Why Summer Is the Best Time for Extended Family Photos in CDA
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Extended Family Photos in CDA — And Why You Should Book Now
Summer in Coeur d’Alene has a very specific quality to it. The light is long and golden. The lake is out. Everyone’s relaxed in a way they aren’t the rest of the year. And if you have a family reunion, a grandparent visit, or multiple generations coming together this summer—this is your window.
Extended family sessions are some of my favorite things to photograph. There’s something about getting three generations in one frame that hits differently than any other session I shoot. But they also require more planning than a regular family session—and they book up fast in summer. So if you’ve been thinking about it, this is your nudge to stop thinking and start scheduling.
TL;DR
Everything to know about booking an extended family photography session in Coeur d’Alene this summer, including locations, outfit tips, and why to book early.
What Is an Extended Family Photography Session?
An extended family photography session captures multiple generations or family branches together—grandparents, adult children, cousins, and kids—in one coordinated session, typically lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours.
These sessions are bigger, louder, and more chaotic than a typical family portrait session—in the best way. They require a photographer who can work quickly, read the room, and get clean group shots without making your grandmother stand in the sun for 45 minutes.
I’ve been doing this long enough to have a system for it, and I promise it doesn’t have to be as stressful as you’re imagining.
Why Coeur d’Alene Is Perfect for Extended Family Sessions
Coeur d’Alene has some genuinely beautiful locations for extended family photos—and summer is when they’re at their best. The lake, the parks, the rolling hills just outside of town, the wooded trails that catch late afternoon light. There’s no shortage of backdrops that make people look good.
A few locations I love for larger groups:
City Beach area. The lake views are stunning, especially in the golden hour before sunset. Enough open space to spread out, and beautiful ambient light that’s soft and flattering.
Tubbs Hill. Great for families who want that Pacific Northwest outdoorsy feel—trees, paths, rocks, the lake below. More intimate than the beach.
Riverstone. A beautiful urban green space that works especially well for families who want something a little more polished without being overly formal.
Private properties and cabins. If your family is renting a cabin or lake house this summer, an in-home or property session is one of my favorites. The setting is personal, the vibe is relaxed, and it often produces the most authentic images.
When Should You Book an Extended Family Session in CDA?
Book your Coeur d’Alene summer family session at least 6–8 weeks in advance. Peak summer availability—late June through August—fills quickly, especially on weekends and during holiday weekends.
This is the part I have to be blunt about: if you’re reading this in May and hoping for a July 4th weekend session, you need to reach out this week. Summer is the most requested time of year, and I only take a limited number of sessions per month to make sure each one gets the time and attention it deserves.
The other thing to consider: coordinating an extended family session takes time outside of booking. You need to align multiple people’s schedules, figure out outfits, and nail down a location. Starting that process in April for a July session is far more pleasant than trying to do it in June.
How to Plan Outfits for an Extended Family Session
Outfit coordination is the number one thing that stresses families out before a session—and it doesn’t have to. Here’s my simple framework:
Pick one anchor color or palette. You don’t need everyone to match. You need everyone to coordinate. Pick a palette (warm neutrals, earth tones, blues and creams, navy and white) and let everyone work within it.
Avoid logos and graphics. They date photos quickly and draw attention away from faces.
Think textures and layers. Linen, denim, soft knits—these all photograph beautifully, especially on film.
Let the grandparents be comfortable. If Grandma is in shoes she can’t walk in, she will not be happy. Happy grandparents make better photos.
Don’t over-coordinate. The goal is visual cohesion, not a uniform. Small differences in shade, texture, and style actually make photos more interesting.
What to Expect During an Extended Family Session
A typical extended family session runs 90 minutes to 2 hours and includes a mix of large group shots, smaller family groupings, and some individual or sibling combinations.
I always start with the larger group configurations while everyone still has energy—getting grandparents, all the adults, all the kids—and then work down to smaller groupings as the session relaxes. If you have young kids, this approach means we get the most important shots first, before anyone starts melting down.
I’ll also leave space for the unposed moments. The cousins chasing each other. The grandparent holding a hand. The siblings doing that thing they always do. Those images are often the favorites.
How Many Photos Will We Get?
For a 90-minute extended family session, you can expect a gallery of 80-100 final images.
I shoot on film, which means the gallery will be curated. Every image in your gallery was intentional. You won’t be sifting through 400 near-identical shots—you’ll get the best of what we created together.
Pricing and What’s Included
Extended family session rates start at $900 for a 90-minute session and include the gallery delivered within 3 weeks of your session date. Film and processing are included. For larger groups or longer sessions, custom quotes are available.
Reach out directly for current availability and pricing. I’d love to hear about your family and find the right fit.
Ready to Book?
Summer books fast. If you’re planning a family reunion, grandparent visit, or multi-generational gathering in Coeur d’Alene this summer, don’t wait.
Reach out here to check availability ?
I’ll get back to you quickly, and we can get something on the calendar before the good spots are gone.
About the Author: Kim Hildebrand is an award-winning lifestyle film photographer based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, specializing in in-home and extended family sessions that capture real connection in real life.
