Extended Family Session at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge | Virginia Beach Family Photographer
Some families feel like home the moment you’re with them — and the Plotner family has always been that way for me.
I’ve known Brandy and Marshall for years. We first met about seven years ago when they served as mentors for a couples small group at our old church. At the time, I only had one baby of my own, and life looked very different for all of us. Watching our families grow side by side over the years has been such a gift.
Brandy and Marshall have four daughters, and I’ve had the privilege of photographing their family multiple times through different seasons of life. One of the most special milestones was capturing their oldest daughter Hailey’s engagement and wedding — moments that feel extra meaningful when you’ve known a family for so long.
A Legacy Built on Family, Faith, and Entrepreneurship
Both Brandy and Marshall come from extensive defense backgrounds and have beautifully combined their experience in the armed forces with business education to build several thriving businesses. What I admire most, though, is how intentionally they center their lives around family.
Several years ago, Brandy made the decision to homeschool their younger two girls, and it’s been incredible to watch how deeply connected and grounded their family remains. After a brief season away, Hailey and her husband returned to the area and are now living close by with their son, Daniel — adding a whole new generation to this already strong family legacy.
As a photographer (and a mom), sessions like this remind me why extended family photography matters so much. These images aren’t just for today — they’re a visual record of the legacy being built. I truly hope that one day, when I’m in Brandy’s shoes, I can look back and see a similar story of faith, love, and intentional family living.
Why Back Bay Wildlife Refuge Is Perfect for Extended Family Sessions
For this year’s session, we ventured to Back Bay Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect choice.
Back Bay offers:
Golden skies and soft, natural light
Crisp coastal air without the chaos of the oceanfront
Neutral, beach-adjacent scenery that doesn’t feel overly “beachy”
Seclusion and peace — a far cry from the typical Virginia Beach tourist experience
We encountered only one other photographer during the entire session, which made the experience calm, unrushed, and ideal for an extended family with multiple generations and a young child. This location is one of my favorite hidden gems for Virginia Beach family photography, especially for families who want a coastal feel without crowds or distractions.
Extended Family Photography in Virginia Beach
Extended family sessions are about more than just smiling at the camera — they’re about connection, legacy, and documenting the season you’re in right now. Whether it’s grandparents, adult children, grandchildren, or everyone together, these sessions preserve relationships that deserve to be remembered.
The Plotner family session was a beautiful reminder of why I love photographing extended families in Virginia Beach — especially in meaningful locations like Back Bay Wildlife Refuge that allow families to slow down and truly enjoy being together.
If you’re considering an extended family photography session in Virginia Beach, I’d love to help you choose the perfect location and create images that reflect your family’s story.
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