How to Include Grandparents in Your Family Photos
There’s something truly special about seeing multiple generations together in one frame. As a family portrait photographer in Dorset, I’ve found that some of the most powerful, emotion-filled images are those featuring grandparents. They offer history, legacy, and a connection that only deepens the meaning of your family portraits.
So how do you include grandparents in a way that feels authentic, natural, and meaningful? Here’s how we do it at Smiling Tiger Studios.
Make Them Central, Not an Afterthought
Including grandparents isn’t just about getting a quick posed photo and moving on. Let’s make them feel celebrated, appreciated, and part of the story. I’ll often start or end a session with images featuring them prominently—helping grandkids with their shoes, sharing a laugh, or simply holding hands.
We believe that a relaxed, documentary-style approach creates the most powerful images. For more, explore our documentary family photography sessions.
Life moves fast. Let’s slow it down—just for a moment.
Capture Real Interactions
Instead of stiff posing, we focus on:
- Grandparents reading to grandchildren
- Preparing or sharing a snack together
- Sharing stories from photo albums
- Enjoying a quiet walk through the garden or local park
These candid moments reflect their true role in your lives—and make for timeless keepsakes.
Keep Accessibility in Mind
Choose locations that are easy to navigate if mobility is a concern. A garden, home session, or easy-to-access park can be ideal. Let me know in advance and I’ll help plan around comfort and ease.
Make It a Gift (That Lasts Forever)
A session that includes grandparents can be a gift in itself. Many families tell me they didn’t realise just how important these images were until they looked back and saw generations together. That’s when the value of a photo truly hits home.
Final Thoughts
Including grandparents in your family photography session adds depth, warmth, and a legacy to your images. These aren’t just pictures—they’re heirlooms.
Ready to book your multi-generational session? Let’s create something truly meaningful together.
Explore our family photography experiences to see how we approach relaxed, authentic moments across generations.
