Each mama has their own, natural way with their children. Some of us are silly and playful, some are real active and vocal, others are quiet and strong. These are all excellent qualities. I tend to lean on the silly and loud side. In our house, we wear our hearts on our sleeves. This isn’t always an advantage. This session’s mama is in the quiet and strong category and a big part of me wishes I had more of that meekness in me. Her children can rest in it and their home was peaceful. I’m also under no illusion that ANY home is always like that. Life with littles in hard and we all reach our limit. I love when I get a glimpse of families whose flavor is seasoned with that gentleness I so long to taste. It is everything “home” to me.
When was the last time you looked at an old family photo and thought, `I wish fewer people were in this`?
Probably never.
That is exactly why I always say yes when families ask whether they should include the grandparents, the cousins, the aunt and uncle who are only in town for a few days.
When you are not sure, say yes anyway. We will find a way to make it work.
A few things I want every family to know before a multigenerational session.
Start with the group shot - always. I photograph the full group first, before anything else, so every person in attendance (including the ones who drove the farthest) knows the most important image is already done. From there, we move through smaller groupings with a lighter energy.
Tell me about mobility before we choose a location. If a grandparent or family member has any physical considerations, I need to know before we land on a spot. There is always a way to create beautiful images that honor everyone present - I just need to know what we are working with so I can plan for it.
Mornings are almost always better for the little ones. Babies and toddlers are near-universally happier before the afternoon hits. When multiple generations are present, timing the session well makes a real difference in the energy of the whole group.
And if there are any family dynamics I should be aware of - specific pairings that need extra care, or groupings you would prefer I not suggest - please tell me. It keeps everything moving warmly, and it protects everyone from an awkward moment in front of the camera.
Planning is how multigenerational sessions go well. I am always happy to talk it through before your session date. Contact me through my website, link in bio.
You have been wondering whether to include them.
Maybe it is the grandparents and you are not sure they will want the fuss. Maybe it is a sibling you do not see often, or a cousin who just happens to be in town. Maybe it is someone whose mobility makes you worry the session will be more complicated.
Here is what I have learned: the hesitation almost always melts away by the end.
Nobody ever walks away from a family session wishing they had included fewer people. It genuinely does not happen. What does happen is that two years later, you are looking at a photo of your kids with their grandfather and feeling deeply grateful that you said yes.
This photo is of my son, Reider, with my grandfather, Jacob Reider. Taken on a whim during a visit to see him in Virginia. I am forever grateful for these photos. My grandfather went home to our Lord this month and these photos mean more to me today than in previous 15 years since they were taken.
When you are on the fence, lean toward yes. We will figure out the logistics.
I have four kids of my own.
I am not saying that to suggest I have parenting figured out. I am saying it because when you show up to your session worried that your toddler is going to lose it, or that your big kid is going to refuse to cooperate, or that everyone is going to look stiff and weird - I genuinely understand that concern.
I have lived it. More than once.
What I have also learned is that working with families as they actually are, instead of as we wish they would be on picture day, is exactly how you get photos that feel real. The beautiful chaos is part of it. I have a lot of tricks, and I genuinely enjoy the process.
You do not need a perfect family to get beautiful photos. You just need a photographer who knows what she is doing.
Memberships and Affiliations
Sarah Gray creates timeless and joyful images that are designed for living room walls and photo albums. A tallahassee photographer, Sarah Gray also serves Thomasville, Crawfordville, St. Marks, Gainesville and throughout the panhandle of north Florida and south Georgia.
email us | sarah@sarahgray.com
telephone (850) 321-0208
located in tallahassee, florida
