Four Generations Together: Extended Family Photos at Cobus Creek

Small World Moments and Big Family Love

Don’t you just love those little moments that remind you how small the world is? I sure do.

Melissa’s inquiry came with a fun twist. She’s originally from the South Bend area but now lives in Ohio. When she was looking for a local photographer to capture her family reunion, she noticed a familiar name on my page—her Ohio photographer, my dear friend Krystal Franke! It turns out, Krystal is her go-to photographer back home. How wild is that? From Ohio to Indiana, I was thrilled to take the baton and capture this beautiful family’s big moment.

Location: Why Cobus Creek Is a Local Treasure

Cobus Creek is, hands down, one of my favorite spots for family photography. Yes, it’s technically in Elkhart, but it’s so close to the South Bend area that it feels like home turf.

This gem is a haven for local photographers for good reason—its lush greenery, scenic trails, and versatile backdrops make it a dream location. For this session, Cobus Creek’s timeless charm perfectly matched the significance of capturing four generations of family together.


Details I’m Loving: Four Generations of Love

Great Grandma was the star of this session, and let me tell you, her presence added a layer of magic. One moment stood out for me. Grandma asked for a few photos with her mom. I snapped some smiling portraits first, but then I asked them to look at each other. In that quiet moment, she teared up and said, “I love my mom.”

Cue the waterworks—I definitely teared up behind the camera. There’s something special about setting aside time for a family photo session. Sure, you might take casual snapshots at home or during holidays, but these sessions are different. They’re intentional. They’re a chance to pause, connect, and savor the moment together.

If I could give every family one piece of advice during a session, it would be this: forget the to-do list and just enjoy each other. Laugh, hug, and tell each other how much you care. That’s what it’s all about.

Client Love

Cousins holding hands and running down a path at Cobus Creek Park in Elkhart, Indiana.

Anyone Krystal Franke trusts with her family photos is someone I knew I could trust, and I was right! Thank you so much for doing an amazing job, Lindsey!


Closing: Why I Love Extended Family Sessions

Somehow, extended family sessions have become a big part of my work, and honestly? I’m here for it. I know some photographers shy away from them, but I love the chaos and connection of big family gatherings. Bring me your cousins, grandparents, stepchildren, and soon-to-be in-laws—I’m ready to capture it all.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that family session you’ve been dreaming about, here it is. Let’s make it happen.

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Tradition and Giggles: A Sweet Family Session in Mishawaka

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Engagement Photos at Notre Dame: A Love Story by the Basilica