Summer Family Photo Shoot with Grandparents in London
A Summer Morning of Family Photos with Grandparents
There are some photo shoots that I look forward to all year and this was one of them. For the last nine years I’ve been lucky enough to photograph this wonderful family in sessions that can be summed up by one word ‘JOY’. They are always so joyous, so fun, so loving and so loud. There’s always so much laughter and I can’t wait for next year already.
We first met when the girls were only a week old and since then our annual sessions have been a highpoint of my calendar, a summer family photo shoot with grandparents in London that I know will be such great fun.
Grandparents at the Heart of the Session
One of the things that makes these sessions so enjoyable is the fact that we always have grandparents with us. Their relationships with their granddaughters are such a source of joy and so fun to photograph.
It always feels like a lesson in multi-generational relationships, watching the children playing with parents and grandparents alike, everyone getting on so well and laughing all the way. When I asked one of the stylish grandmas about her amazing climbing ability she answered, with a laugh of course, ‘well you do these things for your grandchildren’. It’s such a fantastic attitude, embracing the fun, engaging with X year olds on just the right level and also showing some mean football skills.
I’m not sure which pictures are my favourites, the girls scoring a goal with a well placed strike that flew through their grandfather’s legs, or later with their other set of grandparents, sitting on a log and hearing Persian folk tales before repurposing them as the subject for a song and dance routine. This is how things should be, ideas being passed down the generations, the kids finding new inspiration in old stories, and games and fun being had by all.
Family Fun in the Park
Of course it isn’t just grandparents who are important. Time with parents is equally essential and over the course of a summer family photo shoot there are so many glorious moments of fun.
We started in the playground, always a great way to get people into the groove of being photographed and a brilliant opportunity for creative pictures. I’m always working towards the best ever swing shot, the most creative way to photograph a slide. Every time I think I’ve got it and then another opportunity awaits on the next family photo shoot. I feel so lucky to have such a creative job.
Summer Activities to Capture
We did so many great activities on this family photo shoot, from climbing frames and swings to pedal boats, story books, bubbles and balls. On a hot day there was some amazing teamwork carrying toys and games around the park but it was worth it for this fantastic set of images.
My favourite thing was seeing my young protégé with her first Canon camera and taking amazing pictures too. I was thrilled when she asked me to show her how to set it to black and white. I can’t wait to see the wonderful work she’s going to produce in the years to come.
Portraits to Treasure
As well as the action shots I always make sure to take portraits of the girls too. They are both so photogenic and I love knowing that as they grow up they will have this amazing selection of images going back years to enjoy.
Book Your Autumn Family Photo Shoot
It’s always one of my favourite days of the year and I can’t wait for next summer and our next family photo shoot with grandparents. If you have enjoyed seeing this today and would like to look back at some of our previous sessions do scroll back through the blog or perhaps jump to here or here. Hasn’t time flown by?
If you are photographing your own family do consider regular photo shoots if you can. Yes it takes some planning to have your pictures taken annually but it’s worth the time and the investment as it’s one of the few things we buy that grows in value so much over time.
Drop me a line if you would like to arrange your own family photo shoot this year. The autumn is booking up quickly and I do find that October and November get full, so drop me a line via the contact form or give me a call and we’ll get you booked in. I’d love to meet you and your family soon.
