There is something special about gathering multiple generations together in one place. Between busy schedules, growing families, and children getting older every year.. opportunities to capture everyone together don’t come around nearly often enough.

Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing the extended Wolken family at beautiful Prairie Rose State Park near Harlan, Iowa. While I have photographed many of these cousins and individual families over the years, this was the first time I had the opportunity to capture everyone together in one session (at least since the time I photographed Tyler+Jana's wedding).

The evening brought warm temperatures and plenty of Midwest summer humidity, but that didn’t stop the laughter. Throughout the session.. cousins giggled together, siblings snuggled close, and family members enjoyed simply being together. Those candid moments are often my favorite because they tell the real story of a family.

One of the things I love most about extended family photography is seeing the legacy that has been built over generations. This beautiful family tree continues to grow, rooted in the love and foundation created by Ann and Chuck. Watching children, grandchildren, and extended family interact is a reminder of how important photographs become as the years pass.

Prairie Rose State Park provided the perfect backdrop for the session. The natural beauty of the park, combined with the soft summer light, created a timeless setting for family portraits. Locations like Prairie Rose State Park are ideal for extended family photography because they offer plenty of space for large group portraits while still allowing for smaller family combinations and candid moments.

As a family photographer serving Harlan, Iowa and the surrounding communities, I know how valuable these photographs become over time. While they may begin as images on a wall or in an album.. they eventually become cherished reminders of the people who matter most.

To the Wolken family, thank you for trusting me to capture these memories. It was such a joy seeing everyone together and documenting the connections, laughter, and love that make your family unique.

If you’re looking for an extended family photographer in Harlan, Iowa, Elk Horn, Avoca, Denison, Council Bluffs, or anywhere throughout Western Iowa, I’d love to help you preserve your family’s story through timeless photographs.