Some of the most meaningful photos I’ve taken have involved grandparents. I still carry precious memories of baking heart-shaped cakes with my grandmother and taking meandering walks to the park with my grandfather. These everyday moments shape our family stories, yet they often slip by undocumented while we focus on capturing the big milestones.

I know this firsthand. When I lost my mom unexpectedly, I found myself holding onto a single image—one of her and my son locked in a joyful, impromptu water fight with the garden hose. That photo means everything to me because it brings back their laughter, their connection, and a moment that might have been lost in the busyness of raising a 4-year-old and a baby.

It’s why I now gently encourage families to include grandparents in their sessions, whether it’s a maternity session, welcoming a new baby, or documenting family life together.

Capturing Natural Moments

Grandparents often love classic, posed photos, but the real magic happens in the in-between moments—the small traditions, the hobbies passed down, and the little gestures of love. Before each session, I connect with families to learn what makes their relationships special.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as reading a favorite book together. Other times, it’s a grandmother teaching the next generation how to make homemade dumplings—flour-dusted hands, focused faces, and shared laughter creating a memory that feels just as meaningful as the photo itself.