Block Island Extended Family Photos | Rhode Island Family Photographer

Posted on 18 Days Ago by Melissa Lacouture

Block Island Extended Family Photos

A Meaningful Family Portrait Session in One of Rhode Island’s Most Beautiful Places

I’ve said it a million times and I will keep saying it… there is something extra special about photographing families you have known for years.

I first met this family when I photographed one of the sisters’ weddings with my company, M.Studios. Since then, I have also photographed family sessions for her sister’s family. This time, we were finally able to bring everyone together for an extended family portrait session on Block Island—a place that means so much to them.

Why Block Island is Perfect for Extended Family Photos

Block Island is one of the most beautiful places in Rhode Island for family portraits.

Between the beaches, rolling grass, coastal views, and quiet roads, there are so many opportunities for beautiful backdrops. It is especially perfect for any family that is already on vacation there because everyone is already together, relaxed, and making memories.

For this family, choosing Block Island made perfect sense because it is somewhere they spend so much time together. Photographing families in places that are meaningful to them always makes the images feel even more personal.

Cousins, Chaos, and the Best Kind of Memories

One sister has two boys, while the other has three girls, which meant this session was full of energy in the best way possible.

Extended family sessions are never just about getting everyone looking at the camera. Of course we capture the classic group portraits, grandparents with grandkids, sibling photos, and each family unit on their own. But some of the best images always come from the in-between moments.

The cousins running together, laughing, and just being kids are often the photos families treasure most later on.

Why Extended Family Sessions Matter

One of my favorite things about extended family portraits is that they capture an entire season of life.

Kids grow fast. Families change. And it is rare to have everyone together in one place, especially somewhere as special as Block Island.

This session was not just about getting updated photos. It was about documenting the relationships, the cousins growing up together, and the memories this family has built over the years on the island.

Planning an Extended Family Session on Block Island

If you are thinking about extended family photos on Block Island, it is such an incredible location for portraits.

Block Island is perfect for families who want:

Beach portraits
Coastal scenery
A relaxed vacation feel
Large family group photos
Meaningful Rhode Island memories

The best family sessions are always the ones that feel personal, and for this family, there could not have been a more perfect place.

Extended family session on Block Island, RI

Extended family session on the beach on Block Island, RI

Kids run to the camera at extended family session on the beach on Block Island, RI

Baby photos on the beach at block island in Rhode Island

Family walks on the beach for their photo session on Block Island, RI

Little girl on the beach posing for family photos on block island

Mother and baby posing for beach session on the beach of block island in Rhode Island for phototgrapher

baby sitting on the beach, posing for photographer on block island

Extended Family Photos at Goddard Park in East Greenwich, RI

Posted on 30 Days Ago by Melissa Lacouture

Extended Family Photos at Goddard Park – A Summer Tradition (with Del’s!)

Extended family sessions always hold a little extra meaning—but this one felt like a true summer tradition.

Every year, this family reunites in Rhode Island, with one sibling traveling all the way from California to spend time together. When families make that kind of effort to be in the same place, you have to do a portrait session to keep the memories alive!

Why Goddard Park is Perfect for Extended Family Photos

Goddard Park in Warwick, RI is one of our favorite locations for large family portrait sessions—and for good reason.

With wide open fields, waterfront views, and plenty of space to move around, it gives us the flexibility to capture:

Large group portraits
Individual family units
Candid moments between generations

It’s especially ideal for extended families because everything is close together, which makes the session feel relaxed instead of rushed.

Planning Around a Rhode Island Favorite: Del’s Lemonade

One of the most fun parts of this session? Planning it around a true Rhode Island staple—Del’s Lemonade. You have to stop at the sign of the lemon! Rhode Islanders feel me on this one.

We intentionally timed everything so that the Del’s truck would still be there when we wrapped up. It gave everyone something to look forward to, especially the kids, and created such a fun, celebratory ending to the session.

And yes… they even got me one (which immediately earns bonus points in my book).

Candid Moments (and Some of My Favorite Photos)

Once the session wrapped and everyone had a Del’s in hand, the energy completely shifted—in the best way.

Those post-session moments turned into some of my favorite images:

Kids laughing with sticky hands and big smiles
Families relaxing together after photos
A few iconic shots right in front of the Del’s truck

It was spontaneous, it was personal, and it felt so Rhode Island summer.

Creating Meaningful Family Photo Traditions

What I love most about extended family sessions like this is how they go beyond just “getting photos done.”

They become part of a bigger tradition.

Whether it’s:

Traveling across the country to be together
Returning to the same location each year
Or ending the night with Del’s Lemonade

These are the moments that make your photos feel personal and timeless.

Planning Your Own Extended Family Session in Rhode Island

If you’re thinking about scheduling extended family photos in Rhode Island, Goddard Park is an incredible option—especially during the summer months.

And if you can build in something fun at the end (ice cream, Del’s, a beach walk), even better. Those are the moments that often turn into your favorite memories—and your favorite photos.

Kids on the foot bridge at Goddard Park in East Greenwich during their extended family photo session

Kids and Grandparents on the foot bridge at Goddard Park in East Greenwich during their extended family photo session

Kids in front of Del's at Goddard Park in East Greenwich during their extended family photo session

Sweet Newborn Session for Baby Brother – RI Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Melissa Lacouture

There’s nothing sweeter than welcoming a new baby into a family, and this newborn session was extra special because I’ve had the honor of photographing all three siblings as newborns. This time, it was baby brother’s turn, and he was absolutely perfect—sleepy, snuggly, and already so loved. His two big sisters were so gentle with him, holding him close and sneaking in little kisses. Watching this family grow over the years has been such a joy!

Mom and Dad are now officially outnumbered, but they couldn’t be happier! The girls were so proud to introduce their baby brother to me. There’s something so special about capturing these early days—the tiny fingers, the soft newborn curls, and the way the whole family gathers around to soak in the newness. These moments pass so quickly, and I love knowing they’ll have these images to look back on, remembering how it all started with three little ones in their arms.

Goddard Park Extended Family Portrait Session – RI Family Photographer

Posted on March 2, 2025 by Melissa Lacouture

There’s something special about an extended family session—multiple generations, lots of laughter, and the perfect mix of chaos and love. This crew met me at Goddard Park in East Greenwich, RI. The kids ran wild (as they should), grandparents soaked in every second, and we captured all the sweet in-between moments that make family time so special. This session was a reminder that the best photos are the ones where everyone is just being themselves.

The backdrop gave us endless options for both classic portraits and candid fun. Extended family sessions like these aren’t just about the photos—they’re about freezing time, even just for a moment, so years from now, everyone can look back and remember the joy of being together.

Extended family portrait session at with photographer at Goddard Park in East Greenwich, RI

Family Session on Block Island – RI Portrait Photography

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Melissa Lacouture

Block Island holds a special place in my heart, so whenever I get the opportunity to photograph a family session there, it’s a treat. There’s something fun about hopping on the ferry and knowing you’re about to spend a day in one of Rhode Island’s most picturesque spots.

When I first photographed this family on Block Island, there were only two kids. Now, there are three, and it’s been such a joy to see them every year and watch their family grow. We always start at their vacation rental and then it’s off to the beach! This beach is one of my faves because of the colorful kayaks scattered along the shore.

If you’ve ever considered a family session on Block Island, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether it’s the unique landscapes, the peaceful vibe, or the adventure of getting there, it’s an experience that will leave you with memories as beautiful as the photos themselves.