Grandmother portrait shoot in Los Angeles
Today I am sharing a portrait photo session with my grandmother! How can I be a family photographer in Los Angeles and not photograph my own family? My grandma is so very special to me and I’ve been wanting to do this shoot for months (as I’ve shared about on my Instagram, if you follow me there!)
THE VISION:
It’s a leisurely day, and all is well in the world. She’s gathered some of her favorite things and is off to spend the afternoon outside enjoying the sun dancing through the green leaves.
THE LOCATION:
I love this location and it’s been on my list for a while! In a practical sense, it has a homey feeling, with touches of nature. But more than that, the low steps give her a comfortable way to lounge, and the rail gives her a place to lean. And of course, as the photographer, I had already scoped out and determined the best time of day to shoot at there.
THE PREPARATION:
I took into consideration that fact that my grandmother did not grow up with a camera. She is in her 80s now and has certainly gotten accustomed to it, but I never assume that the person in front of my camera, is a “natural”. And so, I created an environment that would FEEL natural to her and that’s how I came up with the picnic idea. I told her, “you go ahead and have a picnic, and I’ll just be photographing you”. I’d give simple prompts along the way without making the process intimidating.
I know she doesn’t like to wear makeup, but I told her wear “a little”, because the camera always shows less makeup than you’re actually wearing. She had some me-time at the salon that day and off we went.
THE BEAUTIY IS IN THE DETAILS:
Since I wanted her photoshoot to be more than just portraits of her, I asked her to bring along some things that were meaningful to her. These special touches in a photograph help to preserve so much more than a portrait. They preserve her legacy, her essence.
We have her bible from Iran. She left the country thinking she’d return in a month. It never happened and she never saw her mom again. She asked my grandfather to bring her bible to her when he came to join her.
Her wooden rosary from Israel. This came back with her when she returned to a “bucket list” trip to Israel and means a great deal to her.
The picnic is one she packed herself, with the favorite foods she likes to eat and would take on a picnic.
The “H” necklace is one her cousin (her father’s brother’s son) made for her in Iran; a cousin she hasn't seen in 20 years. In fact, she and I have matching one-of-a-kind necklaces he made for us. It’s one of my most treasured possessions I own.
Then we have her Saghmos. This book of prayers is well worn and always in sight at her home. Those who know her know that a prayer is always on her lips.
Her phenomenal ability to make art with one piece of silk string and a crochet needle is out of this world. She has gifted her children and grandchildren more than one of these heirlooms. Everyone comments on it in my own home now.
And of course, her little dog, Cookie. She came into my grandma’s life serendipitously, during a very difficult period and became her companion as my grandma learned to live alone for the first time ever after my grandpa passed.
To a passerby, they’re nice photos of a lady having a leisurely picnic; but to her family, it speaks volumes about the woman they know and love...
If you’d like to book a photoshoot for your loved on in the greater Los Angeles area, including Glendale, or for yourself, inquire here or use the “contact” menu option on the top right.
And with that being said, let’s see the results!