I love extended family sessions! I think they're a great option when traveling together, especially on the beach! That seems to be a regular thing lately here in Naples, Florida so I always welcome the opportunity to get multiple generations in the frame. There is no time like the present!

This extended family was my very first of the New Year, and boy did they nail their clothing for a beach portrait session, didn't they?! I always advise people when looking to dress a large group of people to stick to 2-3 colors and build from there. Put a couple of the littles in a coordinating pattern, then coordinate everyone else's outfits from there. Once you break down the outfits for the entire family, and sub family groups, in this way it isn't as daunting as it sounds.

For coastal portraits, I always advise a light and airy look with layered neutrals and lots of textures. Think flows fabrics with open weave knits, great for backlight portraits. I also love linen on the beach! It's a timeless and organic fabric that is never out of style. A nice crisp white or blue linen shirt will always work well, and twenty years from now, will look the same as it does today. Can't say enough about a classic linen shirt or outfit for a beach family photo session.

This location, Wiggins Pass, is one of I've been coming to for years with my own family, and it's one I love to photograph extended families because there are a ton of on location facilities for the littles, and the sunsets never disappoint.

Scroll on for a few of my favorites from this Naples Beach Florida extended family beach photo session, and Happy New Year!