One of the most common reasons families reach out to me as a Sonoma County extended family photographer is because they finally have everyone together in one place. Between busy schedules, growing families, kids’ activities, and grandparents living in different cities, it can be surprisingly difficult to gather everyone for professional family photos.
That’s why I always tell families that extended family sessions are some of the most meaningful photographs you’ll ever invest in.
The Keegan family recently gathered for an extended family photography session at Vietnam Trail in Santa Rosa, one of my favorite hidden gems in Sonoma County. Located adjacent to Annadel State Park, Vietnam Trail offers beautiful rolling hills, majestic oak trees, sweeping views, and when timed correctly, some of the most gorgeous golden California light imaginable.
As a Sonoma County family photographer, I am constantly searching for locations that feel authentic to our area while providing plenty of variety for large family groups. Vietnam Trail checks every box.
Why Vietnam Trail is One of the Best Locations for Extended Family Photos in Sonoma County
When photographing large family groups, location matters.
Vietnam Trail offers open spaces that allow us to comfortably photograph everyone together while still providing intimate settings for smaller family combinations. The rolling hills create beautiful depth in photographs, while the mature oak trees provide shade, texture, and a timeless Sonoma County backdrop.
As the sun begins to set, the entire landscape glows with warm golden light, creating the kind of natural beauty Sonoma County is known for.
Whether you’re planning extended family photos, a multi-generational family session, or simply want updated portraits with grandparents and grandchildren, Vietnam Trail provides an incredible setting.
What Happens During an Extended Family Photography Session?
One of the questions I hear most often is, “How do you photograph such a large group?”
The answer is simple: we start with the important portraits first.
During the Keegan family’s session, we worked through all of the classic family combinations, including:
• The entire extended family together
• Grandparents with grandchildren
• Individual immediate families
• Sibling groups
• Cousins together
• Couples portraits
• Grandparents together
These are often the photographs that end up framed on walls, displayed in homes, and given as gifts to family members.
Once we have those essential portraits completed, that’s when we can relax a bit and create space for genuine interactions and candid moments.
Capturing More Than Just Smiling at the Camera
While traditional family portraits are important, some of my favorite images happen in between poses.
A grandparent laughing with a grandchild.
Cousins sharing a joke.
Parents watching their children play.
A quick hug between siblings.
These are the moments that tell the story of your family.
My approach as a Santa Rosa family photographer is to provide enough guidance to help everyone look their best while still allowing natural connections and personalities to shine through. The result is a gallery filled with both timeless portraits and authentic moments.
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Why Extended Family Photos Are Worth It
Life moves quickly.
Children grow up. Families expand. Grandparents age.
Extended family photography gives you the opportunity to preserve this chapter of your family’s story before it changes.
Many families tell me that their extended family portraits become some of their most treasured photographs because they capture multiple generations together in a way that rarely happens organically.
Whether you’re celebrating a family reunion, a special milestone, a holiday gathering, or simply taking advantage of having everyone together, there is never a wrong time to document your family.
Looking for a Sonoma County Extended Family Photographer?
If you’re searching for a Sonoma County extended family photographer, Santa Rosa family photographer, or someone who specializes in multi-generational family photography throughout Sonoma County, I would love to help.
I photograph extended family sessions throughout Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Windsor, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Napa Valley, and the surrounding Wine Country.
The Keegan family’s session at Vietnam Trail was a perfect reminder that some of the most meaningful photographs are the ones that bring generations together. These images become part of your family’s legacy and will be cherished for years to come.
If you’ve been thinking about scheduling extended family photos, there’s no better time than when everyone is together.
Let’s create something beautiful for your family. Reach out here: https://www.hollybrosephotography.com/
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)
