Extended Family Beach Session - Why It’s Always Worth It

Melanie Ann Photography
Oct 11
3 min read

Updated: Oct 12

If you’ve ever tried to get your entire family together in one place, you already know—it’s no small feat. Between everyone’s schedules, travel plans, and different time zones, it can feel almost impossible. But when it finally happens? That time together is pure magic—and the perfect reason to document it.

As a Cocoa Beach photographer, I see it all the time: grandparents, parents, siblings, and cousins all meeting up at the beach for the first time in years. It’s laughter, chaos, and connection rolled into one unforgettable evening.

Family of 11 smiles on a beach, with adults and children in colorful summer clothes. Ocean waves and clear sky in the background.

Family of five enjoys a beach walk at sunset. Parents hold a toddler and swing a smiling boy. Warm tones, floral dress, joyful mood.

Family of four smiling on a sandy beach at sunset. Oldest daughter in floral blouse, man in orange shirt, two children happy. Warm, joyful vibe.

Why Extended Family Sessions Are So Special

These sessions go beyond “just a few group shots.” They tell a family story that spans generations. There’s something incredibly powerful about capturing grandparents surrounded by the family they built, or cousins splashing in the surf while the adults laugh in the background. You'll end up with a gallery that feels like your family’s highlight reel—every smile, every silly face, every genuine hug preserved in one beautiful collection.

A couple walks barefoot on a beach at sunset, holding hands and smiling. She wears a yellow dress, and he wears a patterned shirt.

Family on a sunny beach, smiling and embracing. Woman in a floral top, man in peach, children joyful. Sandy dunes and bushes in the background.

What to Expect During Your Session

When I photograph extended families, my goal is to make it feel relaxed and easy (yes, even with a dozen people!). We’ll capture:

The big group shot — everyone together, coordinated and smiling.
Smaller family groupings — each household gets its own mini-session.
Candid moments — the unplanned laughter, hand-holding, or kids running down the beach.

I build a flow that keeps things moving, fun, and stress-free—because no one wants to spend their beach evening herding relatives into stiff poses.

Choosing the Right Time & Location

I typically recommend sunset sessions for that dreamy golden glow, but sunrise is also stunning if your crew is up for an early start (and bonus—less crowds!).

Jetty Park, Cocoa Beach Pier, or a quieter stretch of shoreline often make the best backdrops. You’ll get a mix of water, dunes, and wide-open sky, so your photos feel both natural and timeless.

Three children embracing on a sandy beach at sunset. The oldest holds a baby, all smiling. Warm light and gentle dunes in the background.

What to Wear (Without Overthinking It)

Coordinating a big group can get tricky, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s the secret: pick a color palette, not matching outfits. Think soft neutrals, light blues, creams, or muted pastels that blend beautifully with the sand and sea. Add texture with linen, cotton, or flowy dresses.

Avoid logos and bold patterns—they can distract from the people (and faces!) you love.

Making It Memorable

At the end of the day, extended family sessions aren’t just about the photos—they’re about slowing down and soaking in time together. The images are simply the bonus you get to hold onto once everyone’s gone back home.

These photos become the ones that hang on the wall, sit in grandparents’ frames, and get pulled out years from now when the family gathers again.

Children play in the sand at a beach during sunset. The sky is pink-orange and waves gently crash in the background.

Ready to Plan Your Extended Family Beach Session?

If your family has a beach trip on the horizon, don’t let the opportunity pass by. I’ll handle the logistics, guide you through what to wear, and make sure we capture every combination of love and laughter along the way.

Reach out here to start planning your extended family beach session in Cocoa Beach — and let’s create something your whole family will treasure for years to come.

Melanie Ann Photography offers lifestyle and portrait photography for families, children, couples, and senior graduates. I provide a stress-free, fun, and laid-back professional portrait experience along with beautiful emotive photos you will treasure forever.

Please consider me for your family and milestone photography needs in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Titusville, Cocoa, Port St. John, Mims, Melbourne, West Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, and the Metro Orlando area.

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Please contact Melanie Ann Photography at info@photographybymelanieann.com if you need a family photographer, senior photographer, couples photographer, or maternity photographer. Let's capture all those special moments!