Extended family photo sessions are some of the most meaningful sessions I photograph, and the Volstad family’s summer gathering was a perfect example of why these moments matter so much.
Julie Volstad and her family came together on their beautiful farm near Hazel Run for a rare and special family get-together. With grown children who now have families of their own, this session wasn’t just about taking photos — it was about documenting a moment in time when everyone could be together in one place.
We scheduled the session early in the morning, hoping to beat the summer heat. Julie’s husband, Elmo, doesn’t do well in hot temperatures, so an early start felt like the right plan. Minnesota summers, however, love to keep us guessing. That morning ended up being one of the hottest and most humid days of the entire summer.
Even so, the Volstad family showed up with smiles, patience, and a whole lot of love.
The farm setting made for the perfect backdrop — open skies, long driveways, and plenty of space for kids to move, play, and just be themselves. My husband, Jeremy, came along and captured behind-the-scenes photos and video throughout the session. Some of my favorite moments from that morning weren’t posed at all — they were candid clips of me playing with the kids, laughing with them, and walking up and down the driveway as they ran and explored.
Those behind-the-scenes moments tell just as much of the story as the final portraits.
Despite the heat and humidity, each family had their own time in front of the camera, and we also captured larger group photos that will be treasured for generations. Extended family sessions like this are especially important because they preserve relationships across generations — grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren — all together in one frame.
One special note worth celebrating: since this session took place, exciting news has emerged for one branch of the family. Audrey’s husband was recently named head coach of the San Diego Padres. While this honor came months after our summer session, it’s a wonderful milestone to celebrate now, and a reminder of how quickly life changes after these moments are captured.
This session is a perfect reminder of why family photography matters. These images freeze a season of life — the summer heat, kids running freely on the farm, laughter between generations — long before anyone knows what the next chapter will bring.
To the Volstad family: thank you for trusting me to capture such a meaningful gathering. Your session was filled with joy, connection, and genuine moments, and it was an honor to photograph your family here in Minnesota.
