Planning An Extended Family Portrait – Why?

It’s been said that you can’t choose your family, but the pandemic has made us all realize just how important they are.

Spending time with our extended families is something we may have taken for granted – until the option was suddenly taken away. Even more so when you have family who live all over the world, with travel restrictions to take into considerations.

The pandemic has forced us all to slow down and appreciate the importance of family and we have seen many families take the chance to organize their long overdue extended family portraits to remember the present, and create tangible memories for the future.

In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, our families are one of the few constants we can rely on. It would be wise of us to cherish them while we can, and never take them for granted again.

So if you’re looking to update your family portraits, or just want to capture some precious memories with your loved ones, be sure to book your session soon as year end is our busiest season!

Here are a few things to consider and take note of in order to make the process go smoothly. when planning an extended family portrait.

1. Set A Date For Your Extended Family Portrait

Give everyone plenty of notice: Depending on the size of your family and how spread out they live, it can take some time to organise everyone’s schedules. So, it’s important to give everyone as much notice as possible to increase the chances that everyone will be able to make it.

We understand it can be challenging when coordinating an optimum timing for everyone in the family, however, if this shoot is important, people will make time, rearrange their usual schedules and try their best to make it for this photoshoot. Afterall, most families only do extended family photoshoots once every couple of years.

Contingency Plan

Best case scenario is definitely a time when everyone can gather in-person to complete this photoshoot. In the event when one family is down with flu and can’t make it; and the shoot must go on because one of the family member will be leaving the country that very night, this is where the possibility of composite family portraits can be explored. This option requires the photographer to possess highly technical lighting, posing and photoshop ability and advanced planning to pull it off. That said, photographers aren’t magicians but can certainly make it happen IF clients let us know in advanced before the shoot. Below is one of the composite extended family portrait done recently.

2. Choose A Family Photographer Experienced in Taking Extended Family Portraits

When it comes time to choose a photographer, you’ll want one who is experienced and knows how important your family’s portraits are. Make sure they have the capabilities needed for an extended family shoot with lots of people, different ages in tow – from babies in arms to seniors in wheelchair and anything in between.

3. Photo Studio – Suitable for Extended Family Portrait

With extended family portrait, apart from selecting a studio that is spacious enough to accommodate your big group, it is inevitable that we may encounter family members who have mobility issues.

Multiple change rooms and spacious washrooms with wheelchair accessibility would therefore be convenient, plenty of parking is also very important. Our studio can easily fit 25 pax comfortably and have photographed 36 pax like the image above.

Alternatively, home shoots are also possible. Learn more about Where to do your professional family portrait and the 15 Tips on how to select the best family photo studio for your family shoot.

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4. Scheduling Flexibility

At times, we get clients telling us that a family member was admitted/re-admitted to the hospital. In times like these, we understand and will reschedule the session to another day.

At other times, there is only a small window of opportunity to get an extended family portrait done and its a last minute and urgent shoot. Whenever possible, we will try our best to make it happen for your family. We have done last minute late night shoot for a family at home right after one of the family member returned home from hospital.

5. Rates

Whilst we all plan to have memories of the extended family preserved, the topic of rates will definitely come up tops. It is very important that the family members are fully aligned on the fees and charges of the photoshoot and its inclusions or product prices. Different studio, different business models. Learn more on 15 Tips on how to select the best family photo studio for your family shoot.

6. Turnaround Time

If you are like us who always want our things done yesterday and don’t like waiting for things to happen, we get it!

Most clients love to see their photos as quickly as they can after the shoot; and receive the final products quickly. At Tomato Photo, you get to see your edited photos online within 24-48 hours from shoot; and products delivered within 1-2 weeks from your order and approval.

Speed of product deliverables will depend on how quickly you place your order.

If you like to know more, get in touch with us by filling up the form below; whatsapp us.

Based on 309 reviews.

Raymond D

August 28, 2022.

We had a great time at the studio with our dog! Hart has been very patient and understanding the entire session. We didn’t know how to pose and he guided us through every step of the way. Our dog loves him too. The photos came out great! Very happy with his work and professionalism.

szeli chong

August 28, 2022.

