Including grandparents in your family photos is a wonderful way to showcase the important role grandparents play in your family and capture special bonds between generations. Here are five tips for including grandparents in your photoshoot.
1. Communicate with Grandparents
Good communication is key to an easy-going and relaxed family photo session, especially when including grandparents. Include grandparents in the session planning process to help them feel involved. This will also ensure that they know what to expect during the session. Besides communicating the more obvious things like date, location, time, be sure to share any session prep information provided by your photographer.
As a lifestyle photographer in the Westfield, NJ area, during the session planning call, I tell clients to expect a few traditional looking-at-the-camera portraits. After that I let them know the focus will be on capturing interactions, which I help facilitate through fun games and activities during the session. It’s helpful to share this information with grandparents (and dads!), so that they know they will not be expected to look at the camera unless I ask.
2. Coordinate Colors for A Cohesive Wardrobe
Avoid overly matching (please no matching white shirts and khakis unless your goal is to look dated) . Aim to have grandparents and grandchildren wear complementary colors or styles. This helps create a cohesive look in the final photos.
The K. family did a phenomenal job choosing a fresh palette of spring shades of green balanced with classic neutrals in tan and white. I love how they mixed in small petterns in the mom and daughters dresses and chose different fabrics with chiffon and lace detail for the grandmothers. The varying textures and colors all work well together.
3. Choose a Location for Comfort and Accessibility
Select a convenient location that has nearby parking to minimize the need to walk far. Locations with a paved walking path may be better suited for a photoshoot with grandparents. You might also consider a location that has a bench for both seated shots. This would also allow grandparents a place to sit and relax while your photographer photographs other family groupings.
4. Capture Candid Moments
When booking an extended family photoshoot, its common to focus on posed group shots. But be sure to capture natural, candid interactions between grandparents and grandchildren throughout the session. As a lifestyle photographer in New Jersey, I help families feel comfortable in front of the camera, encouraging interaction which allows me to capture genuine expressions and relationships. Capturing candid emotions often results in some of the most cherished photos for families—and these images only increase with value over time.
5. Create Timeless Family Heirlooms
Make the most of the memories captured by turning your photos into tangible keepsakes to save and gift the grandparents. Albums offer a wonderful way to share and enjoy the beautiful photos of your family and can be passed down from generation to generation. Unlike a framed print, a custom-designed album also allows you to inclue all your favorite session images, helping to tell the whole story.
Designing albums for families is among my favorite ways to help a family bring their images to life.
Are you ready to book a family photoshoot with grandparents? I’d love to help tell your family’s story! Get in touch today.
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Winner of the Westfield Area Most Loved Family Photographer award by Hulafrog two years in a row, Debbie Camba Photography is a New Jersey Family Photographer based in Scotch Plains. She specializes in capturing candid and meaningful moments that reflect the love and wonder of childhood and family life.
Debbie photographs families outdoors and in homes throughout Scotch Plains, Westfield, Mountainside, Cranford, Summit, Basking Ridge and the surrounding area, including Somerset County, Morris County and Middlesex County. She is available in other locations upon request.
Debbie was awarded Master Photographer Certifications by the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) for demonstrating excellence in the craft of child and family photography.
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