Should I include grandparents in a family photo session?

Family photos are a wonderful tradition that record moments that become treasured memories for generations. I know that organizing a family photo session requires a lot of energy and planning, so it's easy to focus on immediate family members only, like parents, children, and maybe even pets. However, one of the most significant yet sometimes overlooked groups to be included in these sessions are grandparents. Their presence not only enriches the visual story of your family but also offers lasting benefits that extend beyond the photograph itself.

1. A Living Legacy

Grandparents are the living embodiment of your family's history. Without them there would be no you and no grandchildren. They hold the stories, traditions, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. Including them in family photos provides a tangible connection to your past, creating a visual legacy that can be passed down to future generations. These photos become more than just images; they are a testament to the enduring strength and continuity of your family line.

2. Bridging Generational Gaps

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common for families to be spread across cities, states, or even countries. This geographical distance can sometimes create emotional gaps between generations. A family photo session with grandparents helps bridge these gaps by bringing everyone together, even if just for a day. The shared experience of a photo session can foster deeper bonds and understanding between grandparents and younger generations. And most importantly, an extended-family photo session will be an added shared memory that you all can talk about and reminisce whenever you get to see each other again.

3. Genuine Emotion

Grandparents often bring a unique dynamic to family photos. Their interactions with grandchildren are typically filled with warmth, love, and a sense of pride that is both genuine and heartwarming. These natural emotions translate beautifully in photographs, and you'll find yourself smiling so much when you look at them. Whether it's a grandparent’s tender hug or a shared laugh, these moments are priceless and irreplaceable.

4. Celebrating Life's Milestones

Life’s milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays are perfect opportunities to celebrate with a family photo session. Including grandparents in these moments not only honors their contributions to the family but also highlights the importance of their role in these celebrations.

5. Creating Heirlooms

Photographs that include grandparents often become family heirlooms. These images are cherished more deeply as time passes, serving as a permanent reminder of the love shared across generations. They are treasured keepsakes that can be passed down, offering the younger members of the family a glimpse into the lives and personalities of their ancestors.

Some ideas to display your beautiful images? How about a beautiful heirloom album that can be opened and enjoyed anytime? Or a beautiful printed image hanging on your wall for you to admire and enjoy every time you walk by it?

I strongly believe that including grandparents in family photos emphasizes the unity and inclusivity of your family. It shows that everyone, regardless of age, is valued and loved. This type of approach to family photography communicates the message that every family member’s presence is important and contributes to the whole family dynamic... because family is everything.