Planning a Grandparent Photoshoot

ensuring Comfort & Safety

This should go without saying, but this is of the utmost importance when working with potentially vulnerable clients so it's important to begin with. During the planning process we'll talk about ways to ensure the comfort and safety of those involved. Whether this means I come to your home or a nursing home or assisted living facility, or we meet at a handicap accessible location in order to keep everyone comfortable and at ease--I'm flexible and work within the needs and capabilities of each individual client, so it's important to discuss them in advance. I am also happy to wear a mask and keep 6' apart as requested.

Often these types of sessions involve both elderly and very young clients, which means limited time, energy and attention spans. It's important to plan ahead and consider all of the factors involved for the best possible outcome.

Photos that are uniquely you

My grandma chose what she wanted to wear, and then I planned my boys' outfits around her preferences. I suggested this because 1. I wanted her to be comfortable and 2. I wanted to capture her, not some made up version of her but who she was and what she cared about. And it was important to us to have photos to remember her as she was in her daily life, and in our memories of her. If the photos didn't look like her and weren't *her* the photos wouldn't be as meaningful to her or to those who love her. She loved her grandbabies, gardening/the outdoors, and feeding the critters outside her door. I was intentional with what we incorporated in the photos because the details mattered in capturing a bit of the essence of who she was.

capturing Connection

There are many different approaches to photography; posed, candid, formal, casual, etc.

Much of it comes down to personal preference and priorities between the client and photographer, so it's important to establish and discuss expectations in advance when possible. While I typically aim for some posed photos, I often find that the most meaningful connections happen when my clients are interacting with one another and their environment. This is especially true of photos involving young children because they get squirmy very quickly. I often recommend planning an activity to encourage foster meaningful interaction. Playing with bubbles, a favorite pet, game, book, song, etc. often bring that connection grandparents and grandchildren naturally enjoy and engage in.

Simplifying the process

Let's be real. The internet era has been a challenge for most of us at some point or another (even me), and probably most of all for those who have lived much of their lives before and without it. Digitally signing contracts, online payments, online photo galleries and downloading, uploading and ordering prints--this is a major learning curve for *anyone.*

While the majority of my clients are semi-familiar with the process involved, I understand that it could be overwhelming for those that aren't. For this reason I am happy to accommodate in-person consultations and to schedule an ordering appointment following your session so that you never have to touch a computer screen if you don't want to (or perhaps don't have one). I can come to you and deal with the technology involved.