There’s something magical about gathering the entire extended family together. It’s rare, it’s chaotic, and it’s absolutely worth capturing. That’s exactly what we did on a particularly frosty day in Calgary this winter. Was it cold? Absolutely. Did everyone’s noses turn a festive shade of red? You bet. But the laughter and memories we created warmed us right up.
Calgary winters don’t mess around. As we all gathered at the park, bundled in layers that made everyone look twice their actual size, the thermometer was flirting with numbers that made me question my career choices. But here’s what I’ve learned as a photographer: sometimes the most challenging conditions create the most authentic moments.
The kids were troopers. The adults maintained their smiles even as their cheeks turned numb. And grandma and grandpa? They showed everyone up by not complaining once – probably because they’re wise enough to wear proper thermal underwear.
Extended family photos have their own special brand of chaos. Getting everyone looking at the camera simultaneously feels like trying to herd cats. There’s always someone blinking, a toddler making a break for freedom, or an uncle who didn’t get the memo about the color scheme.
But that’s the beauty of it. The perfect imperfections. The genuine laughs when someone slipped slightly on the ice. The authentic joy when the littlest cousin finally decides to cooperate for exactly 3.5 seconds – just enough time to snap the perfect shot.
What I love most about these family sessions isn’t just the final gallery. It’s watching the family interact. Seeing cousins who might only meet a few times a year build inside jokes in minutes. Witnessing siblings who’ve grown up and moved away fall right back into their old dynamics.
Tips for Your Own Winter Family Session
If you’re thinking about gathering your own extended family for a winter photoshoot when everyone’s together next, here are some quick tips from my experience:
1. **Layer, layer, layer** – Style from the outer layer in, knowing hats and scarves will be part of the aesthetic.
2. **Bring hot drinks** – Nothing motivates like the promise of hot chocolate afterward.
3. **Keep it short** – Quality over quantity when fingers are freezing.
4. **Embrace the season** – Snow fights, rosy cheeks, and winter gear make for authentic, seasonal memories.
5. **Coordinate, don’t match** – Choose a winter color palette that allows everyone’s personality to shine through.
As we wrapped up and everyone hurried back to their cars with promises to share the photos in the family group chat, I couldn’t help but smile. Yes, my equipment was cold, my fingers were numb, and I probably couldn’t feel my toes anymore.
But looking through the camera roll when I got home, I saw genuine joy, beautiful connections, and a family that, despite the frigid temperatures, radiated warmth in every frame.
These are the sessions that remind me why I do what I do. Because years from now, when these kids have kids of their own, these photos won’t just be pictures. They’ll be time machines to a day when the whole family braved the Calgary winter together and created memories that will last far longer than the frostbite on my fingers.
So here’s to extended families, winter adventures, and the beautiful chaos that happens when you combine them. May your next family gathering be just as memorable (though perhaps a few degrees warmer).
