Extended Families

New Smyrna Beach Extended Family Photos: How It Works + Best Locations

Published 2026-01-22 · Photographed and written by Michelle Coombs

I absolutely LOVE extended family sessions. There's something so special about seeing multiple generations come together—grandparents holding grandbabies.

I absolutely LOVE extended family sessions. There's something so special about seeing multiple generations come together—grandparents holding grandbabies, cousins running wild on the beach, siblings reunited after months apart. But I'll be honest: I also know these sessions can feel a bit overwhelming to plan. Between coordinating schedules across multiple households, getting everyone to show up on time (please, please be on time 😅), figuring out what everyone should wear, and managing the chaos of toddlers AND teenagers in the same group... yeah, it's a lot. I get it. But here's the thing: if you're planning New Smyrna Beach extended family photos, you've already made one of the best decisions. This place is absolutely perfect for big groups, and I'm going to walk you through exactly why—plus everything you need to know to make this happen without losing your mind in the process. Whether you're gathering 6 people or 73 (yep, that's my record!), this guide will help you plan with confidence. Let's do this.  

Why I Love Shooting Extended Families in New Smyrna Beach

Look, I could shoot at New Smyrna Beach every single day and never get tired of it. The wide beaches, the natural dunes, the way the light hits in the evening—it's just chef's kiss. But for extended family sessions specifically? It's next-level perfect. Here's why:

Space. Like, Actually Room to Breathe.

When you've got 15, 25, or 30+ people, you NEED space. And not just for the photos themselves—you need room for kids to run around between shots, for family members to spread out when they need a break, and for me to get far enough back to fit everyone in the frame without making grandma's head look enormous (sorry, grandma). New Smyrna Beach delivers. The beaches here are crazy wide compared to a lot of Florida spots. At places like Clearwater or Miami Beach during peak times? Good luck finding a clear stretch of sand long enough for a big group without random strangers photobombing your family portraits. Here, we've got room to work.

It's Naturally Gorgeous (Without Trying Too Hard)

Extended family photos are heirlooms. Like, these are the images that end up on living room walls and get passed down through generations. So the backdrop matters—you want something that's going to look just as beautiful in 20 years as it does today. New Smyrna gives you that timeless, natural coastal vibe. The dunes, the sea oats, the driftwood, the organic shoreline—it all photographs beautifully without feeling overly styled or developed. No high-rise condos in the background. No boardwalk amusement parks. Just pure, beautiful Florida beach.

Everyone Can Participate (Yes, Even Grandma)

One of my favorite things about New Smyrna Beach is that it works for ALL ages and mobility levels. I've photographed extended families with 90-year-old great-grandparents and newborn babies in the same session, and the location accommodates everyone. Most beach access points have decent parking pretty close to the sand. And while yes, you're walking on a beach (so there will be sand, obviously), I know which spots have more packed-down sand versus super soft, deep sand. If you've got someone in your family who struggles with mobility, just tell me—I'll recommend a location that makes it easier for them.

It's Calm. Like, Actually Peaceful.

New Smyrna just has this vibe, you know? It's quieter than the typical tourist beach. More relaxed. Less... frantic. And when you've got a big group, that matters more than you'd think. At super crowded beaches, everyone feels watched and self-conscious. Kids get overstimulated. Adults get stressed. Here? People can actually relax and be themselves, which is exactly what creates those genuine, beautiful moments I love capturing.

The Best Locations for New Smyrna Beach Extended Family Photos

Okay, let's talk specific spots. Each location has its own personality, and I'll help you choose based on your family's size, vibe, and what matters most to you.

