There’s something extra special about photographing extended families on 30A…when grandparents, siblings, cousins, and little ones all come together in one place, it becomes more than just photos. It becomes legacy.

Holly planned the perfect Inlet Beach family session, bringing together her family of four, her parents, her husband’s sister and brother-in-law, their son, and their mom for a sunset that absolutely showed off. As a 30A beach photographer, these are the sessions I love most because they allow us to capture every relationship that matters—not just one group shot and done.

Why Inlet Beach Is Perfect for Big Family Photos on 30A

Inlet Beach is one of my go-to spots for large group family photography on 30A, especially when you want variety. This session gave us:

• Soft dune paths framed with palms

• Clean, open shoreline for classic beach portraits

• Incredible skies that shifted color by the minute

We started tucked into the dunes for intimate groupings and individual family units, then moved down to the shoreline as the sun dropped lower giving us dramatic clouds, pastel pinks, warm golds, and those deep coastal blues that 30A sunsets are known for.

The color coordination Holly chose was chef’s kiss. Soft neutrals, muted pastels, and earthy tones that complemented the sand and sky without overpowering the scene. When families ask what photographs beautifully on the beach…this session is the answer.

How I Photograph Extended Families (Without the Chaos)

One of the biggest concerns I hear when families inquire about large group beach sessions is,
“Will we actually get photos of everyone… and still enjoy it?”

Short answer: yes. Long answer: this is exactly why you want a photographer who knows how to structure extended family sessions.

Here’s how we approached Holly’s session:

1. Full Group Portraits

We started with the entire group together while everyone was fresh, making sure grandparents, kids, and adults were all comfortable and connected.

2. Individual Family Units

Each immediate family got their own dedicated time:

• Holly’s family of four

• Her husband’s sister and her family

• Clean, relaxed images without anyone feeling rushed

3. Grandparents + Grandkids

These are always the heart-grabbers. Watching grandparents light up with their grandkids never gets old, and these images are often the most cherished.

4. Individual Kids + Siblings

We captured individual portraits of the kids, sibling moments, and those candid, in-between smiles that parents can never quite catch on their own.

5. Natural Candids at Sunset

As the sun dipped, we let the kids move, laugh, and play…giving us those storytelling moments that feel effortless and timeless.

By the end, everyone walked away saying the same thing: “That was way easier than we expected.” That’s always the goal.

The Magic of a 30A Sunset for Family Photography

This session was a masterclass in why sunset beach photography on 30A is so popular. The sky gave us constant variation of soft light early on, glowing warmth at golden hour, and dramatic clouds that added depth and emotion to the final images.

No two photos looked the same, yet the entire gallery felt cohesive. That’s one of the things I pride myself on as a 30A family beach photographer creating galleries that feel rich, full, and intentional.

Planning an Extended Family Beach Session on 30A?

If you’ve been messaging me lately about big group or extended family beach photos, this is your sign. These sessions are perfect for:

• Multi-generational family vacations

• Grandparent milestones

• Annual family traditions

• Families who finally want everyone in the same frame

I handle the posing, the flow, and the logistics so you can focus on being present while I document it all.