How to include grandparents in a family photo session
Why include grandparents in a family photo session?
Family photo sessions are so meaningful, and when you include grandparents, they become even more precious. Grandparents hold the history, traditions, and heart of a family. Capturing their presence alongside younger generations creates timeless images that everyone will cherish for the years to come.
Here’s how to include grandparents in a family photo session, and ensure your session highlights the special bond between grandparents and the rest of the family.
Choose the right location
The location you pick sets the mood for the session. Think about a place that holds meaning for your family. Maybe your grandparents’ home, the garden where they love to relax, or a favorite park where everyone gathers on special occasions. Familiar places bring out natural, heartfelt moments and make grandparents feel more at ease with a documentary-style approach.
If you’re hesitating about the location, try reading my tips about home sessions and outdoor sessions.
Plan simple activities everyone loves
Grandparents shine most when they’re interacting naturally with their loved ones. Think about activities they enjoy doing with their grandchildren:
- Reading a storybook together.
- Baking cookies, crêpes or cooking a secret family recipe.
- Gardening, playing games, or simply chatting on the couch.
These activities bring out genuine smiles and create beautiful moments to capture. A documentary session will highlight the bonds they have with their grandchildren, and your little ones will have precious keepsakes of that season of life.
Highlight generational connections
Focus on creating images that tell the story of your family’s legacy, for example:
- Close-ups of hands: a grandparent’s hand holding a tiny baby’s hand.
- Grandchildren sitting on a grandparent’s lap.
- A family portrait where generations are represented side by side, chatting happily, for genuine, unposed photos.
Documenting these connections creates photographs that carry meaning beyond the moment: grandparents get to see how much they are loved and treasured.
Encourage storytelling moments
Grandparents often have incredible stories to share (sometimes, over and over, that’s why we love them!). Use this time to let them tell a favorite family story or pass down wisdom to their grandchildren. These candid interactions make for some of the most heartfelt images.
Don’t forget the quiet moments, too: while playful interactions are wonderful, don’t overlook the quieter moments. A grandparent gazing lovingly at a baby, a hug, or a tender smile can be just as powerful. These moments showcase the depth of their bond and the love they share.
Keep it comfortable for grandparents
Older family members may have different energy levels or mobility needs. Make sure the session is relaxed and easy-going.
- Allow time for breaks. My family sessions last for 1.5 hours, which gives plenty of time. You might also choose a day in the life session for an even better experience!
- Provide a cozy seat or spot for them to rest.
- Avoid overwhelming them with too many poses or long periods of standing. This is why documentary photography is a great choice!
Remember: their comfort is key to creating organic, joyful photos.
Coordinate outfits without stress
There’s no need to stress about matching outfits, I actually recommend against it for the sake of natural, timeless photos.
Encourage grandparents to wear something they feel comfortable and confident in, whether it’s their favorite sweater or a vintage outfit. You can read a more in-depth guide about what to wear for a family photo session here. Remember the session lasts for 1.5 hours, and we will be walking around, sitting on the floor with kids, baking, changing diapers, playing with Legos… Always choose an outfit you will not think about while you enjoy these moments.
Celebrate their legacy
Make the session about honoring the grandparents’ unique role in the family. If you’d like to make it extra special, bring in small touches that celebrate their history: use heirlooms like jewelry, books, or family recipes in the photos.
I always make sure to capture them with their children and grandchildren individually and as a group. This ensures everyone has keepsakes of the session and this time together.
Don’t forget to turn those photos into treasured prints
I always like to say my family photo sessions have a happy ending: every collection comes with a print credit so you are free to choose from a selection of beautiful, tangible prints.
Grandparents, especially, are from a time where digital photos were not a thing, and there were frames everywhere in their homes. Printed photos are dear to them, let’s honor that!
Once the session is complete, consider creating a special keepsake for the grandparents:
– A set of prints they can share with friends.
– A framed photo of the whole family.
– An album filled with moments from the session.
Want to learn more about my family photography sessions offers and pricing? If you’d love a session for yourself, let’s chat!