Smyrna Dunes Park (My Go-To for Versatility)

If I could only shoot at one location in New Smyrna Beach for the rest of my life, it might be Smyrna Dunes Park. That's how much I love it here. Why it's amazing for extended families: The variety is unreal. You've got boardwalks through the dunes (gorgeous and also great for anyone who doesn't want to walk a ton in soft sand), wide open beach areas, jetty views, and these beautiful natural dunes with established sea oats. All in one location. So we can get visual diversity without making your entire extended family pack up and relocate. The boardwalks are especially clutch for big groups because they give us elevated perspectives and natural leading lines. Plus, if Great-Grandpa needs a break from the sand, the boardwalk works perfectly. The practical stuff: There's a small vehicle entry fee (totally worth it), and the park has specific hours—important if you're thinking sunrise session. Parking is solid and pretty close to everything, which is huge when you're coordinating a bunch of people. Oh, and it's dog-friendly in certain areas! So if your family pup is part of the crew, we can absolutely include them. This location is perfect for: Families who want variety in their photos, groups with different mobility levels, anyone with a dog they want to include, and people who appreciate both traditional beach shots and something a little more unique with the dunes and boardwalks.

Flagler Avenue Beach (Easy to Find, Super Convenient)

Flagler Avenue is basically the heart of New Smyrna Beach, and for extended families coordinating from different locations, sometimes convenience wins. Why it works for big groups: It's EASY. Like, "just put 'Flagler Avenue Beach' in your GPS and everyone will find it" easy. When you're trying to get multiple families from different cities to show up at the same place at the same time, clear directions matter. The beach here is wide and accessible, with nearby restrooms and facilities (always appreciated when you've got little kids in the group). And there are shops and restaurants right there, so if you want to make a whole family day of it—photos followed by dinner together—it's super convenient. The reality check: Flagler sees more foot traffic than the more remote spots. But honestly, during sunrise or sunset sessions, it's still plenty open. And the energy of the area can actually be fun for families with older kids or teens who appreciate the more social vibe. This location is perfect for: Families prioritizing convenience, groups meeting from different locations who need an easy-to-find spot, anyone planning to combine the session with other activities (family dinner, beach time afterward, etc.).

Canaveral National Seashore (Wild, Natural, Stunning)

Family watching the sunrise over New Smyrna Beach
If you want the most natural, untouched setting possible, this is it. Why I love it: Canaveral National Seashore is protected, which means minimal development and maximum natural beauty. We're talking dramatic dunes, tons of vegetation, and zero buildings or man-made structures in sight. It photographs like a dream and has that timeless, wild Florida coastline feel. The privacy here is also unmatched. The beach stretches for MILES with hardly anyone around (especially outside peak summer). For extended families who want that feeling of "just us," this is the spot. The trade-off: You'll walk a bit more here than at other locations. There's a vehicle entry fee, and the walk from parking to the beach is longer. For families where everyone's comfortable with that, it's absolutely worth it. But if you've got elderly family members or very young kids, just know it's a slightly more involved trek. This location is perfect for: Families who want the most natural, organic backdrop, groups comfortable with a moderate walk, and anyone seeking maximum privacy and that undeveloped Florida coastline aesthetic.

Mid-Beach Residential Access Points (The Sweet Spot)

The various residential beach access points (like 27th Avenue and others) offer a nice middle ground between Flagler's convenience and Canaveral's remoteness. Why they work: Good parking, shorter walks than Canaveral, fewer crowds than Flagler, but still easy to access. These spots maintain New Smyrna's natural beauty while offering practical amenities. This location is perfect for: Local families or anyone staying in vacation rentals nearby, groups who want convenience without the main tourist area crowds. Honestly, I'll help you choose the perfect spot based on your specific family. Just tell me your priorities (convenience vs. natural beauty, mobility concerns, group size) and I'll steer you in the right direction.

How Extended Family Sessions Actually Work

Let me walk you through the whole process so you know exactly what to expect.

