Why Vacation Is the Best Time for Extended Family Photos
If you’re visiting St. George, Utah with your family — especially with grandparents, cousins, and multiple households — there’s no better time to schedule extended family photos. Everyone is already together, relaxed, and making memories, which makes it the perfect moment to capture this season of life.
Vacation is one of the best times for extended family photos because everyone is already together. Schedules don’t have to be coordinated across different states, kids are often more relaxed and playful, and the scenery here in St. George is hard to beat. For many families, these sessions become a tradition updated every few years as kids grow and families expand.
What Counts as an Extended Family Session
When we talk about “extended family photos,” I mean grandparents, adult siblings and their spouses, cousins, and even smaller combinations like grandparent and grandchild. My approach is to capture both the full group and meaningful smaller combinations so you walk away with a gallery that feels complete and natural. If you want a breakdown of how I structure these sessions, you can see more details here: Extended Family Page.
Best Locations for Extended Family Photos in St. George
One of the biggest reasons families love booking photos here is the landscape. St. George has so many amazing spots just a short drive from town. Red rock desert landscapes, open trails with plenty of space for large groups, and areas with minimal crowds all make for gorgeous photos.
When planning for extended families, I always keep accessibility, space to spread out, flattering light, and variety in mind. I’ll help you pick a location based on group size, mobility needs, and the overall look you want. I have a comprehensive location guide for you to browse with all the details you might need to help you decide on a location that matches accessibility needs and your vision for scenery.
Best Time of Day for Large Family Photo Sessions
Lighting matters, especially with big groups. I usually recommend golden hour, about an hour to an hour and a half before sunset, for warm, soft light. Morning sessions are also beautiful, especially in the summer when the days are hot. This helps us get that glowing desert light St. George is known for and makes everyone look their best.
What to Wear for Extended Family Photos
Coordinating outfits for a large group doesn’t have to be stressful. I usually suggest picking a neutral, cohesive color palette, mixing textures and layers, avoiding big logos or neon colors, and keeping patterns minimal. Earth tones, soft blues, creams, olives, and muted pastels photograph beautifully against the red rock landscapes and keep the focus on faces and connection. I even provide outfit guidance specifically for extended families, which makes planning much easier when multiple households are involved.
How Long Does an Extended Family Session Take
Extended family sessions in St. George are a little longer than standard family sessions, and that’s intentional. We take the time to get full group photos, individual family units, grandparent and grandchild combinations, sibling groups, and candid interaction shots. The goal is to make the experience feel organized but relaxed, not rushed.
Tips for a Smooth Extended Family Photo Session
After photographing many extended families, I’ve found that sessions go smoothly when one point person coordinates communication, everyone arrives on time, and families trust the process. Let kids be kids — some of the best photos come from movement and laughter.
Booking Extended Family Photos While Visiting St. George
Because extended family sessions take a little more planning and are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons, I recommend booking as early as possible. If you’re planning a family reunion, a multi-generation vacation, a milestone celebration, or even an annual extended family session, this is the perfect time to make it happen. You can find full details, pricing, and what’s included here: Extended Family Page.
Final Thoughts
Extended family photos are more than just pictures. They’re a way to preserve relationships, traditions, and a moment in time that will never look exactly the same again. If you’re vacationing in St. George, Utah, this is the perfect opportunity to document your family together beautifully, intentionally, and without the stress of coordinating it at home. I’d love to help you plan something meaningful. You can reach me HERE.
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