Hey friends! I'm Marissa,


I'm a photographer located in the Branson, MO area! Most of my clients are vacationers visiting Branson for a family reunion and they put their trust in me to pick a location that best serves their family's wants and needs. And after 6-7 years of experience I have narrowed down my top 3 favorite locations for Extended Family Sessions! Here they are!



no.3 Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area (Historic Owen Homestead)


Coming in third is the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area aka The Historic Owen Homestead (say that five times fast lol). This location comes in last place for me because it is not ideal for older family members who have issues getting around due to the 1/4 mile walk on the dirt trail to the photo spot and because the only good time to shoot here is the evening time golden hour. So it is not very flexible for families needing more options due to kiddos with strict schedules. But where this location lacks in practicality, it thrives in beauty. It is an old homestead with a beautiful rock wall that surrounds the property and an old rustic building that really adds a unique look to your photos. There are multiple spots to shoot at this location making your gallery look rich with variety. If you're looking for a location that has character and versatility, this is the spot for you!

A weathered wooden barn with rustic stone wall foundation surrounded by autumn trees.
A group stands together by a stone wall during autumn with sunlight filtering through colorful fall foliage.
A sequence of black and white photos shows a group walking together through a wooded area on an autumn day.
Family members share joyful moments together during an outdoor autumn photo session in casual attire.
A group of friends laughs together while walking on a wooded path during an autumn photoshoot.
A group of people gathered outside a rustic wooden barn in autumn wearing casual clothing.
A couple dances playfully among fallen leaves in a sunlit forest during a romantic autumn photoshoot.
A young person in a black dress poses outdoors by a rock formation during autumn with fallen leaves in the background.
Family shares playful moments in autumn woods during golden hour sunset with fallen leaves on ground.
A group of people walk along a rustic stone wall lined path through autumn foliage in the woods.
A group of people walk along a wooded trail surrounded by bare autumn trees and fallen leaves.
A family enjoys a playful moment together against a rustic stone wall during an outdoor photo session.
A family sits together on a wooden swing in a lush garden setting, sharing intimate moments and laughter.
A group of people in casual attire walk together through a wooded outdoor setting during a photo session.
A group of people standing together on fallen autumn leaves next to a stone wall in a wooded area.
A group stands together in front of a rustic cabin on a winter day with bare trees in the background.
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no.2 Dewey Short at Table Rock Lake


Coming in second place is Dewey Short at Table Rock Lake. This location is beautiful, versatile, and it's easily accessible for your family members who may have a hard time getting around. There is a paved path that goes from the parking lot throughout most of this location, minus the grassy picnic area and shoreline. This spot is also flexible with it's lighting, allowing for morning shoots or evening golden hour shoots. The grassy picnic area is perfect for large groups and allows your littles to run freely about to get their wiggles out. There are so many spots to shoot at Dewey Short it really gives the feeling of multiple locations which gives you a well rounded gallery. If you're looking for a fun location that features Table Rock Lake, is easily accessible for your elderly loved ones, and is flexible with lighting, this is your spot!

Extended family gathering outdoors near a lake with trees and natural scenery in the background.
Family explores rocky shoreline together at sunset along peaceful waterfront with trees in background.
A group poses together on a rocky beach near trees during a casual outdoor photo session.
A group of people in baseball jerseys crawl on grass near a lake with trees in the background.
Group photo of people wearing coordinated outfits in a blooming garden with yellow flowers.
A family in coordinating outfits walks along a rocky beach shoreline at sunset.
Group of people sitting in chairs on a beach overlooking a calm lake with distant shoreline visible.
Adult and toddler explore rocky shoreline together while playing in shallow water at lake's edge.
A panoramic sequence of wedding guests gathering outdoors on a sunny day against a natural landscape backdrop.
Family members sitting together on rocky terrain in a natural outdoor setting.
A couple shares a tender moment while walking along a lakeside path under green trees on a sunny day.
Large extended family group gathered outdoors for a casual summer photo session in a grassy park setting.
A large group of people wearing coordinated blue and gray outfits pose together outdoors in a wooded setting.
An elderly couple shares a tender kiss outdoors during golden hour, with sunlight filtering through trees in the background.
A group of people in coordinating blue and white outfits stand together on a rocky beach at sunset.
A couple walking hand in hand along a rocky beach shoreline at sunset in casual denim and dark clothing.
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no.1 North Beach Park


And coming in FIRST place is North Beach Park. This location is truly underrated. It is very easily accessible and diverse. It's right next to the Branson Landing with an easy paved walk path from the parking lot to the photo spots. It has a gorgeous view of Lake Taneycomo and massive trees that make it easy to shoot in the mornings or evenings for those families with littles that have a stricter schedule and need flexibility with lighting. It also has multiple spots to shoot with different backgrounds making your gallery packed with variety and visual interest! The grassy area is flat and perfect for kiddos to run around and easy to fit a large group, the docks are perfect for smaller groups and feature the beautiful Lake Taneycomo, and the park has many different fun spots with large rocks and logs for more creative shots with the littles. If you're looking for a location that is easily accessible, flexible with lighting, and versatile with backdrops, this is the spot for you!

A group of people sit on chairs outdoors while watching children run and play in a sunny park setting.
Family enjoying a peaceful moment together on a wooden dock by a serene lake on a sunny autumn day.
Group of people gathered outdoors in a park setting during a summer photo session with natural lighting.
Family sitting together on a rock surrounded by autumn leaves during golden hour sunset.
Three children in cowboy boots sit together on a large rock during autumn with golden foliage in the background.
People walking and interacting along a tree-lined path during golden hour in a scenic outdoor setting.
A playful family photo series showing group poses against a tree in a sunny outdoor setting.
A family lying together playfully on green grass during an outdoor photo session in a park setting.
A child in a blue floral dress laughs joyfully while playing outdoors on a sunny autumn day.
Couple playfully balances on fallen log in wooded area during outdoor photoshoot.
A family shares a tender moment together while posing outdoors on a grassy lawn with trees in the background.
A group of people in light summer dresses laughing and walking together in a sunlit park with tall trees.
A group enjoys a sunny autumn day outdoors among vibrant red maple trees and fallen leaves on a grassy hillside.
Three people walking together on a paved path through a park on a sunny summer day.
Group of people dancing in a circle outdoors under green trees during a summer gathering.
A group of people stand together outdoors on a sunny autumn day with golden trees and natural light in the background.
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Which Location Would You Choose?

No matter which one you choose, each spot has its own charm and helps create a gallery full of variety, fun, and beautiful memories.

If you're ready to capture your family's story here in Branson, MO, I'd love to help!

Reach out today to book your session and let's make some memories together!