We have 8 grandchildren ranging in age from 6 to 21, with some of the kids living with "ex's". After the youngest was born, we tried several times to get a picture of all 8 together. It took over 3 years before we got the "baby" in a picture with her other 7 cousins. In the past 3+ years, we have not had the opportunity to get the 8 together again for an updated picture.
I'm guessing that the two pictures (and I'm sure many more) were taken at the same family gathering, probably by a professional photographer, and there were multiple posings. If we had trouble getting 8 kids together, how easy is it to get a family that size together for a family photo op.
Just a thought.
PS: I just added up the people, and the original had 28 people, the second photo showed 22. Hmmmmmmmm. Now I don't know, and I've had two cups of coffee.