Golden Hour Extended Family Portraits at Camden Lake Park in Elk Grove
It was such a joy seeing the Lewis family again for their extended family portraits! I’ve had the privilege of photographing this sweet crew before, and it’s always fun to catch up and see how much the kids have grown. Ashleigh reached out to schedule a session that included her immediate family, her parents, her brother and his girls, and her other brother, wife, and daughter.
We met at Camden Lake Park in Elk Grove, one of my favorite local spots for family sessions. The willows near the water provided the most beautiful backdrop — soft sunlight filtered through the trees, adding a warm glow to every image.
Capturing the Whole Family Together
For extended family sessions, I always start with the big group shots. Everyone was perfectly coordinated in classic fall tones — black, gray, and warm plaid patterns that looked beautiful against the green grass and golden light. The Lewis family made it easy; there were so many genuine smiles and laughs shared between everyone. You could really feel how close-knit they are, and that warmth came through in every photo.
Family Units & Parents with Their Grown Kids
After the big group photos, we moved into the smaller combinations: the parents with their three adult children, and each immediate family unit on their own. Under the willows, the light was soft and flattering, and everyone settled right in — easy smiles, a little playful teasing, and lots of natural moments that showed their personalities. These are the images that feel like “real life together,” and I love how relaxed and connected they look.
Generations and Grandkids
One of my favorite parts of extended family sessions is photographing the grandkids with their grandparents. The Lewis grandkids absolutely adore Grandma and Grandpa — we captured sweet hugs, hand-in-hand moments, and plenty of giggles. These multi-generation portraits are such timeless keepsakes and always end up being family favorites.
A Perfect Evening at Camden Lake
The golden light, beautiful willow trees, and this wonderful family made for such a heartfelt session. I’m so grateful when families return for updated portraits — it’s truly special to watch their story grow over the years.
If you’re thinking about scheduling your own extended family session, Camden Lake Park is a perfect choice for fall portraits here in Elk Grove. The scenery, soft light, and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal setting for creating timeless memories together.
To see other family sessions see below:
