An Intentional Way to Gather After Christmas

There’s something especially grounding about photographing families right after Christmas. The rush has slowed, everyone is still home and the focus is solely on being together. That’s exactly what made this extended family session at Valley Forge Historic National Park feel so special.

The Ryan family lives spread across the country and only gets a handful of opportunities each year to be together. One of those rare moments is Christmas, so when Aislinn reached out to plan an extended family session the day after, it felt like the perfect way to hold onto that time a little longer.

A Session That Brought Three Generations Together

Aislinn lives in Aspen, Colorado (small world, cough cough, Kayla Aspen Photography), while her brother Brandon and his family traveled in from Massachusetts. Their parents, Debbie and Dennis, live nearby in Malvern, but Valley Forge has always been close to home for them. They used to live near the park and Debbie has always loved the cannon areas, so that’s where we focused most of our time.

Brandon and Brittney’s two children, William and Marin, were absolute troopers in the cold! Bundled up, curious and fully themselves. Those in-between moments (hands tucked into pockets, parents leaning in, grandparents sneaking kisses) are what made this session feel honest and lived-in.

Photographing three generations together isn’t about forcing everyone into perfect poses, it’s about letting the dynamic exist as it is and gently guiding things so it flows naturally.

Why Valley Forge Works So Well for Extended Family Sessions

Valley Forge Historic National Park is one of my favorite locations for larger family sessions, especially in late fall and winter. Here’s why it works so well:

• Wide open space – There’s room for big group photos without feeling crowded or rushed.

• Intentional backdrops – The cannons, rolling hills and walking paths add depth without distracting from the people.

• Easy movement – Perfect for kids who need to warm up by moving around and for groups that don’t want to stand still for too long.

• Seasonal flexibility – Winter sessions feel quieter and more intimate, especially right after the holidays.

If your family has a personal connection to a place, like the Ryans did, choosing that location instantly adds another layer to the photos.

What to Wear for an Extended Family Session (Without the Stress)

Outfits are often the part that feels most overwhelming with extended family sessions and it’s completely understandable!  Coordinating multiple households, ages and styles can feel like a lot. That’s why every client I work with gets access to my online outfit stylist, and it’s a game-changer for larger groups.

Once you’re booked, you’ll head into the outfit portal and enter everyone who will be photographed, along with the overall color palette and vibe you’re drawn to. From there, the stylist generates complete outfit suggestions for each person, including accessories, shoes, and layering pieces, all designed to coordinate together seamlessly.

The best part? It’s flexible. You can shop directly through the portal if you want something new, or use it as a guide to pull pieces you already own from your closets. Either way, it removes the guesswork and creates instant coordination without anyone feeling overly matched or uncomfortable.

For extended family sessions especially, this tool helps everything feel cohesive while still letting each person look like themselves, which makes a huge difference in how relaxed and natural your photos feel.

Planning an Extended Family Session After the Holidays

If you’re considering an extended family photography session around Christmas or just after, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:

1. Dress for Comfort and Warmth First

Layers matter, especially with kids. Coats can stay on for part of the session but we can always peel back layers briefly when it makes sense! Dennis and Debby wore scarfs at the start of our session and then took them off for variety at the end.

2. Choose a Location with Meaning

A place your family already loves or has history with will always feel more natural than somewhere chosen just for looks.

3. Let the Session Breathe

Extended family sessions don’t need to feel forced. The best images come from giving space for real interaction. Siblings talking, grandparents watching, kids being kids!

4. Plan Around Togetherness

If everyone is already home for a holiday, that’s often the easiest time to schedule something like this. Reach out to me and we’ll figure out availability! Don’t be too afraid of the East Coast Winter, it actually adds its own personality and vibe to the photos.

Holding Onto these Rare Moments

Sessions like this are a reminder that photos don’t have to mark a big event to matter. Sometimes, they’re just about acknowledging how rare it is to have everyone in one place and choosing to step into memories together while you can.

I’m so grateful I got to photograph the Ryan family and document these three generations in a place that already meant so much to them.

If you’re gathering your family in the Philadelphia or Chester County area and have been thinking about an extended family session, this is your sign that it’s worth doing now! Click Here to get started.