Some of the most heartwarming moments in family photography happen when grandparents and grandchildren come together – whether it’s through shared laughter, cuddly moments, or the timeless art of sneaking biscuits when parents aren’t looking. If you’re thinking about booking a family photoshoot with grandparents, you’re in the right place. I specialise in creating natural, relaxed images that capture real family connections – without forcing Nana to hike up a mountain (unless, of course, she’s up for it).

Why Include Grandparents in Your Family Photoshoot?

Because they’re legends. Grandparents bring the stories, the traditions, and, let’s be honest, the best snacks. But beyond that, having them in your family photos ensures that those important relationships are documented beautifully. Years from now, you’ll be glad you took the time to capture these moments. Plus, the kids get to see that their grandparents weren’t always just the people who slip them a fiver and tell them to wear a coat.

When to Book Your Family Photoshoot

I can’t stress this one enough – book your session plenty in advance. If you are bringing together several families for the day, or even as part of a special family reunion, it is vital to secure your preferred date early on.  Late spring, summer and mid-autumn are all exceptionally popular times for a family photoshoot with grandparents, and weekends book out first. Ideally, get in touch 6-8 weeks before the date, and I will block it for you.

And if we get rained out? Have no fear! We will either choose an alternative indoor location, or reschedule at a different time of day (I turn into a meteorologist during busy season!), or on a different day altogether.

The Best Locations for a Family Photoshoot with Grandparents

I usually shoot these sessions outdoors in Reading, Basingstoke, and Winchester, but I’m also happy to head further into the New Forest if you fancy a bit of adventure. I choose locations that are easy to access for all ages – think beautiful parks, scenic woodlands, and quiet countryside paths. For the more active families, we might go on a slightly longer walk to capture some playful and unposed moments along the way.

Some of my favourite locations include:

• Wellington Country Park (near Reading) – flat paths, pretty woodlands, and a café for post-shoot bribes.
• Old Basing (Basingstoke) – taking a walk along the canal and the Basing House grounds.
• Farley Mount (Winchester) – if you want rolling hills and a bit more space for the grandkids to run wild.
• New Forest National Park – ponies, open landscapes, and a touch of magic.

In fact, I wrote a whole blog post about my favourite outdoor family photoshoot locations – take a look for more inspiration.

What to Wear (and What Not to Wear)

Coordinating without giving 90s boyband is the goal. Stick to neutral tones and soft colours, avoiding large logos, busy patterns or anything too matchy-matchy. Because we’ll be shooting outdoors, take inspiration from the colours of the season and choose colours that are complementary to our beautiful natural backdrops. If in doubt, I am with you at every step of the way, and will help with wardrobe advice and visual examples when we plan your shoot.

Comfortable shoes are a must – especially for the grandparents. If we’re in muddy seasons, wellies may be just the thing!

If we’re heading somewhere with grass and you have some sitting shots in mind, consider wearing darker trousers or jeans to avoid stains (unless you fancy a polka-dot effect by the end of the session!).

How to Prepare Grandparents for the Shoot

Ensuring that grandparents feel comfortable and prepared for the session is key to getting the best photos. They may well feel some trepidation before an extended family photoshoot. Perhaps they feel shy in front of the camera – a session doesn’t happen every day after all! And the pressure to get everything “just so” – these shoots are often carefully planned a long time in advance, to bring multiple family units together for the day. Here are my top tips:

• Communicate expectations – Let them know the session will be relaxed, fun, and not filled with awkward posing.
• Dress for comfort – Encourage them to wear something they feel good in, and if mobility is a concern, choose a location with easy access.
• Make it an experience – Plan a post-shoot treat, like a family lunch or a tea break, to make the day extra special.
• Encourage natural interactions – The best photos come from real moments, so tell them to simply enjoy time with their grandchildren.

How to Keep the Kids (and Grandparents) Happy

A successful family photoshoot with grandparents isn’t just about getting the right shots – it’s about making sure everyone has a good time.

For the kids: Bring snacks, allow for breaks, and let them run around between photos. If they associate the shoot with fun, they’ll be more cooperative.

For the grandparents: A comfortable seat nearby can be helpful for quick rests. And don’t be afraid to let them be themselves – whether that means cracking jokes, giving bear hugs, or just quietly enjoying the moment.

What Happens During the Shoot?

I start with the classic group shots – everyone together, smiling, looking vaguely in the direction of the camera. Once we’ve nailed that, we move on to smaller groupings: grandparents with all the grandchildren, each family unit, and those all-knowing moments between individual grandparents and their grandkids. (I love observing and capturing the unspoken communication going on at those times!)

Because we take our time, these shoots are rich in natural interactions – Granddad teaching the kids how to skim rocks on the stream, Grandma getting a surprise hug, or the inevitable moment when a toddler decides now is the perfect time to shoot off and start wiggling to the Bluey theme song. These unscripted moments are what make the shoot feel real.

The End Result? Beautiful, Genuine Family Portraits

When you look back at these photos in years to come, I want you to remember the laughter, the warmth, and maybe even the way Grandad tried to smuggle an ice cream into the shoot. These are the images that tell the real story of your family.

Best Ways to Display your Extended Family Portraits

Once your photos are ready, the fun begins—deciding how to display them! Aside from the usual favourites as a digital archive, here are some of the best ways to bring your family portraits to life in your home:

• Framed Wall Prints – A striking, large framed image of the whole family makes a beautiful centrepiece for your living room or hallway. Or we can design a multi-image composition, to showcase multiple smaller images in the same frame.
• Gallery Walls – Create a storytelling composition of framed images of different sizes, capturing different moments from the shoot, mixing candid and posed shots.
• Fine Art Albums – Individually designed by me to let you relive the day in print. They also make wonderful gifts for grandparents (and I offer a discount for multiple copies!).
• Mounted Prints & Box Sets – Perfect for displaying on shelves or gifting to family members who may not have space for wall art.
• Metallic Art Panels – A modern and sleek way to display photos, with popping colours and intense black and whites. Ideal for relaxed, lifestyle sessions.

See more of my full display range, or contact me for a pricing brochure.

If you’d like to book a family photoshoot with grandparents in Reading, Basingstoke, Winchester, or the New Forest, get in touch! Let’s create some gorgeous, natural images of your family – without any forced grins or awkward poses.

(Unless, of course, that’s your thing. In which case, I’ll fully support your creative vision.)