There’s always someone in the family who says, “Wait, let’s get a picture before everybody leaves.” Usually, that’s the person who ends up behind the phone. I’d love for them to be in this one, too.
Maybe your parents are flying in for the holidays. Maybe the cousins are finally old enough to ride the same rides, and three households are sharing a vacation home near Walt Disney World. Or maybe Grandma picked Orlando for her birthday because it was the one place everyone could agree on. An extended family photography session gives you a little time together and photographs of the people who made the trip feel like yours.
I’m Adri, the bilingual photographer behind Grateful Soul Photography. I grew up in Orlando, and I photograph extended families throughout Central Florida. As a Colombian American mom, I think a lot about herencia—the little things we inherit from the people who raised us. Sometimes it’s a recipe. Sometimes it’s a laugh you can hear from two rooms away. I love making photographs where you can almost hear it.
Hablo español. Si se sienten más cómodos en español, podemos planear y hacer la sesión en español, en inglés o en los dos idiomas.
What an extended family session looks like
We make time for a photograph of everyone together and the smaller combinations that matter to you. That might mean each household, grandparents with all the grandkids, adult siblings together, or a portrait of your parents on their own. Tell me which combinations you’d most love to have, and I’ll guide the group so the person who organized the trip can enjoy being in the pictures.
There’s room for the in-between moments, too. A little cousin following the big kids around. The look your parents give each other when they realize how many people started with the two of them. I’ll give enough direction to get everyone in place, then leave a little space for the things only your family does.
Where to take extended family photos in the Orlando area
If you’re staying near Disney in Kissimmee or Lake Buena Vista, tell me where you’ll be based and what your days look like. We can look for a location that fits your itinerary, whether that means an outdoor spot close to where you’re staying or a vacation rental where the property allows professional photography. For local families hosting relatives, we can also talk about a location in Winter Garden, Winter Park, or another part of Central Florida that works for the group.
For a session with several generations, I care about the practical details as much as the light. How far is the walk from the car? Is there somewhere to sit? Can a stroller get there easily? Share any mobility or accessibility needs when you inquire so we can choose a spot with your whole family in mind.
Three things to settle before the trip
Pick a day with a little breathing room. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World, look at a slower morning or a day away from the parks. Give yourselves room for meals, naps, and getting everyone out the door.
Choose a few colors everyone can work with. Try cream, denim, and a warm earthy tone, then let each household make it their own. A favorite dress, a little pattern, or a shirt Grandpa already loves can help the photos feel like your family.
Make a short list of the portraits you’d miss. Think about the pairings that rarely happen at home. If all the grandchildren will be together for the first time, or you’d love a photograph with your own siblings, tell me ahead of time.
Plan your Orlando extended family session
Send me your travel dates, where you’re staying, and a rough count of the adults, kids, and households joining you. Tell me what’s bringing everyone together. From there, we’ll talk through availability, location, and the right session for your group.
A note for travel advisors and vacation partners
Do you help families plan Orlando vacations, reunions, or milestone trips? Grateful Soul offers a referral reward for travel advisors when a referred client books an extended family session. Make an introduction by email or have the family mention your name when they inquire. If you manage vacation rentals, plan reunions, or work with visiting families, I’d love to hear from you, too. Email hello@gratefulsoulphoto.com to talk about partnering.
