Three-Generation Family Photos at Lock & Dam #2 in Hastings, MN

When three generations of a family are finally together, you take the photos. 🤍

This August family session at Lock & Dam #2 in Hastings, Minnesota brought together 11 family members—two grandparents, their adult children and significant others, and two young grandchildren—for a summer evening along the Mississippi River.

They wanted updated family photos for their photo wall at home, which made this session especially meaningful. Throughout the evening, we captured the big, full-family portraits they came for, along with plenty of smaller groupings and combinations they could choose from for their home.

And there was a lot of fun mixed in, too.

Family Photos That Let Kids Be Kids
One of my favorite things about photographing families with young kids is that I don't expect them to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera for 45 minutes. Honestly, that wouldn't be much fun for anyone. 😂

Instead, we work with their energy.

These two little ones enjoyed belly tickles, playing games, and keeping an eye on me so I couldn't sneak up and poke them. And when they weren't needed for photos, they had plenty of room to be kids—throwing sticks and rocks and enjoying the evening.

Those little breaks actually help make the photos better. Kids get to move, play, and reset, and then we're ready to capture another round of genuine smiles and connection.

For extended family photography, especially when little ones are involved, having a photographer who can keep things moving while still letting kids be kids makes such a difference.

Why I Love Lock & Dam #2 for Family Photos
Lock & Dam #2 in Hastings, MN is one of my favorite spots for family photography near Cottage Grove.

There's something beautiful about photographing families along the Mississippi River, especially as the sun begins to set. The water shimmers in the evening light, and the natural surroundings give us a variety of beautiful backdrops without requiring a complicated location.

It's also a location that works well for families with young children. We can move around, let the kids explore a little between photos, and then bring everyone back together when it's time for the next grouping.

And that flexibility is especially helpful when you're photographing three generations in one session.

Making Extended Family Photos Feel Easy
Large family sessions can sound intimidating.

Eleven people. Multiple generations. Different personalities. Little kids. Lots of combinations.
But you don't have to figure all of that out yourself.

One of my goals during an extended family session is to make sure you can simply show up and enjoy your family while I take care of the rest.

We worked through a variety of groupings during this 45-minute session—from the entire family together to smaller family units and grandparents with their grandchildren. That way, they weren't just walking away with one giant family photo. They had lots of meaningful combinations to choose from for their home.

At one point, after taking several different family portraits, they even referenced which one would become “the new wall photo!”

And that's exactly why I love family photography.

It's not just about getting everyone looking at the camera.
It's about creating the photographs that become part of your home and your family's story.

A Hastings Family Photography Session to Remember
This family actually has a special connection to my photography beyond this session. I've previously photographed the grandparents' employees at KOK Funeral Home for professional headshots, so it was especially meaningful to photograph their family this time around.

I'm so glad they chose to spend part of their time together documenting this season of their family.

Three generations. Eleven people. Two very giggly kids. A beautiful August sunset.
And plenty of photographs to fill a new spot on the family photo wall. 🤍

​If you're looking for family photography in Hastings, MN, Cottage Grove, or the surrounding Twin Cities area, I'd love to help you document your people in a way that feels natural, joyful, and genuinely like you.

Hey! I'm Lindsay Wiggins

 — the photographer behind Wiggins Photography in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.

I photograph families, seniors, couples, and all the little seasons worth remembering, with a focus on genuine connection, joyful moments, and images that feel like you.

For weddings, my husband, Mark, joins me as a second photographer, bringing a calm presence and creative eye to every celebration.

​Thanks for following along! I'm so glad you're here.

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