Before the Session: Planning (AKA Where I Help You Not Lose Your Mind)

We'll Talk Through Everything: First, we'll have a real conversation about your family. How many people are we talking? (Remember, I've done 73—you're not going to scare me off!) Which groupings are most important to you? Any mobility stuff I should know about? What's your vibe—super formal or relaxed and natural? This isn't a one-size-fits-all thing. Every extended family is different, and I want to make sure we plan a session that actually works for YOUR family. Location Recommendations: Based on what you tell me, I'll recommend the best location. If you've got someone who can't walk far in soft sand, I'll suggest spots with more packed-down sand. If convenience is king, Flagler might be your jam. If you want wild and natural, we're heading to Canaveral. You'll get specific details about parking, what the walk is like, and what to expect so there are zero surprises. Wardrobe Help (Because This Can Get Complicated): Getting 10, 20, or 30 people to look coordinated without looking like a matching cult is an art form. I'll send you detailed guidance on creating a color palette that works, what to avoid (please, no neon logos 😅), and how to make sure everyone looks cohesive but still like themselves. We'll start this conversation early—like, when you book—so nobody's scrambling the night before trying to find a cream-colored shirt in their closet. The Logistics: You'll get crystal-clear arrival instructions: where to park, where to meet me, what time to show up. For extended families, I always recommend designating one point person to help coordinate—someone who can wrangle everyone and make sure Aunt Susan knows where to go. And seriously, punctuality matters. Especially at sunset when we're working with a limited window of gorgeous light. I promise I'm not just being Type A—it genuinely affects the quality of your photos.

During the Session: How We'll Flow

Full Group First: We usually start with everyone together while people are fresh and the light is perfect. I want those "whole crew" shots locked in before anyone gets tired or toddlers start melting down. We'll get several solid full-group images—different arrangements, maybe some walking together, definitely some where people are actually looking at me (I know, revolutionary 😊). Then We Break It Down: Once we've got the big group shots, we'll move into smaller combinations: This creates variety in your gallery and gives people natural breaks. The 3-year-old doesn't have to participate in EVERY. SINGLE. SHOT. Neither does Grandpa. Everyone gets moments to catch their breath. It's Guided, Not Stiff: Even with big groups, I'm not going to line you up and bark orders like a drill sergeant. I'll give you gentle prompts that encourage natural interaction—"Everyone walk toward me," "Tell your grandkids about your favorite family vacation," "Cousins, show me how crazy you can get." The goal is genuine connection, not rigid posing. Yes, even with 25 people. We'll Need Patience and Flexibility: Real talk: extended family sessions require patience from everyone. Bathroom breaks will happen. A kid will need a moment. Someone's shirt will get sandy. It's all normal, and we'll roll with it. I build in buffer time because I know that coordinating large groups takes longer than everyone thinks it will. The families who stress the least are the ones who show up ready to be flexible and just enjoy the experience.

After the Session: Your Gallery

Hand-Edited, Curated Images: After we shoot, I go through every single image and edit them individually. We're talking attention to skin tones, making sure the light looks consistent, creating that timeless look that'll still be gorgeous in 20 years. Then I curate. I remove duplicates and any images that aren't up to par, leaving you with a strong, cohesive gallery that tells your family's story. Extended family galleries are bigger than regular family sessions (obviously—there are more people and more groupings to document). You'll get a comprehensive collection that covers all the important combinations and moments. High-Res Digital Files, All Yours: Everything is delivered as high-resolution digital files with zero restrictions. Print them wherever you want, share them with all 47 family members, make a giant canvas for Grandma's living room—they're yours to use however you want. The gallery lives in a private online portal that's super easy to navigate. You can download images individually or grab the whole thing at once, and you can share the link with family members so everyone can access the photos.

Let's Talk About Time (The Honest Truth)

One of the questions I get most about extended family sessions: "How long do we really need?" Here's my honest answer: it depends on what you want.

Petite Sessions: The Basics

Petite sessions focus on the essentials—full group shots and maybe a few key smaller groupings. If your ONLY goal is "get everyone in a photo together" and you're not worried about capturing every possible combination... a petite session can work. BUT (and this is a big but), you need to know that petite sessions really are just the basics. We won't have time for extensive variety, multiple locations within the beach, all the different grouping combinations, or that relaxed pacing that lets authentic moments happen naturally. For some families, that's totally fine! If you're a smaller extended family (maybe 8-12 people), you have very specific goals, and comprehensive coverage isn't a priority, cool. A petite session might be perfect for you.

