One of my favorite locations for sessions, weddings, and family reunions! Black Butte Ranch is amazing for mountain views, with lots of room to roam for a group big or small! I had the best time taking these photos of the Lagozzino family on a beautiful August day at sunset.

What Time Should I Plan My Extended Family Session for?

Timing is key when scheduling your extended family session at Black Butte Ranch. While the ranch is beautiful all the time, I suggest golden hour— just after sunrise or about an hour before sunset— for your session! During this time, the soft, golden light casts a warm glow over the landscape, creating an ethereal ambiance that’s perfect for capturing family moments.

What Should I Wear for My Extended Family Session?

• Choose a color palette: I recommend a color palette that compliments the natural surroundings, such as earth tones, or neutrals. Here, The Lagozzino family went with a neutral color palate with pops of blue for their session. Avoid any bold patterns or logos that could take the attention away from you and the backdrop surrounding you!
• Embrace layers and textures: Incorporate layers and textures into your outfits to add depth and visual interest. Think flowy dresses, a fun hat or a denim jacket.
• Comfort over anything else!: Above all else, make sure you not only love your outfit, but that you FEEL comfortable in your outfit. No matter how beautiful a photo turns out, if you didn’t like your outfit, had to adjust your shirt for each photo, or simply don’t feel like yourself in what you’re wearing; it can make or break a photo. This is especially true for kiddos! While it’s fun to dress up, if you’re not a family that often wears fancy attire, you’ll be able to tell down the road if everyone was uncomfy in their dress shoes. We want these photos to reflect your personality! Years down the road, you’ll thank yourself.

What mountains can you see from Black Butte Ranch?

Black Butte Ranch is one of my favorites for multiple reasons; it’s an amazing spot to travel to if you’re visiting the area and want a beautiful home base, or if you’re wanting a cabin you can come back to year after year. The Lagozzino family has been coming back to the lodge for nearly 40 years! It’s an amazing spot for families, golfing, sightseeing and relaxing. From Black Butte Ranch, you see the Cascade Mountain Range. Drive a bit further west and you’ll see Mt. Jefferson!

Looking for another family session? Click here to view a session at Skyliner Lodge in Bend!