I can’t tell you how often this scenario arises. Mom or Dad gets in touch to schedule a family session when the grandparents are in town. They want photos that have a documentary approach, with more candid shots than camera-aware ones. And then they mention that might seem odd at first to the grandparents, who have only ever had professional photos taken in a studio, posed and smiling at the camera.
So the question is, how do we create a space where grandparents are at ease, relaxed, and just enjoying time with their family?
Of course there’s no single answer to this question, but the approach I take is structuring a session around activities and movement, in a space where the grandchildren feel comfortable. When the littlest ones are at ease, the grandparents are sure to do the same. And finally the parents, the organizers, let out the breath they were holding and relax.
This family knows and loves the Presidio Tunnel Tops, which is a really dynamic space that allows us to move seamlessly from kite flying to log-hopping to watching the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge. When we start with an activity, the transition to taking photos is barely even noticed. And then moving to another space (like the little wooden amphitheater) makes for a natural transition to tighter, more snuggly family photos.
I love sessions like this, full of movement and laughter and gazing out at the Marin Headlands. The Golden Gate Bridge visible but shrouded in textured clouds. Warm rays of sun sneaking through. And ease. More than anything you can feel everyone letting down their guard, just being with each other.
Toddler-led photography. Easy.
This Is Why
This is why I photograph families – because you want to remember how it felt.
If you see beauty in the chaos, if you want to remember the whole rollercoaster that is childhood + parenthood, I hear you.
Want to chat? Drop me a note.
More San Francisco Locations
Try my article – The Best Places for Family Photos in SF