Standard and Extended Sessions: The Full Experience

For most extended families, longer sessions just work better. Here's why: With more time, we can actually capture: More time = less rush = better photos. It's pretty simple math. The extra time also means we're not sprinting through a checklist. There's room for bathroom breaks, moments to regroup, and space for those authentic interactions that create the images you'll treasure most.

What Actually Affects How Much Time You Need

Multigenerational family walking together at New Smyrna Beach
Group Size: Obviously, 10 people takes less time than 30 or 70. More people = more arranging, more groupings, more time. How Many Groupings You Want: If you want EVERY possible combination documented (trust me, some families do), we need more time. If you're cool with full group + individual families + maybe grandparents with grandkids, we need less. Ages in Your Group: Little kids and elderly family members naturally move slower. That's not a problem—it's just reality. If your group spans from age 2 to 92, we'll need some wiggle room. Your Priorities: Do you want formal group shots where everyone's looking at the camera? Or do you value those natural, candid moments of people interacting? (Spoiler: I love the candid stuff, but it takes time to let those moments develop naturally.)

My Honest Recommendation

Most extended families benefit from booking longer sessions. The investment difference usually isn't huge, but the difference in your final gallery and the overall experience? Significant. That said, I'll never push you into something that doesn't fit your needs. If you genuinely only want the basics and you're comfortable with limited coverage, I'll tell you straight up if a petite session can work for your group size. The most important thing is making an informed choice. I'd rather you book what's right for your family than be disappointed because we ran out of time. Want to see your session options and pricing? Check it out here: https://michellecoombsphotography.com/investment/

Coordinating Schedules: AKA The Hardest Part

Let's be real: the actual photography is often the EASY part of extended family sessions. Getting everyone to show up at the same place at the same time? That's the challenge.

Start Early (Like, Really Early)

For extended family sessions, I recommend booking 3-4 months ahead. Yeah, I know that seems like a lot, but here's why it matters: Early booking = way less stress for everyone.

Pick a Point Person (You'll Thank Me Later)

Designate one organized family member to be the coordinator. This person becomes the liaison between me and everyone else, handling: This doesn't have to be a huge job, but having one central contact makes EVERYTHING smoother.

Timing Strategy

Holiday Gatherings: A lot of extended families plan sessions around times when everyone's already together—Thanksgiving week, Christmas, summer vacations. Makes total sense! Just know these are peak booking times, so reach out even earlier. Visiting Families: If you've got family flying in, don't schedule the session for the day they arrive. Give everyone at least a day to settle in, recover from travel, and not feel rushed. Your photos will be better when people aren't exhausted and stressed. Sunrise vs. Sunset: For extended families, I often recommend sunrise sessions. I know, I KNOW—nobody wants to wake up early on vacation. But hear me out: That said, sunset works great too if your family is NOT morning people. Just know we need to start on time because that light window is limited.

Wardrobe Coordination Without Losing Your Mind

Getting a bunch of people to look coordinated is surprisingly doable when you have a strategy.

The Color Palette Approach (This Actually Works)

Don't try to match everyone exactly. Instead, pick 3-5 colors that work together and let each family unit mix and match within that palette. Example palette: So maybe one family has mom in cream, dad in sage, kids in various cream/tan/denim combos. Another family has mom in muted blue, dad in cream linen, kids in tan and cream. Everyone coordinates without looking like they're in uniform.

