Cherished Generations: The Dyer Family’s Extended Session in Gilbert, Arizona

There’s something truly magical about gathering the whole family for one session, and the Dyer family’s extended family session was the perfect example of love that spans generations.

We met in Gilbert, Arizona on a beautiful golden evening, where the light wrapped this already warm-hearted family in the kind of glow photographers dream of. At the heart of the session were Janie and Mark, proud grandparents and parents of five grown children: Stephen, Andrew, Lindy, Kalei, and Ellie. These five were full of personality, laughter, and genuine sibling connection.

Lindy was joined by her husband Jeremy, and together they brought their three energetic boys: Beckham, Callum, and William - each with his own smile, curiosity, and spark. Photographing these three generations together wasn’t just about getting a nice group photo - it was about freezing a moment in time that this family will never get back.

We captured a wide range of meaningful groupings throughout the session:

• All five siblings together

• Mark and Janie with their grandkids

• The whole family together

• All the boys, and separately, all the girls

• Sweet pairings like Kalei and Ellie, Ellie and Callum, and the trio of grandsons

• Individual portraits of each person (because everyone deserves to be celebrated!)

• And intimate couple shots of Mark and Janie, and of Lindy and Jeremy

These photos are more than just portraits - they're heirlooms. Each image tells a part of the Dyer family's story, and when seen together, they speak volumes about the love, legacy, and strength that binds them.

As a photographer, extended family sessions are some of my favorites. They take a little extra planning, but the payoff is immeasurable. When you’re surrounded by parents, children, aunts, uncles, nephews, and grandparents, you see tiny moments of connection unfold: the way a child lights up when grandma smiles at them, or how adult siblings fall into familiar laughter, even after all these years.

If you’ve ever thought, “We should really get the whole family together for pictures someday…” let this be your sign that today is the day. Don’t wait for the next big holiday or milestone. These memories are worth preserving right now.

Planning a session with your extended family? I specialize in creating relaxed, joyful experiences that give you beautiful memories and stress-free logistics. Whether it’s your parents’ anniversary, a family reunion, or just a “why not now?” moment, these are the sessions that become treasured keepsakes.

📧 Let’s get your family on the calendar—Click here to inquire or send me a DM on Instagram @AshleyRoseMedia

A Windswept Family Session in the Superstition Mountains | Arizona Family Photographer

If you've ever thought about doing extended family photos but felt overwhelmed by the logistics - this session might be the inspiration you need. As an Arizona family photographer, I had the honor of capturing the most heartfelt session for the Nelson Family at the breathtaking Arizona, Superstition Mountains. It was their first time getting professional photos in over 10 years!

From the moment they arrived, the love and excitement were palpable. This wasn’t just a photo session—it was a celebration. A celebration of a growing family, new beginnings, and a chance to pause and soak in what matters most.

We had everything Arizona could possibly offer: brilliant blue skies, soft clouds, and even a little wind that—rather than being a distraction—actually worked in our favor. I guided the family through intentional posing to make sure every hair was in place and that the images felt natural, yet polished.

We made sure to capture every meaningful connection and grouping during this extended family session. We started with timeless full-family portraits, showcasing all three generations together against the stunning Superstition Mountain backdrop—a true Arizona desert classic. From there, we broke off into smaller groupings, taking beautifully posed and candid shots of each couple, allowing their unique love stories to shine.

One of the most emotional parts of the session centered around baby Kelsey, the family’s first grandchild. Photographing sweet generational moments with her—cradled in her parents' arms, snuggled up with her grandparents Erin and Ozzie, and adored by her aunt Drina—was truly magical.

We also took time to photograph Erin and Ozzie with each of their grown children and their spouses, capturing the depth of those lifelong relationships. To round it out, we had a little fun with "just the girls" and "just the guys" portraits, creating a balanced collection of both heartfelt and playful moments. Each of these combinations tells a piece of the larger story and makes for a well-rounded family gallery that they’ll cherish for years to come.

This kind of session is what fills my creative soul. It reminds me why preserving these memories—right now, in the beautiful chaos—is so important. If you’ve been putting off photos with your extended family, I hope this session encourages you to go for it.

Want your own mountain session? Let’s chat. As a Phoenix-area family photographer, I know all the best locations and how to make sessions like this feel effortless and joyful.