Some of the most memorable sessions happen when the weather doesn’t go exactly as planned. On the day of this extended family session in Quincy, Massachusetts, the skies were gray, the rain was steady, and the air carried a heavy fog that wrapped itself over the water. Instead of letting the drizzle dampen the day, we leaned into the atmosphere and had a foggy extended family session. It turned out to be absolutely magical. The fog created a dreamy backdrop that softened the view of the city across the water. It felt almost like a painting.
This session was especially meaningful to me because it was my friend, Greia, who reached out to plan it for her family. Her brother and his family were visiting from California, and it was the perfect opportunity to gather everyone together. Extended family doesn’t always get the chance to be in one place at the same time. Yet this felt like a truly special occasion to celebrate and document.
We made sure to capture all the important groupings:
- Full family portraits with everyone together, marking the joy of having the whole crew in one place.
- Grandparents surrounded by their children and grandchildren—a highlight that always tugs at the heartstrings.
- Sibling shots filled with laughter and a little playful energy, because siblings never outgrow that bond.
- Individual family units, giving each branch of the family tree their own time to shine.
- Aunts, uncles, and cousins together, celebrating the unique connection that comes from growing up side by side.
Despite the rainy forecast, every moment came together beautifully. The overcast skies actually worked in our favor, creating soft, flattering light that gave the images a timeless feel. And the fog over the water made the city skyline look like something out of a storybook—it added a little extra magic you just can’t plan for.
What stood out most during this session was the love and laughter woven through every interaction. Whether it was grandparents cuddling their grandkids, siblings sharing inside jokes, or cousins linking arms and giggling together, the entire afternoon was a celebration of family. These are the kinds of sessions that remind me why photography is so important—it’s not just about the portraits, but about preserving the connections, the personalities, and the moments that define a family.
I’m so grateful that Greia reached out and that we were able to make this happen while everyone was together. Even with the rain and fog, or maybe because of it, the session turned out to be uniquely beautiful—proof that sometimes the unexpected conditions create the most unforgettable photographs.