What to Avoid (Please)

Matching TOO Much: When 25 people all wear the exact same color, it starts looking like a corporate team photo. Coordinated variety looks way more sophisticated. Competing Patterns: A few subtle patterns are fine, but if everyone's wearing different busy prints, the photos get chaotic. If someone wants pattern, keep it subtle and limit it to a couple people. All Dark or All Light: Mix it up! Some light tones, some darker tones creates depth and keeps things interesting. Neon Anything: Just... no. 😅

Practical Tips

Family photographed together at Bethune Beach in New Smyrna
Start This Conversation EARLY: Don't wait until the week before. Start talking wardrobe when you book so people have time to shop if needed. Share Examples: Send everyone visual examples of what coordinated extended family outfits look like. Pictures explain it way better than words. Comfort Matters: We might be out there for an hour or more. Make sure everyone (especially shoes!) is comfortable. Bare feet or simple sandals work great on the beach. Bring Backup Options: Especially for kids—bring an extra shirt or two. Kids get sandy, spill things, have meltdowns about what they're wearing. Having a backup prevents stress.

Managing All the Ages (From Babies to Great-Grandparents)

Extended families often span 4-5 generations, and everyone's got different needs.

Little Kids and Toddlers

Kids are gonna kid. They'll run, they'll need breaks, they might have a meltdown. It's all normal, and I build the session around it. I encourage kids to move naturally—running on the beach, exploring, playing with cousins. Some of the best images come from cousins being silly together or grandparents naturally interacting with little ones.

Teenagers (The Self-Conscious Years)

Teens often feel awkward about family photos. I get it—I was a teenager once too. The key is keeping things light, not making a big deal about it, and creating opportunities for them to feel included without being embarrassed. Cousin shots, sibling photos, and authentic interactions (not cheesy poses) help them engage more naturally.

Elderly Family Members

Grandparents and great-grandparents are often the whole reason we're doing this session, and I want to make sure they're comfortable. I'll start with groupings that include them while everyone's fresh. If sitting makes sense, we'll incorporate that. If mobility is a concern, we'll choose locations with better sand conditions. And we build in breaks because I know standing for extended periods can be tiring. The goal is making sure every generation can participate fully and comfortably.

The Investment (Let's Talk Numbers)

Extended family sessions are priced differently than regular family sessions, and here's why:

Why It Costs More

Extended sessions require: This isn't arbitrary—it reflects the actual additional work that goes into large group sessions.

The Value Perspective

Here's the thing: extended family photos don't happen often. Unlike your immediate family photos that might happen every year, getting 3-4 generations together for professional photos? Maybe once every few years. Or for some families, maybe just once. These images document relationships that change. Grandparents age. Kids grow. Families expand. The photos become more precious as time goes on. Also, a lot of extended families split the session investment across the different family units, which makes it way more manageable for everyone while ensuring all families get the complete gallery. Check out current session options and pricing here: https://michellecoombsphotography.com/investment/

Your Questions Answered (The Real Ones)

Children running along the water at New Smyrna Beach

"How many people can you actually handle?"

I've done 73. SEVENTY-THREE PEOPLE. So unless you're planning a small wedding disguised as a family photo session, we're good. 😊 There's no upper limit. Larger groups just need more time and coordination, but it's totally doable.

"Do we really need that much time?"

Here's the honest truth: petite sessions work for the basics—a few full group shots and limited smaller groupings. If that's genuinely all you want, it can work. But most extended families end up happier with more time. It allows for comprehensive coverage, all the groupings you want, and a relaxed pace instead of feeling rushed. The galleries are better, the experience is calmer, and you're less likely to look back and wish you'd had more variety.

"What if someone has trouble walking in sand?"

Just tell me! I know which New Smyrna Beach locations have more packed-down sand versus super soft sand. We'll choose a spot that works for everyone's mobility levels. The beach does require some sand walking no matter what, but we can definitely make it easier for anyone who struggles with mobility.

"Do we all have to match exactly?"

God, no. Please don't. 😅 Coordinated is way better than matched. Pick a color palette, let everyone choose clothes within that palette that fit their style and comfort level. You'll look cohesive without looking like you're in a uniform.

"What if someone's running late?"

Communication is key. If you know someone's going to be cutting it close, give me a heads up. That said, punctuality really does matter, especially at sunset when our light window is limited. Delays can affect the quality of your photos and create stress for everyone. For families where coordination is tough, sunrise sessions often work better because there's more buffer time.

