The family is one of the universal and permanent institutions of mankind. There are many countries where the family does not consist only of husband, wife and their children but also of grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and grandchildren.
I strongly believe that grandparents are the member of the immediate family. Due to the increase in life expectancy, the role of grandparents and great-grandparents in the lives of the younger generation has greatly increased.
Grandparents do not have the educational responsibility, therefore, the relationship between the parties becomes more of an affectionate nature and it is for this reason they seem more generous and tolerant than parents.
Grandparents attribute a great importance to their educator and supporting role. This educational role is carried out through shared activities with grandchildren.
When I migrated to Australia a couple of years ago, I noticed that grandparent-grandchildren relationship is getting weaker here. Maybe there are genuine reasons like distance, work, career, health, etc but in most cases, some blame goes to parents as well; they need to build that bridge. Well, grandparents should also take initiative; after all, if they build this relationship, stress and loneliness will never haunt them.
Let me give you my example; when I used to work and live in Qatar, my parents were back home in another country. It was around 3-4 hours distance by air and then 2 hours from airport to my home city. I had been travelled back home or brought them to Qatar every year for 7 years till I left the country. Now, Australia is far far away from my home country and I can’t afford to travel every year but the seed that has been sowed in those years has become a tree of love and bond, and its roots are distributed deeply among my son and parents. He talks to them on Skype or Whatsapp frequently. My 5 months old son hasn’t met my parents yet but his elder brother holds him in his lap while talking to my parents. This is how you pass the love and affection to another generation.
So, if you can afford or have a control over your situation, let your children play, stay, sleep, and laugh with your parents. Capture those moments!
Therefore, I came up with an idea of capturing grandparents and their grandchildren. These portraits will be an asset for grandparents, parents, and grandchildren; will serve three generations.
In this regard, a few days ago, I had an opportunity to shoot an outdoor family portrait of grandparents (Jeff and Robyn) and their grandkids at Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne, Melbourne, Australia. If you haven’t visited it yet, I highly recommend. Kids were so close to Jeff and Robyn that I just enjoyed the moments they spent during the shoot.
I shoot family portraits that should be converted into prints because after investing so much time, energy and resources into your session, you are entitled to the complete the experience. You deserve to have prints to hold, enjoy, and display. Your memories aren’t meant to live in digital files. They are meant to be loved and cherished.
Here are few of the moments that I capture with them. I felt a warmth and connection between the grandparents and kids. It was lovely to meet them.
