Why I Photograph Grandparents

A love letter to legacy, connection, and the moments we wish we had more of

Grandparents hold a special place in so many families.

They’re often the steady presence — the ones who help raise kids, show up quietly, and love deeply without needing recognition. And yet, when it comes to photos, they’re so often left out or added as an afterthought.

This is exactly why I care so much about photographing grandparents.

Why This Matters to Me

My grandparents basically raised me. They were everything to us growing up.

They shaped who I am, how I love, and how I see family. And while I’m grateful for the memories I have, I wish I had more photos of us together — not just posed portraits, but everyday moments that showed what our relationship actually felt like.

That absence is what made this work personal for me.

Photographing grandparents with their grandkids isn’t just another session type. It’s something I believe in deeply, because I know how meaningful those relationships are — and how quickly time passes.

I want to help other families hold onto what matters most.

Grandparents Are Part of the Story — Not an Add-On

In many families around Maple Valley, the Eastside, and the greater Seattle area, grandparents aren’t just visiting once in a while. They’re involved. They help with childcare. They spend time together. They’re part of everyday life.

And yet, when families look back at their photos, grandparents are often missing.

These sessions are about changing that.

They’re about intentionally documenting the bond between grandparents and grandkids — the small hands being held, the comfort, the laughter, the closeness that kids grow up inside of.

Not staged.

Not overdone.

Just real seen-as-you-are moments.

What These Sessions Are Really Like

One of the biggest hesitations parents have is wondering if it will feel stressful — especially with kids and grandparents involved.

That’s completely understandable.

Most families come into sessions feeling a little unsure. Worried about time. Worried about kids cooperating. Worried about whether everyone will feel comfortable.

In the moment, it can feel a little chaotic. Kids move. Attention shifts. Things don’t always go in a straight line.

This is where trusting the process matters.

I start by getting the photos families always want to have — the ones where everyone is together and looking. Once those are done, everything relaxes. I follow the kids’ lead, move at their pace, and let moments unfold naturally.

What surprises many families is seeing the photos afterward.

The moments that felt messy or uncertain often turn into the happiest, most meaningful images. That’s why the experience matters just as much as the final photos — because you don’t have to manage everything for it to turn out beautifully.

Why These Photos Become Some of the Most Cherished

I won't forget after delivering an album and grandparent album, a mom squealing with delight over the bond between her parents and her child.

That’s what these photos do.

They become:

• images kids recognize growing up

• keepsakes grandparents feel proud to be part of

• reminders of what family looked like in this season

  
  

This is why I offer print products like albums and wall art — because these photos deserve to live somewhere you’ll actually see them.

How Grandparents Can Be Included

Grandparents can be included in:

• grandparent mini sessions

• full family sessions

• in-home sessions

• studio sessions

• outdoor sessions around Maple Valley and the Eastside

Not every session has to include grandparents — but for families who value elders and legacy, I always encourage it when possible.

You don’t need a special milestone or reason. Being together is enough.

Is a Grandparent Session Right for Your Family?

These sessions are a great fit if you:

• value family and legacy

• want photos that feel natural and meaningful

• want to document relationships, not just faces

• know these moments won’t always look the same

They don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be real.

A Final Thought

If you’ve ever thought, “We should really get photos with the grandparents,” this is your reminder that you’re probably right.

There’s at least one person here who truly believes these moments are worth documenting — exactly as they are.

If you’re in Maple Valley, the Eastside, Woodinville, or the greater Seattle area and are considering a grandparent session, I’d love to help you create something meaningful for your family.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Learn more about upcoming grandparent sessions or reach out to book one for your family.

Get in Touch