Large family group wearing coordinated pastel blue and white outfits poses together on grass for outdoor photo session.

There is something incredibly special about gathering multiple generations together for photos — grandparents, siblings, cousins, and all the beautiful chaos in between. This recent extended family session at Jolley’s Ranch was the perfect example of why extended family photography is so meaningful.


Located in Springville, Utah, Jolley’s Ranch is one of my favorite mountain locations for large family sessions because of its variety, accessibility, and stunning natural scenery.



If you’re planning extended family photos in Utah County or surrounding areas, this location is absolutely worth considering.

Why Jolley’s Ranch is Perfect for Extended Family Photos



When photographing large families, choosing the right location makes a huge difference. We need space, good light, and backgrounds that work for both big group portraits and smaller individual family combinations.


Jolley’s Ranch offers:

  • Tall  trees and mountain scenery
  • Open grassy areas for large group setups
  • Rustic wood fences and cabins
  • Plenty of room for kids to move naturally


It’s one of the most versatile outdoor locations in Utah County for extended family photography.

A group of people in coordinated casual outfits pose together on a grassy lawn during a sunny outdoor photo session.
A couple in casual attire shares tender moments while walking together in a sunlit meadow during golden hour.
A group stands together outdoors under a large tree during a sunny afternoon photo session.

The Flow of an Extended Family Session



Large family sessions can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning they run smoothly and even feel fun. For this session, we photographed:

  • The full extended family group
  • Grandparents with grandchildren
  • Each individual family unit
  • Sibling groups
  • Cousins together
  • Individual children
  • Candid connection moments



Having a system and clear posing direction helps everything move efficiently so families can relax and enjoy the experience.

Family enjoying a golden sunset in a grassy park wearing coordinated pink and blue outfits.
A young child in a blue dress with a matching hair bow stands smiling in a sunny outdoor setting.
A family sits together on grass in a sunlit park during golden hour, enjoying a warm summer evening.

Why Extended Family Photos Matter



One of the most common things I hear from families is: “We haven’t had everyone together in years.”


Extended family sessions preserve a season of life that changes quickly — kids grow, grandparents age, and schedules get busy.


These photos become:

Heirlooms for future generations

Meaningful gifts for grandparents

Memories of relationships and connection

A record of your family legacy


There is so much value in documenting everyone together.

A person wearing glasses and a pink peter pan collar blouse poses outdoors in a sunny field.
A couple in casual attire embraces while standing on green grass during golden hour sunset.
A romantic couple poses together outdoors in a sunlit field wearing coordinating pink and blue outfits.
A person in a pink sweater and denim shorts stands in a sunlit grassy field under a tree branch.

What to Wear for Large Family Photos


For extended families, coordination is more important than matching.


The most successful outfit plans usually include:

  • A soft, cohesive color palette
  • Neutrals with a few accent colors
  • Limited bold patterns
  • Layers and texture
  • Comfortable, flattering clothing



Earth tones, soft blues, creams, and muted greens photograph beautifully against the mountain scenery at Jolley’s Ranch.

A group sits together on a grassy hill during golden hour as sunlight filters through trees in the background.
A group of people in coordinated pastel and denim outfits pose together outdoors in a grassy field at sunset.

The Best Time of Year for Photos at Jolley’s Ranch



This location photographs beautifully from late spring to early fall. The mountain setting provides cooler temperatures than the valley, which is especially helpful for large groups with young children and grandparents. Golden hour light here is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering.

A large family group wearing coordinated blue and white outfits poses together on a grassy hillside for outdoor portraits.

Tips for a Successful Extended Family Session



If you’re planning a large family session in Utah, here are a few tips:

✔ Choose a location with shade and space

✔ Plan outfits early

✔ Feed kids beforehand

✔ Allow extra time for parking and walking

✔ Trust your photographer to guide posing

✔ Focus on connection, not perfection


Some of the best moments come from laughter and interaction between poses.

Family group sits together on grassy hill during golden hour sunset photo session in park.

A Recent Extended Family Session at Jolley’s Ranch



This particular session included multiple families with lots of young cousins, which created such a fun, energetic atmosphere. We captured a mix of:

  • Classic smiling portraits
  • Sweet grandparent interactions
  • Individual family connections



The mountain backdrop paired with soft neutral outfits created a timeless gallery full of warmth and personality. Extended family sessions like this are always busy — but they’re also some of the most rewarding sessions to photograph.

Elderly couple sitting together on a wooden bench in a peaceful green field on a sunny day.
An elderly couple shares a tender moment while sitting together on a white bench in a sunny meadow.

Booking Extended Family Photos in Utah



Many extended families schedule sessions during:

Family reunions

Summer vacations

Anniversary celebrations

Milestone birthdays

Holidays when everyone is together


If you’re planning an extended family session in Springville, Utah County, or anywhere in Northern Utah, booking in advance is recommended — especially for summer and fall dates.

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