Honouring Every Branch | A Guide to Extended Family Photography in Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire

6 Aug

Because every connection deserves to be seen.

Extended family photography isn’t just about lining everyone up and hoping all eyes are open at once. It’s about connection. It’s about legacy. And most importantly, it’s about honouring every branch of your family tree, not just the whole, but the beautifully imperfect parts that make it what it is.

At Marley & The Wildlings Photography, my extended family sessions across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are rooted in storytelling. We’ll capture the big group moments, yes, but we’ll also slow down and photograph the quiet, intimate connections: the look between sisters, the laughter of cousins, the steady love between grandparents and grandchildren.

extended family photography nottingham — Extended Family Photoshoot in Skegness by Marley & The Wildlings Photography

This is photography that sees every one of you, and makes space for everyone to be remembered.

Why Extended Family Photography Matters

Because time passes fast. Because the toddlers grow up. Because grandparents don’t always stay for as long as we hope. Because one day, these photos will be part of your family’s legacy, the record of who you were together.

An extended family session is about documenting your people as they are now. Messy, loving, busy, changing, and full of heart.

Not Just a Group Shot | Every Connection Honoured

What sets these sessions apart is the intention to capture every branch of your family. That means:

The Couples

Because love stories evolve over time, through kids, grandkids, and decades of life lived. We’ll pause to photograph the couples in your family: the grandparents, the parents, the siblings and their partners. Sometimes it’s the first time in years they’ve been in a photo alone.

The Core Families

Each sibling and their family unit get their own mini-shoot within the session, whether that’s a family of three or six. It’s a chance for everyone to have their own story told.

The Grandparents

The heart of the family. Whether they’re playful or quiet, mobile or not, I’ll make sure they feel seen and honoured. Grandparent and grandchild portraits are always some of the most emotional and powerful.

The Grandkids

Cousins playing. Toddlers running. Teenagers pretending they’re too cool (but secretly loving it). These are the chaotic, brilliant moments you’ll miss when they’ve all grown up.

Mothers & Fathers

We often forget to photograph the parents, especially the ones always behind the camera. I’ll make time to honour the mums, the dads, and all the love they pour into their families.

The Siblings

You and your brothers and sisters, together again, even if it’s just for one weekend. We’ll get the grown up sibling portraits (silly or serious), as well as the younger generations.

Where to Hold an Extended Family Photoshoot

I photograph extended families across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, and beyond, at locations that feel relaxed, open, and meaningful.

Favourite spots include:

Sherwood Pines – Space to run, forest backdrops, and dog-friendly
Clumber Park – Ideal for both big group shots and quiet corners
Your family home or garden – Personal and full of memories
The edges of the Peak District – Windy, wild, and stunning

We’ll chat beforehand about what kind of feel you want: cosy, epic, playful, elegant, or a mix.

How It Works | Relaxed, Real, and Fun

My approach is natural and movement based. No awkward posing. No forced smiles. Just connection, cuddles, chaos, and joy.

I’ll gently guide groupings and combinations, so you don’t have to remember a thing.
We’ll go with the flow—snack breaks, muddy knees, tantrums, and all.
You’ll come away with a mix of group portraits, individual pairings, candid shots, and quiet in-between moments.

This isn’t a rushed kind of shoot. It’s an experience. A memory in itself.