Extended family sessions are some of my absolute favorite sessions to photograph. There is something so special about documenting multiple generations together—the laughter, the hugs, and the little moments that often become the most treasured memories. The Alban family radiated so much love and joy, and they were an absolute pleasure to work with. Rachel and Corey asked if I’d be willing to photograph their session at Garfield Park in Indianapolis, and I was thrilled. It was my first time photographing at this beautiful Indianapolis park, and it certainly won’t be my last.

The day was crisp with the perfect weather for being outdoors. We kept an eye on the forecast, hoping the rain would stay away, and thankfully it did. The evening turned out absolutely stunning, and I can’t wait to continue exploring Garfield Park with future family sessions.

We began with portraits of the entire family before moving through each couple individually. Mom and Dad were first, and these two completely stole my heart. Just look at them! You can see a lifetime of love in every photograph. Knowing they were high school sweethearts makes these portraits even sweeter.

It was so evident that their sons learned how to love by watching their parents. Every member of this family was kind, warm, and genuinely happy to be together. When I say the love and joy could be felt throughout the session, I truly mean it. That kind of connection creates magic in a gallery because photographs don’t just capture how we look—they capture how we feel.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own extended family photo session, take notes from the Albans. Their wardrobe was beautifully coordinated with soft neutrals, whites, tans, and blues—one of my favorite color palettes for summertime family photos. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same outfit, they mixed solids, subtle prints, and different textures. The result feels timeless, cohesive, and effortless without looking overly matched.

One thing I strive to create in every gallery is variety. I intentionally photograph wide images, full-length portraits, close-up moments, and the smallest details throughout the session. This gives my clients a gallery that feels complete and tells the full story of their family. It also provides plenty of options when designing a gallery wall or choosing prints for their home.

One of my favorite parts of photographing little ones is finding ways to keep them engaged and having fun. We played a game of “Who’s your favorite?” and let’s just say Pop won that competition without much effort! Watching children light up around the people they love most is one of the sweetest parts of family photography, and this little girl adored her family.

We ended the evening with a few final portraits of the entire family as the sun began to set. These are the kinds of photographs that will be cherished for generations, and I’m humbled every time a family trusts me to preserve these memories.

If you’ve been thinking about scheduling an extended family photography session in Indianapolis or West-Central Indiana, I’d love to help you create photographs that tell your family’s story. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, gathering everyone together for the holidays, or simply wanting updated family portraits, I’d be honored to document this season for you.