An Amazing Extended Family Session at Daybreak Park in Clark County

Recently, I had the privilege of photographing an extended family at Daybreak Park in Clark County. This beautiful location, with its lush greenery and tranquil riverside, made the perfect backdrop for capturing such a special occasion. As a family lifestyle photographer based in Vancouver, Washington, I love when families come together for a session, and this extended family session was no exception. It was wonderful to have everyone there—parents, children, and even grandparents—all in one place, creating lasting memories.

Five young children lying in a circle on a white blanket, smiling up at the camera.
Four adult men laughing and posing together in a sunlit golden field.

There’s something incredibly special about extended family sessions. The love and connection across generations are palpable, and being able to capture that is truly an honor. Whether you’re located in Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battleground, or La Center, getting the whole family together for a session is a beautiful way to preserve those bonds.

Adorable blonde toddler girl smiling in a ruffled dress in a golden sunlit field.
Smiling young mother embraces father holding a happy baby in a golden field.
Happy family of five sitting together on a blanket in a sunlit autumn field.

Tips for a Successful Extended Family Photo Session

  1. Plan Ahead for a Big Group
  2. When photographing extended families, it’s essential to plan for the size of the group. We’ll need a location that’s spacious, like Daybreak Park, to accommodate everyone comfortably. This helps me capture both large group shots and smaller, intimate moments between family members.
  3. Coordinate Outfits, but Stay Comfortable
  4. For extended family sessions, coordinating outfits can seem daunting. I recommend sticking to a general color palette rather than matching exactly. Neutrals or soft shades look great in outdoor settings and keep the focus on your faces, not the clothes. Above all, comfort is key—everyone should feel at ease.
  5. Include Some Fun Activities
  6. With a large group, it can be helpful to break up the session with fun activities. Whether it’s a game with the kids, a family walk, or simply chatting and laughing together, these candid moments make for beautiful, natural photos.
  7. Embrace the Chaos
  8. Big family sessions can be a bit chaotic, but that’s part of the fun! Don’t worry if not every shot is perfectly posed—sometimes the best photos are the unplanned ones, where everyone’s genuine personalities shine through.
  9. Trust the Process
  10. With an extended family session, I’ll make sure we capture a mix of large group portraits, smaller family groupings, and candid moments. Whether you’re from Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battleground, or La Center, I’ve got plenty of experience working with families of all sizes and know how to make the session flow smoothly.


Dark-haired mother gazing lovingly at her baby girl in an orange corduroy dress.
Three young siblings smile together in a golden sunlit field, older boy holding baby with blonde girl beside him.
Adorable red-haired freckled boy smiling with missing tooth in sunny outdoor field.
Two young siblings sharing a warm hug outdoors with bokeh lights in the background.
Three young siblings playing and laughing together in a grassy outdoor field.
Smiling couple sitting together on a bench in a golden field at sunset.
Smiling blonde girl lying in golden grass field, resting chin on hands at sunset.
Happy family of eight posing together in a beautiful golden autumn field.
A young blonde toddler hugs an adult wearing a floral dress during an outdoor family photo session.
Three older siblings sitting with three babies in a round basket outdoors.
Three young men smiling together while standing in a golden grassy field.
Group of men and children flexing muscles and laughing in a sunny field.
Joyful mother lifting her baby in the air in a sunlit autumn field.
Three smiling sisters posing playfully together in a golden autumn field.
Two dads laughing outdoors as they carry their young children on shoulders and backs in a sunny field.