I recently had the opportunity to photograph Denise’s Whānau (roughly translated to Family from Māori) at Patonga Beach on the NSW Central Coast — a relaxed, extended family photography session that brought relatives together from all over the world.
When families tell me, “We just want something relaxed and fun,” this is exactly what I’m hoping they mean.
The various families had travelled from all over the world to be together. Getting everyone in one place is often difficult and rare, which is why organising a professional extended-family photography session is important when you have the opportunity.
They didn’t want a stiff lineup of forced smiles, though; they wanted to celebrate being together and make long-lasting memories in the process.
So that’s exactly what we did.
More Than Just a Big Group Photo
We met at Patonga Beach — a tiny fishing village on the NSW Central Coast that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades. It’s low-key, open, and perfect for letting kids (and adults) run wild.
Of course, we started with the obligatory group photos. The ones that will end up framed in multiple houses. The kind future generations will look back on.
Then we moved on and let everyone just have fun and interact naturally, all while I bounced between the small groups to capture real, natural moments.
They played in the sand. Built human pyramids. Ran. Laughed. Teased each other. The kind of chaos that only happens when cousins haven’t seen each other in years and no one’s worried about getting messy.
Jumping off the Wharf for Fun, Natural Family Photos
With everybody now relaxed and comfortable, the family decided that it would be fun to strip down to their swimwear and jump off the wharf into the Ocean.
Backflips. Cannonballs. Questionable acrobatics. Zero fear.
This is the type of family session I love. People letting down their guard and allowing me to really capture who they are, both individually and as a group. No posing. No direction. Just capturing the movement, the connection, the pure, unfiltered energy of a family completely comfortable being themselves.
My Favourite Kind of Family Photography
The photos from this session aren’t perfectly polished.
They’re alive. You can feel the energy from them.
Wind in hair. Sand stuck to legs. Water mid-splash. Real connection and joy.
This is the kind of natural documentary-style family photography I love most — where the goal isn’t perfection, it’s presence.
If you’re after traditional studio portraits where everyone stands still and says cheese… I’m probably not your guy.
But if you want a session that feels like a memory in motion — something honest, playful and completely reflective of who you are — that’s where I come in.
Planning Your Own Fun Family Photography Session on the Central Coast
If you’re bringing extended family together — whether it’s for a reunion, milestone birthday, anniversary, or just because everyone happens to be in Australia at the same time — it’s the perfect excuse to document it properly.
And no, that doesn’t mean it has to feel formal.
Beach sessions like this one at Patonga Beach on the NSW Central Coast work beautifully because there’s space to move. Kids can explore. Adults can relax. And we can create a mix of:
- Full extended family portraits
- Individual family unit photos
- Grandparents with grandkids
- And all the in-between chaos that actually tells the story
If that sounds like your vibe, you can explore how I approach relaxed, documentary-style sessions on my Central Coast Family Photography page, including the available session options and packages.
Whether you’re after something short and sweet or a longer, story-driven session that captures the full experience, we can shape it around you.
Let’s Make It Yours
The best family sessions don’t follow a formula.
They reflect the personalities in front of the camera.
If your family is loud, competitive, affectionate, sarcastic, athletic, or slightly chaotic — lean into it. That’s where the magic is.
If you’re planning a reunion on the NSW Central Coast, in the Hunter Valley, Sydney, Newcastle or beyond, let’s make it more than a group photo.
Let’s capture the way it actually felt to be there.
FAQs About Extended Family Photography on the Central Coast
Patonga Beach is perfect for relaxed, natural sessions thanks to its open space, calm water and laid-back atmosphere. Other great beaches are Putty Beach near Killcare, Spoon Bay near Forresters Beach, Umina Beach, Pearl Beach and Avoca Beach. If you’d like some guidance on the differences, just get in touch.
We start with a few organised group portraits, then shift into movement and interaction. I focus on documenting real connections rather than directing stiff poses.
Generally, neutral tones, relaxed fits, and outfits you can move in work well. You can coordinate if that’s you or show your individuality, but always remember ‘No big logos or distracting bold patterns and colours!’ If you’re open to it, bring your swimmers!
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