KINGSCLIFF FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY: AN EXTENDED FAMILY REUNION, CAPTURED NATURALLY

The best extended family sessions don’t feel like photoshoots , they feel like time together, with a camera along for the ride. That shift changes everything: the poses disappear, the real characters show up, and you still get every combination you actually wanted.

That’s exactly what happened in South Kingscliff, on a wide stretch of beach chosen for the tides, the wind, and enough space for everyone to just be. Drinks, snacks, kites, games . A long-time best friend had organised the whole reunion so Nan could finally have a family portrait taken. Her first ever. What a gift. 

THE REAL CHALLENGE WITH BIG FAMILY SESSIONS

Extended family sessions can easily become a box-ticking roster call with dads and grandpas who’d rather be anywhere else, teenagers who really don’t want to be there, and then someone always photobombing. The trick isn’t avoiding those moments. It’s engaging them.

When their teenager told me flatly she didn’t want to be there, I stopped shooting and talked to her instead. Teens want to be heard and included, not directed. Dads relax the same way. And the photobomber? Let their energy run  it’s the definition of candid and natural , you cant predict what the photobomber will do and will always break the ice for everyone else. 

Food, drinks, and a bit of activity do the rest. That’s where the guards come down ,especially once everyone realises there’s no cheesy lined-up smile coming.

A NATURAL, DOCUMENTARY APPROACH TO BIG FAMILY SESSIONS

This is what I’m for, letting  it unfold without being rigid. Every session has a grouchy dad, a bored teen, a toddler mid-tantrum — guaranteed. Feed the toddler. Feed the dad. And for the teen, hand them a job, or just say it straight: “I know this isn’t your idea of fun — let’s get it done, and maybe you can help.” Working with them beats forcing it, every time.

What comes out the other side isn’t a lineup. It’s Nan’s belly ache laughs and tears at being hugged tightly and seeing her legacy . It’s a teenager mid-eye-roll turned into the funniest shot of the day, three generations actually looking like they like each other. That’s the photo you keep. It cant be orchestrated , your family’s chemistry and story is your and yours alone. 

WHAT NATURAL CANDID PHOTOS S LOOKS LIKE FOR YOUR FAMILY

What if not everyone wants to be photographed?

That’s okay. I gently remind teens and reluctant uncles it’s about Nan, it about family , its about mum. She’s why everyone’s there. I never expect smiles, just presence, and I’ll be as quick as I can. My philosophy on how we will capture as natural and easy family photos can be found here → [how I approach every family session].

Do you photograph multiple generations together, or split up?

Both. I start with a quick plan — what are the must-have shots for this family? I usually begin with grandparents, then build out from there: full group, individual family units, smaller combinations. Nothing’s left to chance, but nothing feels rigid either.For examples on how this can look, look at my families page or contact me to view a real gallery. → For examples of how this looks in real life, browse my families page [ family photography galleries] or get in touch to see more.

How long does an extended family session take?

Usually around 90 minutes, though it depends on family size and how many people arrive on time. We can be efficient and still have fun — and if someone’s running late, I’ll work with what I’ve got.

What’s the best time of day for a big group session in Kingscliff?

Golden hour, always. Sunrise is my favourite — watching the sun come up together as a family is core-memory-making stuff. Sunset works too, especially when it’s the only time everyone can make it (and the ones waiting their turn can have a drink). I have written a helpful blog explaining the different times of day and what to expect for each one. → I’ve written a full guide on [choosing the best time of day for your session] if you want to weigh it up properly.

Can you do this in-home, or does it have to be a location?

The location really does not matter , Indoors or outdoors . I have also scouted family specific locations across the Tweed and Gold Coast to meet a specific brief. 

WHY DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY CAPTURES WHAT POSED PHOTOS MISS

Documentary photos capture us as we actually are — more emotion, more truth. Clients often tell me their most treasured photos are the small things that almost went unnoticed: a glance, a gesture, a split second glance or twinkle in the eye that says more than a lined-up smile ever could. Give people permission to just be themselves, and that’s when the real photos happen. This also gives everyone permission to JUST be themselves , no performance needed. And after 14 plus years of photographing families I think THIS is the most overlooked secret, when the pressure is off , their guards come down. Its about having time together with the ones they love , free from any pressure to perform.

If your family is getting together and its most like the only time you will be together for a while or you’re wandering if this is the perfect gift for your mum , I’d love to be there for it and help plan. If scripted and posed isn’t your thing , then I’m for you . [Get in touch and let’s talk about what your family needs.]