If there’s anything to learn from watching the years fly by, it’s how precious each moment is. That’s why it’s so important to capture those special moments to look back on forever. But quite often, a key missing component in memorializing families is grandparents, typically because they are unwilling or unable to participate in photo shoots.
Recently, I have made a special effort to offer and create touching portraits of grandparents and grandchildren spending quality time together, something not often seen in family-centric photo shoots. Overall, it has been a wonderful addition to my business and an honour to shoot. You too can expand the beauty of your family photography by including cherished grandparents and great grandparents.
Grandparents Can Make Your Family Photos Extra Special
Grandparents are often reluctant to participate in family portrait sessions. They worry about how they will ultimately be portrayed, how they look, and the energy it will require to get dressed and ready. Family members worry about the extra effort it will take to pick up grandma or grandpa and transport them, as well as their safety.
But if you can find a way to not only include grandparents but make them an integral part of the shoot, you’ll find that most families will be beyond happy to finally have photos of their elders to share and enjoy for generations to come.
What really makes photographs like these extra special is how they span multiple generations of the same family, from great grandparents to tiny tots. In fact, the opportunity for grandparents to act silly around their grandkids (and possibly embarrass their own children) is a great way to convince them to come off the sidelines and join in the fun!
Tips for Photographing Grandparents
It’s especially important to take into consideration the location and topography when including senior citizens in portrait sessions. I typically keep in mind the distance from the parking lot to the actual site. The ground should be relatively flat and easily accessible for walkers and canes.
When it comes to lighting, golden hour or soft, diffused natural lighting is always my favourite no matter the subject, and if an outdoor location is possible, this can cut down on setup time, allowing more flexibility for capturing those wonderful moments with the family. I absolutely love winter sessions.
Posing is another important thing to consider. Looking straight into the camera and smiling is personally my least favourite situation, but most clients will want a few of these more traditional shots. For me, having grandparents interact with grandchildren and adult children feels much more natural, and those are the moments worth remembering (and are usually my clients’ favourites).
These Photographs Can Make a Difference
In my experience, the most reluctant folks to agree to jump into the portraits are grandparents. My objective is to show this hesitant group that images can be created that are flattering and capture the beauty of that special relationship between grandparents and their families, especially their grandchildren.
These memories are priceless now and for generations to come. I’m on a mission to demonstrate these portraits can be done in a way that is artistic, candid, intimate and full of emotion, celebrating that magical connection, and you should consider it, too!
FINAL WORDS
I’d like to think that choosing us here at Anchor Studio Photography makes you feel that you’ll have such a great time with me and that we’ll get to capture the memories of your family as they grow in the years to come. If you want to find out more about our sessions, packages and pricing, just click here to visit our website.
Here are more blog posts in different locations in Toronto both outdoors and in-studio showing you different locations and themes for what your child’s cake smash session could look like.
Cake smash session at Mint Room Studios in The White Loft
Cake smash session in The Solarium Studio
Twin cake smash session in The Ballroom
Smash the cake session at Summerset Studio
Cake smash session in The Lounge at Mint Room Studios
HOW TO BOOK
There are a few ways you can book. You can book right online using this tab which leads you to my online booking calendar. However, not all available dates are on that calendar so if you need a different date, send me an email! You can reach me at hello@anchorstudio.ca
Anchor Studio Photography specializes providing a full service experience that starts with booking your session and ends with getting beautiful tangible heirloom products being displayed in your home. My style of soft, candid and timeless photos can be seen in all my maternity, newborn, child and family portraits in Greater Toronto Area, including Oakville, Mississauga, North York and Richmond Hill. If you are interested in booking a portrait session for your family, you can click here to book your session. I am now booking sessions for 2023, so don’t hesitate to get in touch soon!
#torontochildphotographer #torontochildphotography #torontophotostudio #familyphotos #familyphotographertoronto #cakesmashtoronto #anchorstudiophotography #torontocakesmash
