PHOTOGRAPHING OLDER FAMILY MEMBERS
WHY I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHING OUR MATRIARCHS AND PATRIARCHS
Old. Elderly. Senior. Mature. Golden Years. Kapuna. So many of the labels for our parents and grandparents’ generations are loaded and filled with connotations, be they positive or negative. When I decided to write this piece I actually sought advice on what the most acceptable terms are and what people would search for when seeking a photographer and there was no clear consensus. Regardless of the words used I love taking these kinds of images. It seems it really is a case where a picture paints a thousand words.
Because These Images Are REALLY, REALLY Important.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHING OLDER FAMILY MEMBERS?
SELECT THIS LINK FOR SOME ANSWERS
What I’ve Learned from Sessions With “Older People”
1. They appreciate photography
Unlike those of us born within the last 50 years, older members of our family didn’t grow up with a mobile phone in their pocket and photos being an everyday thing. Many of them might not have had family photos done as children and some didn’t even have a photographer on the day of their wedding. As such, they deeply value photos in a way that is just a little bit different and that is very, very precious.
2. They get a real buzz out of the experience
So often elderly members of our society report feelings of being a nuisance, a burden and being unseen. I have even had older individuals at sessions say “you don’t want to be photographing me, focus on the young ones”. But once they realise I genuinely want to spend time with them they really get into it and seeing them relax and their confidence grow is so, so rewarding. I’ve had family members genuinely be surprised at what they witness and they report that they see a totally different side of their elders when they are in front of the camera.
3. They have great stories and senses of humor.
Throughout my sessions I always chat to my clients, both to put them at ease and to get to know them better. Some of the best responses to my questions and tales I am told come from the grandparents I photograph. They typically love a chat and I feel really honored to listen to and learn from them.
5. Because these images are REALLY, REALLY important
This last one is a little bit morbid but it is very real. It never fails to surprise me how often I see posts in photography and editing groups from people asking for help after the death of a loved one. People post poor quality, old or out of focus images asking for help to edit or photoshop them because they do not have a single decent picture of their loved one to use on a funeral order of service or headstone. These requests just make me so sad so knowing my images mean a family I’ve worked with won’t be in this position one day is incredibly rewarding.
