There’s a window every summer when the whole family is actually in the same place at the same time. Grandparents are visiting. Kids are out of school. Cousins who live across the province or the country suddenly appear at the dinner table. It’s fleeting, it’s chaotic – and it’s the absolute best opportunity to get everyone in front of a camera together.

In South Delta, that window is golden. Literally. The long summer evenings here give us something most places can’t offer: warm, flattering light that lasts well past 8 p.m. Centennial Beach glows at golden hour. The dyke trails are lush and picturesque. Boundary Bay offers that wide-open, quintessentially West Coast backdrop that makes photos feel timeless rather than dated. You don’t need a studio or a fancy location – you just need this place and the right time of day.

Extended family sessions are also just easier in summer. Nobody’s bundled in mismatched jackets. Kids aren’t melting down from cold or rain. Grandma doesn’t have to navigate muddy paths in dress shoes. The season naturally lends itself to relaxed, comfortable energy – and that’s exactly what shows up in the photos.

Now, the “how to actually make it happen” part. Here’s the truth: the families who get these photos are the ones who book before everyone’s schedules explode. Summer fills up fast – between grad parties, summer camps, vacations, and sports commitments, coordinating six adults and a handful of kids requires lead time. The sweet spot is booking in advance and locking in a date while everyone’s still agreeing on anything.

I recommend evening sessions for extended families – the light is softer, kids are (somewhat) calmer after a day outside, and the whole thing tends to feel more like a relaxed hangout than a photo shoot. Sessions are designed to be low-pressure and actually fun, even for the family members who insist they’re not photogenic.

This summer, your whole family is going to be together. Let’s make sure you have something to show for it.

Eran Sudds is a Tsawwassen photographer who specializes in fun & natural sessions for you and your entire family. She is available for maternity, newborn, family portraits and headshots at locations in South Delta, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Contact her to book your session!