Grandparents Need to be Photographed Too
In our 6 years of running a portrait studio we have been asked to help families celebrate some wonderful moments in their lives. Maternity shoots for first pregnancies and a few final pregnancies. Newborn photoshoots celebrating those births, along with a number of other photoshoots including birthdays and graduations. Many times we’re simply celebrating the love a family shares.
In that time there have been few instances in which we’ve been asked to celebrate grandparents. Unfortunately, this is not surprising but it is disappointing. Grandparents are frequent recipients of our work and on occasion are even the one requesting and paying for the photoshoot. Despite their involvement, they often aren't included in the photoshoots themselves.
Grandparents are simply not encouraged to be photographed. I imagine there are a number of reasons this occurs, some grandparents simply do not live in the area, others don’t realize that having their parents included in a photoshoot is even an option. And of course, for many of us the idea of a photoshoot with our children AND our parents just does not seem overly appealing. I get it! But I also understand that having photos of children and their grandparents is immensely important.
The Impact of A Grandparent in Photos
I was very close to my maternal grandparents, both of my children are named after them. I do not have many photos of either of them past the age of about 40 and the majority of the photos are from much earlier. We certainly do not have any “nice” photos. When I was a child I absolutely loved sitting in my grandma’s lap with the family photo album. Listening to her tell stories of the people and places from long ago was fascinating. Once I became an adult, and especially since becoming a parent I realized that I wanted photos of my grandparents that represented the way I remember them. Unfortunately, they passed away before I learned this lesson.
Including Grandparents in our Photos
My sons are now close to their maternal grandparents and I make a point of photographing them together every chance I get, sometimes to the chagrin of my in-laws. But when my children see photos around the house of them with their grandparents their importance in their grandparents lives is reaffirmed. And as much as we don’t like to think about it, one day their grandparents will no longer be with them and when that time comes they will have the photos that remind them of the grandparents they knew and love.
The next time you do a family photoshoot with a professional photographer please consider including your parents, or if you’re lucky enough, grandparents. Even if the shoot does not revolve around the grandparents, having them sit in for just a few shots will be well worth dealing with your mom ;-). And if your parents don’t live close to home, schedule a photoshoot for the next time they’re planning on being in town. I promise you won’t regret it.
Interested in booking a photoshoot or just finding out more about the process? Head here or simply contact us here.