"How long until we get our photos?"

I'll give you a specific timeline when you book, but extended family galleries typically come within a few weeks. Because these sessions result in larger galleries and more editing work, they can take a bit longer than standard sessions—but you'll know the exact timeframe upfront.

"Can we add people later if our group gets bigger?"

It's best to be as accurate as possible about your group size when booking so I can schedule the right amount of time. If your number changes significantly after booking, let me know ASAP so we can adjust session length if needed.

"What if the weather's terrible?"

I watch the weather like a hawk leading up to every session. If we're looking at storms, dangerous wind, or conditions that would make everyone miserable, I'll reach out proactively and we'll reschedule. Light clouds or even some dramatic weather can create beautiful photos, but nobody wants to be out there in dangerous or truly awful conditions.

Why Work With a New Smyrna Beach Photographer?

Extended family photographed together at New Smyrna Beach
Look, you could work with any photographer and drag them to New Smyrna Beach. But there's something to be said for working with someone who knows this area inside and out.

I Know These Beaches

I know which locations work best for big groups. I know where parking is convenient. I know which spots have better sand for mobility issues. I know what the light does at different times of day and year. I know what to expect for crowds. All that local knowledge means you're not guessing or hoping it all works out—you're working with someone who's shot here dozens of times and knows exactly how to make it work for your specific family.

I've Done This Before (A Lot)

Extended families are their own beast. Managing 20+ people, coordinating multiple generations, keeping things organized while maintaining a relaxed vibe—it requires specific experience. I've photographed extended families of all sizes (again, 73 people!), and I understand the flow, the pacing, and how to capture everyone beautifully while keeping the whole thing from feeling chaotic.

I Actually Love This Work

I'm not just tolerating extended families because they're good business. I genuinely LOVE these sessions. There's something so special about multiple generations coming together, and I'm honored every time I get to document it. You can tell the difference between a photographer who's just going through the motions and someone who's truly invested in creating something meaningful for your family. I'm in the second camp.

Make the Most of Your Family Time

For a lot of families, these sessions happen during rare moments when everyone's actually together. Make it count!

Combine It With Other Stuff

New Smyrna Beach isn't just a photo location—it's a whole vibe. Consider: I can usually work with your schedule to make this happen—sunrise session that leaves the whole day free, or evening session followed by dinner together.

Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

The most meaningful photos aren't the ones where everyone's looking at the camera with perfect smiles. They're the images that capture real relationships—grandparents with grandkids, siblings laughing, cousins being silly, quiet moments between generations. When you approach the session focused on connection rather than perfection, you get better photos AND a better experience.

Remember What This Is Really About

Extended family photos document something rare: multiple generations in one place at one time. These moments don't happen often, and they become more significant as years pass and family dynamics inevitably change. This isn't just about pretty pictures. It's about preserving memories of relationships, documenting this specific season of your family's story, and creating something your family will treasure for generations.

Let's Make This Happen

If you're gathering your extended family in New Smyrna Beach and you want to document it beautifully (without the stress), I'd love to help you make it happen. I know these sessions can feel overwhelming to plan, but that's literally what I'm here for. We'll talk through everything, figure out the perfect location for your crew, coordinate all the logistics, and create a session that actually works for your specific family—whether that's 8 people or 73. Want to learn more about New Smyrna Beach sessions and how we'd work together? Check this out: New Smyrna Beach Family Photographer Ready to see session options and pricing? Head here: https://michellecoombsphotography.com/investment/ Extended family sessions need advance planning (especially during holidays and peak seasons), so if you're thinking about this, let's start the conversation now. That way we can secure your date, coordinate all the details, and make sure everyone shows up knowing exactly what to expect. Your extended family's time together is precious. Let's document it in a way that's as meaningful as it is beautiful. If you need me, I'll be dreaming about coordinating 73 people on the beach again. 😊

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