An extended family session on Nantucket always feels a little extra special, but this June evening at Steps Beach was filled with so much heart. This sweet family has been coming to the island every Summer for years.

Nantucket has been part of their story since childhood. So, documenting their growing family in such a special place only feels right.

A Place Full of Family History

There is something about Steps Beach in the evening! It’s quiet and intimate in the warm light. It was the perfect backdrop for a session that was centered around the connection of this sweet family.

We started in the dunes with everyone together. The newest little beachgoer was the star of the show. It was her first time to Nantucket, and she fit right in. Smiling at everyone in her pretty blue and white dress.

After our session, I asked this sweet mom why the session felt so special. This is what she said:

We have been vacationing on the island every year since I was born, and it has always held a special place in our hearts. It’s one of those rare places where time seems to stand still, yet never loses its magic.

After the birth of my daughter, the first grandbaby in our family, we knew we wanted to commemorate her first trip to the island at just six months old. There is something so meaningful about passing down the moments and traditions we’ve cherished for so long to the newest member of our family.

We can’t wait to watch her discover new parts of the island each year, just as we did, and to continue capturing these special moments along the way.

Knowing I’m stepping in to capturing a generational moment for an extended family session? That is always such an honor for me as a Nantucket photographer.

Extended Family Session at Steps Beach

One of my favorite parts of this day was how thoughtfully everyone dressed. Their outfits felt effortless while still being beautifully coordinated. The soft neutrals and pale blue tones looked perfect against the sand and beach grass.

If you’re taking notes for your family session, here are a few key things to take away from their outfits: 

• Flowy dresses in soft blue and white patterns provided visual interest
• Linen shirts in shades of cream, white, and pale blue added texture
• Light, textured fabrics that moved beautifully in the ocean breeze were perfect for the environment (this is important too)! 
• Bare feet in the sand for a relaxed Nantucket feel

The mix of texture and pattern gave the photos depth without feeling too formal. Everything was naturally cohesive with the surroundings and kept the focus on the connection between the family members.

The Sweetest Way to Remember Summer

As the evening went on, we captured every combination. Grandparents with their granddaughter. Brothers hugging their mom in the dunes. The little family of three walking along the shoreline. Some of the sweetest moments happened in between. The moments when everyone was simply laughing together and soaking in one more summer evening on the island. 

As a Nantucket family photographer, those moments when my client’s forget I’m capturing them… those are my favorites. 

When a place has held so many memories for your family, there is something incredibly meaningful about documenting the next chapter there too.

This beautiful extended family session at Steps Beach was the perfect reminder that the best photographs are often the ones that tell the story of where your family has been and where it is headed next.