What to Budget For an Extended Family Photoshoot | Whitney Beth Photography | Utah Extended Family Photographer
 

When we are all finally allowed to see each other again, I can almost guarantee there will be tons of family reunions and get togethers. (I know I’m planning on it.) When that happens,  I’m anticipating lots of requests for extended family photo shoots.

I want to take this time, when we are all in the “hopeful planning” stage to educate you on what you should realistically budget for an extended family photographer. I’m one of the crazies who like photographing those! They are always so fun and filled with so much excitement over seeing cousins and family that you don’t normally get to see. In fact, they remind me of my own family, since I come from and married into a very large family. 

So what exactly does an extended family shoot entail? Let’s break it down shall we? Say this particular family is on the smaller side for a Utah family and the OG fam is mom, dad and three kids. Not too bad, right? Well, let’s also add in spouses and 2-4 kids per original kid. That little group of five is now around 17! (I know you’re so proud of me for my math, but bare with me.) let’s keep that 17 number and put it aside for a second. 

Next, I want to talk to you about my standard flow when shooting a large family. 

My usual break down:

• Large group pose number one
• Large group pose number two
• All grandkids + grandparents
• All grandkids alone
• Just grandma and grandpa
• Small family picture session number 1 (usually whichever Family has the youngest kids)
• Individuals of each kid from small family session
• Small family picture session number 2
• Individuals of each kid from small family session
• Small family picture session number 3
• Individuals of each kid from small family session
• All adults
• The OG five
• Sibling shot of the original three
• If everyone is still feeling good, one last large group picture 

I know that seems like a lot, but it goes by incredibly fast. Looking at the breakdown, it’s essentially one photo shoot with three mini sessions. So let’s get down to the dirty, and talk $$. 

Every photographer is different and has their own way of pricing things. Since I’m a full service photographer, my packages are set up differently, since you get real prints and products with whatever package you get. My session fee is $200, and packages start at $220 (however, for extended family shoots I do offer my a la cartel menu with a minimum purchase of $220.) My average extended family shoots usually invest about $600-$800 total (including session fee.) 

So let’s say our group of 17 decide to get $700 worth of wall ready prints and products. Looking at that number looks intimidating and way out of budget, but split up evening between the four couples comes out to $175 each! You cannot even get a full session from me at that price.

One of the biggest problems people run into when planning extended family shoots is having a budget in mind for a single family. If someone is looking to only spend $250 or what they would usually spend on a single family photoshoot. Divide that by four families and it’s only $62.50 per family. That is so much work to only pay your photographer pennies. And let’s face it, sometimes we can’t afford a huge lavish extended family photoshoot, and that’s ok. But please don’t expect your photographer to be able to give you the attention and quality you want on a small budget. Photography is a luxury. It also is what pays my bills. I, along with all the other legal photographers out there are priced to make a profit. I’m so grateful for all my clients out there that trust me to capture their family. Love you all ♥️