Your guide from a Hawke’s Bay Family Photographer
Extended family photo sessions are one of the most meaningful gifts you can create! This is especially so over the festive season when everyone finally gathers in one place. As a Hawke’s Bay Photographer specialising in families, I’ve photographed so many extended families across Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, and all over our stunning region. And I’ve learned that the secret to a smooth, fun session that everyone enjoys is simple: preparation.
If you’re planning an extended family photoshoot this Christmas or summer holiday, here’s everything you need to know to make it relaxed, organised, and genuinely enjoyable!
1. Choose the right time of day
The festive season brings long, golden evenings which are perfect for portraits.
As a Hawkes Bay Family Photographer, I typically recommend:
- Golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset – depending on location): It gives soft, flattering light
- Morning sessions in a Napier Park (Dolbel Reserve or the beautiful Redwoods in Te Mata Peak): Cooler temperatures on those scorching summer days and usually calm kids
- Avoiding the harsh midday sun as it creates squinting and strong shadows
If your extended family includes toddlers, nappers, or elderly grandparents, let me know so we can choose a time that suits everyone.
2. Pick a Location That Works for All Ages
The beauty of Hawke’s Bay is that we’re spoiled for choice. Some of my favourite extended family photography locations include:
- Ocean Beach for relaxed barefoot portraits
- Te Mata Peak for epic landscapes
- Dolbel Reserve and the Redwoods at Te-Mata Peak for shade and greenery
- Grassy Paddocks for super easy access and long grass summer feel
- Private family homes for sentimental value and easy logistics
The key is accessibility and safety – flat ground, nearby parking, and space for big groups to gather.
3. Coordinate Outfits Without “Matching”
One of the biggest stress points for large families is what to wear. Here’s the secret: cohesion over perfection.
As your Hawke’s Bay Photographer, I recommend choosing a colour palette of 3–4 tones (think earthy neutrals, soft blues, sage greens) and letting each family build their outfits from there.
Tips:
- Avoid logos and neon colours
- Stick to natural fibres for comfort
- Add interest with texture, not patterns
- Think timeless, not trendy
Send me outfit ideas if you’d like guidance—I’m always happy to help curate a cohesive look.
4. Keep Expectations Calm and Realistic
Extended family sessions include:
- Toddlers who need snacks
- Adults who need a moment to warm up
- Teens who’d rather be anywhere else
- Grandparents who need to sit between sets
And that’s completely normal.
My job as your Hawke’s Bay Family Photographer is to guide everyone, keep the flow relaxed, get all the photos for you and make the process feel natural. The best portraits often come from moments of connection, not perfection.
5. Plan Your Group Combinations
o avoid chaos on the day, I prepare a shot list based on your family structure. This normally includes:
- Entire extended family
- Grandparents + grandchildren
- All the kids together
- Each individual family group
- Siblings
- Cousins
- “Just the grandparents” portrait
- Any special pairings or special requests!
If you’re in Napier, Hastings, or anywhere in Hawke’s Bay for the holidays, spending 5 minutes creating a list ahead of time saves 15 minutes of confusion later.
6. Bring the Essentials
To make your extended family photoshoot smooth, pack:
- Water bottles
- Snacks (especially for kids)
- Wipes + tissues
- A blanket or shawl for elderly family members
- Backup clothes for toddlers
- A small bag for keys/phones so pockets stay empty
7. Allow Time for Connection
The Christmas/ New Year season is SO busy. Families are juggling travel, meals, social events, and kids everywhere. If you can, arrive 10 minutes early to settle in. It helps everyone relax and feel connected which always shows in the images.
During sessions, I keep things moving, guide you so you arent wondering what to do with your hands, and make sure each group feels seen. My aim is for your extended family photos to feel like you -not a stiff, formal portrait you’d rather forget.
8. Trust the Process
Most families are worried about the same things:
- “Will the kids behave?”
- “Will we get enough variety?”
- “What if someone doesn’t feel photogenic?”
- “What about the weather?”
As a Hawke’s Bay Family Photographer, I’ve worked through every possible scenario – wet Napier evenings, hot Hastings afternoons, sudden Nor’wester gusts, shy kids, grumpy teens, and huge families with lots of personalities.
The magic always comes, and I always have a plan. I got you!
Let me guide you, pose you naturally, adjust everyone gently, and read the groups energy so you have a wonderful outing, and get some beautiful photos of you all together
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Your People
Extended family photos are more than portraits they’re heirlooms. They’re the record of this exact season of your family’s life, gathered from everywhere we scatter around this beautiful world….to be together.
If you’re considering booking an extended family session this summer or festive season, please reach out early. Hawkes Bay fills so fast with returning families!
I’d love to photograph your people with care, connection, and the relaxed feel im known for.
Katherine x
Check out my packages here
Check out more information on what to wear here
Have a look at Google reviews from previous families here
