families realize how easy and enjoyable it actually is. My job is to take the pressure off, guide you through the process, and capture your family in a way that feels genuine, warm, and true to who you are.
If you’re planning a trip to the Smokies or finally getting everyone together, a Smoky Mountain extended family session is such a meaningful way to remember it, and I’d be so honored to document it for you. 🤍
Whew, okay. Now go tell your family to start coordinating outfits!
Your Gatlinburg Photographer
Hey beautiful people! I’m Kandace, a professional wedding, family and brand photographer based in Gatlinburg, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. With over a decade of experience capturing love stories and life’s precious moments, I specialize in creating timeless photographs that reflect your unique journey. My passion for photography is matched only by my love for the natural beauty of East Tennessee!
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement in the Smoky Mountains or a vibrant lifestyle session with your family, I am dedicated to capturing genuine emotions and unforgettable moments through imagery you’ll treasure for years to come.
