Why You Need Grandparent Photography
I am obsessed with doing storytelling photo shoots with grandparents and grandkids. I think it’s one of the most beautiful, under-photographed, yet cherished, relationships that exists.
Why do I care so much? Let me tell you about my father-in-law, Elliot Kalina.
Like many people of a certain age, my in-laws couldn’t wait to be grandparents once my husband and I got married. When I was looking at wedding dresses with my mother-in-law, she asked if she could give my future child (no, I wasn’t pregnant) her first American Girl Doll.
They Couldn’t Wait!
You could almost say they “practiced” with their great-nieces and great-nephews, lending a helping hand whenever it was needed and generally spoiling their niece’s and nephew’s children every chance they got.
It Was Love at First Sight
When my oldest, Gabrielle Mairead, was finally born 13 years ago, her grandparents adored every inch of her. Like many hard working daddies, my father-in-law did not have hobbies to fill his time when he retired. He was thrilled to spend every moment I made available with my daughter. He would drive to the Chicago twice a week, picking me up a coffee on the way, and send me off while he read Gabrielle books, changed her diaper, played with her on the floor, whatever her heart desired.
They developed such a close relationship that when my father-in-law would hand her back to me, HER MOTHER, she would cry. I can honestly tell you that did not happen with anyone else, even her father.
As Gabrielle got a little older, her special twice-weekly “Poppy” visits were something she looked forward to more than anything else. She would stare out the front window waiting for her beloved grandpa to arrive. That drive from Buffalo Grove to Chicago could be 45 minutes or 90 minutes, so we never knew exactly when they would get to our house.
Unforeseen Tragedy
When Gabrielle was 19 months old, and I was due in three weeks with Eliza, Elliot passed away in the middle of the night. No illness. No warning. He was 64-years-old.
We miss Elliot every day. His next six grandchildren can only know him through our stories and photos. And I’m embarrassed to say, I don’t have many photos. And the ones I do have are snapshots. I am so thankful I have even that. How special would it be if I had beautiful, artfully shot storytelling photos that told the story of their beautiful relationship?
Please, learn from my mistake. If your children have grandparents that are in their lives, let me document that relationship for you. Grandparent photography is a gift for the grandparents, you and your children. Call me at 773 510 7105 and let’s make it happen.
The end result will be a beautiful book, slide show and wall art that future generations will enjoy. I promise you won’t ever regret having these photos taken.
If you would like to see some examples of my grandparent photography shoots, please click here, here and here.
Want to learn everything you need to know about Grandparent Sessions? Click here to learn about how to book, common questions and general pricing information.