Orcas Island Family Portraits
Every group of photos preserves memories from a particular time in your life. These Orcas Island family portraits are even more special because they hold memories from generations. I have shot with the Hansen family for years! From graduations to weddings and even a maternity shoot with Hannah and her husband Matt (see how big their sweet pea has gotten now!!). This family holds a special place in my heart, and I love getting to shoot with them year after year!
Generational Family Photos
Even in the age of the iPhone, true family photos are hard to get. Parents are able to snag tons of shots of their kids, and even of their friends, but when was the last time your family all got together in one photograph? Either you’ve mastered the use of the timer function or someone is always missing from the photo. That is why I cherish moments like these so much. Not only did we capture each individual family, but we also got a group shot representing every generation!
Celebrating on Orcas Island
The Hansens have been coming to Orcas Island annually for the past 60 years! How awesome is that?? They come to the same cabins each year to celebrate their grandfather’s birthday. This year was the big 90! We all know how hard it can be to get everyone together and it is truly remarkable that they are able to do this at least once a year. These portraits will be ones they can hang up and share with each new generation as their family continues to grow.
How to Plan a Multi-Generational Portrait Shoot
While photographing this many people at a time is so much fun, it can also be overwhelming to plan for such a big group of people. Even if you love them like family! Here are 3 quick tips I have for making things work as smoothly as possible:
- Pick a time that everyone will already be together. For the Hansen family, this event was a big birthday, but maybe for your family, it is a special holiday, anniversary party, or family reunion. Each family is different, so plan what works for you!
- After you pick the date, as far in advance as possible, you can start coordinating outfits. This group decided to have each individual family dress in shades of the same color (blues, greens, black, and whites) to help them stand out while still matching with the group when everyone came back together for the final photo.
- Make sure everyone gets their own time. While one group is being photographed, the others can have downtown to play or rest (especially if they have young kids), or to plan poses of their own. Photographing this many people can take a while, so keeping spirits high and having a relaxed attitude is a sure way to make these portraits the best experience they can!
Let’s Connect!
I love helping families capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories. If you have an upcoming special event or family reunion, this is the perfect time to plan for generational family photos! Reach out to me today via email or on my website to get your spot secured. I cannot wait to meet you!
