Sunday is National Grandparent’s Day and we’re honoring our elders today on the bluebird chic blog by sharing photos of seniors, along with our best tips to help you capture and commemorate the seniors in your life.
#1 – Invite grandparents to be a part of your family photo session.
Melissa of Melissa Klein Photography says,
Being a family photographer, I have had my share of grandparents joining in for sessions (or being the ones to hire me) and I always love it. Typically it’s a large multi-generational family portrait, and I try to put grandma and/or grandpa front and center with their grandkids. If I don’t know the grandparents ages, I always make sure to have a chair or two available in case it’s needed. Grandchildren get worked in close to grandma and grandpa, and then the parents worked in after that. If you want to get some genuine smiles, just ask them about their grandkids. Faces instantly light up, and it’s beautiful. I always make sure to get some photos of grandma and grandpa with just the grandkids, as well as group photos and one of grandma and grandpa together.
#2 – Opt for a black and white treatment.
Amy of My Letter-Sized Life says,
I took this quick snap of my husband’s grandmother during a visit quite a few years back. She passed away six years ago and this quickly became one of our favorite photos of her. When everyday photos are all we have they become just as precious as our professional family photos. I applied a black and white treatment when I had this printed to turn this impromptu capture into a timeless memory.
#3 – Focus on the details.
Marie-Pierre Capistran of Pretty Please says,
When taking a portrait of seniors, good lenses make a real difference because they show more details. The details you want to focus on are the ones showing the time passing, like the wrinkles. Another way to show the passage of time is to shoot in black and white. Or you could also use an editing program to boost the contrast and lighting of the photo.
#4 – Experiment with different angles and lighting.
Monika of Internationelle says,
While the eyes can tell a story, I often recommend shooting seniors in action, or from an angle, not just head on, unless going for a more dramatic look. The head on photographs can be great, though, especially if going for the full dramatic look in black and white.
When posing, make it natural. Since often slouching or posture can be an issue, ensure that your subject is as comfortable as possible, while still looking natural. If they’re not able to sit up straight, shoot from another angle, or have them sit or stand, whichever is most comfortable for them. Regardless of angle, fill the frame!Don’t be afraid to use color! While the black and white dramatic look can be classic, color livens up the portraits and makes them more fun and gives them a happier feel. And lighting is everything. Outdoor light is the most flattering and forgiving for seniors, especially if they have lighter/white hair.
#5 – Incorporate photos and stories from the past.
Kim of Apple of Our Eye Photography says,
The one thing about getting older is that the camera isn’t as friendly or forgiving as it once was. When photographing older generations, they will almost always ask if I can take away a few years in Photoshop. While there are some laughs exchanged, they can be pretty self conscious around the camera. But then again, aren’t we all?!?! So I say, bring on the memories! Show me books. Show me pictures. Tell me stories! Memories make memories, and there are plenty to go around! Stories and photographs will almost always get those real raw emotions going!
Leave a Reply