Summer is a very popular time of year on Long Island for people to schedule family photos. Many of my clients also opt to bring along grandparents to their portrait session and I think this is a great idea. A photo session that includes these favorite people is the perfect way to give your children a tangible memory of them.

If you’re considering a family portrait session that includes one or all of your child’s grandparents, I have a few tip to help you plan extended family photos with grandparents.

family in khaki and white in front of dune and golden sun on them

Choose an accessible location

Choosing the right Long Island location for a photo session with grandparents is essential. Prior to your session, you will complete a pre session questionnaire. It is essential that you let me know what your needs are for the grandparents. If there are mobility issues, joint issues, or any other needs, you should let me know so I can suggest a location that best meets your needs. If the grandparents have mobility issues, we’ll choose a location with a parking lot just a few (flat, paved) steps from the car. If the grandparents can’t do long walks uphill, we’ll make sure to choose a flat location.

grandparents walking on the beach at sunset holding hands and laughing

Choose a Simple Wardrobe

Keep it simple when planning your wardrobe for photos with grandma and grandpa. Soft neautral colors like off white, tad and khaki are great. If you want color, go with soft hues and avoide overly saturated colors. Do not match exactly. Instead, choose a coordinating palette. Have no idea how to plan your wardrobe? No worries. I provide a wardrobe guide and help you plan your entire family’s wardrobe.

family with grandparents in off white and tan on the beach at sunset

Don’t Pose

This is essential for sessions that include grandparents. Grandparents have a tendency to keep their gaze fixated on the camera for the duration of the session. So, unless specifically tell you to look at my camera and smile, don’t look me. I promise you I will get those eyes on camera images, but in the interim, keep your attention on your loved ones. Snuggle in and stay close, soak in your child’s arms and breathe him/her in. Tell your husband a joke or tickle your toddler. Put your baby up on dad’s shoulders or swing around with your toddler, looking up at him. This is the time to spend time with your family – all while getting joyful and timeless imagery of your family to look back for years to come. Treasure this moment.

boy on grandpa's shoulders and daughter on dad's back and they are laughing

kids on the beach laughing and twirling sunset behind them hair blowing in wind

girl on grandpa's shoulders holding grandma's hands boy being held by dad on beach at sunset all laughing

Leave a Portion of the Session for Just You

Most of the time, my clients only want a few images with the grandparents and other times, the grandparents participate for the duration of the session. Regardless of what your preference is, I want to leave some time in the session for just you and your immediate family. This is especialy true if you have not updated your family photos in a while.