A Beautiful Extended Family Photoshoot at West Wittering Beach


Some sessions feel extra special, and this was definitely one of them. It was such a joy to catch up with this lovely family at West Wittering Beach after having the privilege of photographing both daughters' weddings over the past few years. It feels incredibly rewarding to continue documenting a family's story beyond the wedding day, and I'm already looking forward to photographing their cousin's wedding next year too. Being trusted to capture so many important milestones for one family is something I'll never take for granted.


This extended family session brought together two families, complete with energetic young children, alongside their proud grandparents. It was a celebration of family in every sense—siblings laughing together, cousins becoming instant playmates, grandparents soaking up precious moments with their grandchildren, and parents enjoying the rare opportunity to be in the photographs too.


We were incredibly lucky with the weather. The evening was filled with glorious sunshine, and although we were in the middle of a heatwave, the sea breeze at West Wittering Beach made it feel wonderfully comfortable. The cooler coastal air meant everyone could relax and enjoy themselves without feeling overwhelmed by the heat, making it the perfect setting for a summer family session.


West Wittering Beach provided the ideal backdrop. With its sweeping sandy shoreline, gentle dunes, and beautiful golden light, it's one of my favourite locations for family photography. The wide open space gave the children plenty of room to run, play, and simply be themselves, which always results in the most natural, joyful photographs.


Rather than asking everyone to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera, we focused on genuine connection. The children ran across the sand, searched for shells, played together, and enjoyed plenty of cuddles with their grandparents. Those little interactions—the hand-holding, the laughter, the sandy feet, and the quiet moments together—are the memories that families treasure most.


Extended family sessions are a fantastic way to capture every combination of relationships. Alongside photographs of the whole family together, we also made time for:

  • Grandparents with all of their grandchildren
  • Each individual family unit
  • Sibling portraits
  • Cousins together
  • Parents with their children
  • A few relaxed portraits of the grandparents themselves


Having these different groupings means everyone leaves with images they'll love, whether they're destined for a family album or displayed proudly on the wall.


One of the things I love most about photographing extended families is seeing the generations together. It's easy to put off organising a family photoshoot while waiting for the "perfect" time, but these moments are happening now. Children grow so quickly, and grandparents cherish every opportunity to spend time with them. Capturing everyone together creates photographs that become even more meaningful as the years pass.


As the evening went on, the sunshine softened into that beautiful golden glow photographers dream about. The light reflected off the sand and sea, creating the most stunning backdrop for relaxed, timeless family portraits. The children finished the session with sandy toes, rosy cheeks, and huge smiles—a sure sign of an evening well spent.


If you've been thinking about organising an extended family photoshoot, a beach session is such a relaxed and enjoyable way to bring everyone together. There's plenty of space for little ones to explore, room for everyone to spread out, and a beautiful natural setting that encourages genuine moments rather than forced smiles.


Although I'm best known as a Hampshire wedding photographer, I absolutely love photographing families too. The same natural, storytelling approach I bring to weddings carries through to my family sessions—capturing genuine laughter, authentic connections, and all the little moments that make your family unique. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, gathering everyone together for the first time in years, or simply want to preserve this chapter of your lives, I'd love to help you create photographs you'll treasure for generations.


If you're looking for a Hampshire wedding photographer who also offers relaxed family photography across Hampshire, West Wittering, and the South Coast, I'd love to hear from you. To view more of my portrait work click here.