Large Family Photographer in Myrtle Beach
Extended family and multi-generation sessions along the Grand Strand
More and more of the families I photograph come to the beach together: grandparents, grown children, cousins and grandchildren, sometimes 10 people and sometimes more than 45. As a large family photographer in Myrtle Beach, I love these sessions. Whether it is a family reunion or a week at the beach with everyone under one roof, the session usually happens right outside the family’s beach rental or private residence, and it turns your time together into photos everyone will want to keep.
The Howard family, 45+ in Myrtle Beach
Extended Family Photos at Your Beach Rental or Private Residence
Photographing your family where you are staying keeps things simple. Nobody has to load little ones into cars, and the session can start right outside your door. The beach in front of a rental gives the whole group open space, and features like beach stairs and dune walkovers can help arrange people at different heights when the group is big.
Large Family Sessions Along the Grand Strand
The Howard Family · 45+ · Myrtle Beach
The Howard family was the biggest group on this page, with more than 45 people on the sand and the Myrtle Beach oceanfront behind them. After the full group, we broke into smaller families and took a walk along the water.
A walk along the water
The Rascon Family · 25+ · Myrtle Beach
More than 25 members of the Rascon family coordinated in soft pastels, which kept the group looking connected without everyone matching exactly.
The Rascon family, 25+ in Myrtle Beach
The grown-ups
The Dressler Family · 20+ · Ocean Isle Beach, NC
The Dressler family, more than 20 people in all white, gathered on Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina, with beach houses lining the dunes behind them.
The Dressler family, 20+ in Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Lined up by the ocean
The Wilbanks Family · 20+ · Murrells Inlet
For the Wilbanks family, more than 20 people in sage, teal and white, one family member sat on a bench in the center, which gave the whole group a natural focal point.
The Wilbanks family, 20+ in Murrells Inlet
Smaller groupings, too
The Diana Family · 15+ · North Myrtle Beach
The Diana family, more than 15 people in cream, white and pink, took photos in front of the dunes and then on a set of white wooden beach stairs, which made it easy to see every face.
The Diana family, 15+ in North Myrtle Beach
Using the stairs to fit everyone in
The Brinson Family · 10+ · Pawleys Island
The Brinson family session included the full group by the ocean and a sweet moment with the grandparents sitting in the sand with their grandchildren.
The Brinson family, 10+ in Pawleys Island
Grandparents with the grandkids
The Miller Family · 10+ · Pawleys Island
The Miller family gathered at Litchfield by the Sea in Pawleys Island for photos of the whole group, then each family on its own.
The Miller family, 10+ in Pawleys Island
Each family gets its own photos
The Boggs Family · 10+ · Pawleys Island
The Boggs family wore coral, pink and sage, and some of their best frames came from simply walking together along the shoreline.
The Boggs family, 10+ in Pawleys Island
Everyone together
Planning Your Extended Family Photos
The most helpful thing you can do before a large family session is make a short shot list of the family combinations you want: the full group, each household, the grandparents with all of the grandchildren, the grandparents with their children, the cousins, the siblings and the couples. Ordering the list from biggest to smallest lets the full group go first, while everyone is fresh, and lets each family head back inside once its photos are done.
For outfits, pick a palette of two or three colors and let each family choose within it. The Rascon, Boggs and Wilbanks families are good examples: everyone looks connected, but nobody is in a uniform.
Beach house family photos usually look best in the hour or so before sunset, when the sun is lower and the light is softer on faces. With little ones in the group, it also helps to plan around naps and dinner so the youngest family members are happy when the session starts.
Large Family Photography FAQ
How many people can be in a large family session?
The sessions on this page range from about 10 people to more than 45. The Howard family had more than 45 people in their group.
Can you photograph us at our beach rental or private residence?
Yes. Large family sessions can take place on the beach outside your rental or at a private residence along the Grand Strand.
Do you photograph families in North Carolina?
Yes. The Dressler family session took place on Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
What time of day is best for extended family photos?
The hour or so before sunset usually gives the softest, most flattering light on the beach.
How do we receive our photos?
Your photos are delivered in a private online gallery, where you can view, download and share them with your family.
Planning a family reunion or a week at the beach with everyone together? See more of my family photography, browse family photo locations, or contact me about your session.
Together, let’s craft a narrative that is timeless, impactful, and beautifully refined. Let’s create something truly special.
COPYRIGHT © 2026 kristina barron.