Many years ago during an extended family session I had a family member whisper a request to grab a headshot of each grandparent. Yes of course! Was my answer. From that moment on I realized how equally important it is to capture not only growing families but our elderly family members. Yes, we have plenty of photos (I hope!) of them throughout their years, but do we have them together as a couple or individually?

Before the session, the family member let me know that the grandmother was terminally ill with cancer. She shared because of some accommodations we’d need to consider regarding the location of the session. But during the session is when I understood best what she was asking, she was asking for a headshot as it will likely be used for her funeral. Indeed it was, and so was the headshot I took of her husband as he passed away just a few years after. It was then that I knew headshots of grandparents will be a must-capture when they are part of the session.

Let me tell ya, each time it’s their turn during a session, they get excited about it. They recall the last time they had one (most often as a high school graduate!) and how much they need it updated. 

something for the whole family to treasure

Grandparent portraits