Some sessions feel a little extra meaningful… and this was one of them.
This wasn’t just a quick family session. This was a full extended family coming together, which always carries a different kind of energy. You’ve got multiple generations, different dynamics, a little bit of chaos, a lot of love… and honestly, those are some of my favorite sessions to photograph.
This beautiful crew brought together a mom and her two daughters, along with their families, and we met up at Vietnam Trail in Santa Rosa right as the light started to soften into that golden glow Sonoma County does so well.
Why Extended Family Sessions Matter
There’s something really special about documenting a family as it grows outward.
It’s not just about one unit, it’s about the relationships between everyone. Mom with her daughters. Grandparents with grandkids. Siblings. Couples. The whole story.
And while yes, we absolutely get those clean, everyone-looking-at-the-camera portraits (the ones that make it onto holiday cards and framed prints), what I really love is everything that happens in between.
The laughs. The kids climbing on dad. The way someone leans into their mom without even thinking about it.
That’s the good stuff.
A Location That Shows Off Sonoma County Beauty
Vietnam Trail is such an underrated gem for family photos in Santa Rosa.
You get that beautiful mix of open hills, oak trees, and those soft golden tones that just light everything up in the evening. And during golden hour… it’s unreal. That warm backlight wrapping around everyone creates this glow that feels effortless and timeless.
It’s the kind of location that doesn’t compete with the people in the photos. It just supports the moment.
My Approach (and Why You Get a Full Gallery)
When I photograph extended families, I always come in with a loose mental shot list.
Not rigid. Not overly structured. But intentional.
I’m thinking through:
• Full group shots
• Individual families
• Mom with her kids
• Grandparents with grandkids
• Couples
• Kids together
• Individuals
So by the end of the session, you’re not just getting “a few good ones.”
You’re getting a full gallery with variety, connection, and options.
And while I’m guiding those groupings and making sure everyone looks good (good light, good angles, relaxed posing), I’m also constantly watching for those in-between moments.
Because that’s what turns a gallery from “nice photos” into something that actually feels like your family.
For the Families Who “Just Want Some Good Photos”…
A lot of families tell me they don’t need anything over the top.
They just want beautiful photos of everyone together.
And I get that.
But what ends up happening is you get both.
You get the polished, frame-worthy images where everyone looks their best… and you get the real moments that you didn’t even realize were happening.
The ones that end up meaning the most later.
Looking for the Best Sonoma County Family Photographer?
If you’re searching for a Sonoma County family photographer or a family photographer in Santa Rosa who can handle extended family sessions with ease, guide you through groupings without making it feel stiff, and still capture those natural, candid moments…
You’re in the right place.
I’ll help you with location, timing, and flow so your session feels easy… and your gallery feels full, complete, and worth every second.
Getting married or know someone who is? Here are some other wedding venues I love:
Timber Cove Resort (Henry + Tyler)
Timber Cove Resort (Candace + Harry)