Had a family photoshoot with my almost one year old. Was a bit apprehensive at first because, as we all know, babies can be a bit temperamental. But all my fears were allayed within 2 mins of meeting Hart. Not only was he friendly and approachable, he made baby feel right at home with his cheerful disposition (and also toy selection haha). All of us were comfortable during the shoot and it was over in a blink of an eye. The pictures came out great and we were not disappointed. Highly recommended!

sharadha sree Armugam

August 25, 2022.

Hart is very humble and at the same time he is very professional. He didn't rush us to take the shots. Very patient with furry pets. He is also quick in his submission of his work( pics taken for us to choose). He takes awesome pics which are definitely mind-blowing. I am very impressed with his work, his tone, his attitude and his professionalism. He ticks all the boxes. Thank you so much Hart for the wonderful time at your studio. We as a family love it and had fun as well....

Christine Rangel

August 23, 2022.

We were looking to do a family Graduation photoshoot which also accommodated pets for our daughter’s graduation . It was our first time and we had a very pleasant experience . Booking a slot was hassle free , helpful tips on attire were given prior to the shoot so we knew how to prepare ourselves . The studio has a very cozy ambience and is very welcoming . Olli our kitty immediately made himself at home and was allowed to roam freely in the studio whilst waiting for his turn. Hart is very patient and very professional in getting the shoot done . After the shoot and prior to placing orders , Hart was very accommodating when we requested for some editing of the preview pics . Overall it was a great experience and we are looking forward to more shoots in future . Thanks very much Hart and team 🌻

Chrissy Tan

August 17, 2022.

Had my maternity photos taken recently by Hart. Must say I'm impressed with the overall experience! Hart was patient and thorough in making sure he captures the concepts and looks we wanted. He also gave great advice on how to pose and made the overall photo shoot so much fun! Highly recommend and would come back for our newborn shoot!

Cher Chong

August 15, 2022.

We need a family picture and it was long overdue! We want to capture beautiful moments of the kids (they are growing up way too fast)! We need to have this happen at a place that is convenient for the 10 of us as we have an elderly in wheelchair. Tomato Photo caught my attention through FB and my SIL mentioned about seeing it on RenovAid being a wheelchair accessible place. With the reviews i read about Hart being a amazing photographer and has his ways with kids, my requirements are all met and i decided to make a booking with Tomato Photo. On the day of shoot, it was unexpectedly an enjoyable experience that went smoothly. Most importantly we all have fun! The kids were cooperative, the elderly feel relax in the studio environment! Hart captured unique shots of everyone! Thank you very much, Hart! Thumbs up!

Yang Yang

August 12, 2022.

I’ve recently done maternity photoshoot with Hart. He’s very professional, creative friendly and fun to work with!! He’s managed to capture some great shoot for our furkid, we were really impressive! Certainly will be back for newborn shoot 😀

Daryl Lim

August 12, 2022.

We engaged Hart from a recommendation from a friend and boy, we’re we impressed. Hart is very attuned to the baby’s needs, patient and creative when it comes to the newborn photos! 100% recommend for anyone looking for a newborn shoot to last a lifetime.

Mike Lim

July 27, 2022.

Comfortable and enjoyable newborn photo shoot. Hart is patient and has his way of handling with baby. Highly recommended.

If you’re like me who don’t take family studio shots often, you’ll want to pick one where everything will turn out beautiful. Not all studios are the same. The lighting at Tomato is SO MAGICAL. There are interesting shadow details that gives the photos so much depth. Plus Hart (the only photographer) is great with kids. The combination of these are priceless. Your family deserves the best. Pay a bit more. You’ll be happy you did when you see the results.

JP Liew

Google Review, Feb 2022

My family had really fantastic experience with Hart. He is amazing with the kid, knows how to make us smile and laughing all the time. I’ve also been thrilled with the results of each shoot, our photos are really beautiful. We will be back again for sure!