There is something especially meaningful about photographing three generations together.
Maybe it’s because these are the photos that become family treasures. The ones that get pulled out years from now when children are grown, grandparents have gray hair, and everyone is wondering where the time went.
This beautiful extended family session was planned by Barb’s daughters to celebrate a milestone: her 60th birthday.
On a warm June evening, just days before the summer solstice and one of the longest days of the year, we gathered at my favorite location in Colorado Springs. The golden light stretched well past 8:00 p.m., wrapping everyone in that soft, dreamy glow photographers wait all year for.
The evening brought together three generations: Barb and Steve, their daughters Erin and Calli, their spouses, their son Jaxon, and four energetic grandchildren. It was the kind of session that reminds me why I love family photography so much.
With the help of my wardrobe planning tool, Erin coordinated a beautiful color palette of muted teals, soft ivory, and a subtle pop of coral. The colors photographed beautifully against the tall summer grass, cottonwood trees, and mountain views, creating a timeless look that will age gracefully for decades.
One of the biggest concerns families have before an extended family session is whether we’ll have enough time to capture everything.
In just ninety minutes, we photographed:
- The entire extended family together
- Individual family groups
- Barb and Steve with each of their children
- All the siblings together
- All the grandchildren
- The original family of five
- The women together
- The men together
- Aunts and kids
- Uncle and kids
- Individual couples
- Individual portraits of anyone who wanted one
One of my favorite parts of every extended family session is carving out a few minutes for each couple. My background in wedding and engagement photography spans nearly two decades, and I love creating portraits that remind couples that their story matters too, not just the family they’ve built, but the relationship that started it all.
As I photographed Barb and Steve, their daughters with their husbands, and all the little moments in between, I couldn’t help but think about what these photographs will mean twenty years from now.
The children will grow.
The parents will grow older.
Life will change.
But these images will remain.
That’s why I believe family photographs are about more than documenting what everyone looked like on a particular day. They’re about preserving a season of life. They’re about creating something tangible for future generations to hold in their hands and say, “This was us.”
This isn’t content.
This is legacy.
Happy 60th birthday, Barb. What a gift to be surrounded by the people who love you most.
With joy & gratitude,
René
Love these of Erin and her family.
A moment for FUNcle Jaxon and the world’s best little brother, who, when was asked jokingly during a sibling photo to “look at your favorite sister,” played along perfectly and had everyone laughing within seconds.
Calli and her sweet family. Newly three-year-old Sadie brought all the charm, cuteness, and just the right amount of sass to the evening.
After we checked the “everyone looking and smiling” photos off the list, we had room to breathe. These are the moments you just can’t squeeze into a mini session. Everyone is settled in, the nerves are gone, and the focus shifts from posing to simply being together. Those in-between moments often become the ones families treasure most.
Planning Extended Family Photos in Colorado Springs?
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, gathering family from out of town, or simply want to preserve this season before it changes, extended family sessions are one of the most meaningful investments you can make.
René Tate Photography specializes in extended family photography, family portraits, anniversary sessions, and legacy-focused photography in Colorado Springs and throughout the Front Range.
Serving Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Cañon City, Black Forest, Monument, Castle Rock, and surrounding Colorado communities.
