There are all sorts of reasons to make the google search "photographer near me" and schedule to have pictures taken by a professional.  Whether it's that you just got engaged, (CONGRATULATIONS!), you added a new member to the family, (CONGRATULATIONS!), your kids have changed so much since the last time you've had family pictures taken or maybe you have never had time to schedule professional portraits.  One session that I love photographing for families is extended family portraits.  

Growing up I personally had a big connection to my extended family.  I remember every holiday our house would be full of family members from both my mom and dad's side of the family.  We were one big family.  We didn't have to spend Christmas traveling from one side's get together to another side's get together.  We did it all in one and it was a blast.  

So when I get a request to schedule family pictures that include grandparents, uncles, cousins and more I'm all in!  I've photographed Heather and Jared for many years now and was so glad they decided to bring the whole family this time!  Heather's brother is in the military and stationed in Chicago, so even though he was not able to get leave for the family portraits this time, you will see below he was definitely not left out!  What a clever idea!