An Oak Island photographer, and her dilemma.
Picture this, a warm summer evening at the beach. Three teenage girls, that I’ve known for most of their lives. With them: their parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins. The only thing not perfect about this evening… it was high tide. And the smallest sliver of sandy beach for a family portrait of 11.
Did I fret! Oh no! We used every inch of that tiny sliver of beach.
I recently had the joy of photographing the Anderson family in a generational family session. I’ve been capturing their memories for them since 2011 (I think, lol! Its been a while.)
This year, they decided to include grandparents, and extended family.
Generational sessions are like hitting pause on time for just a moment.
Whether it’s the sound of a child’s giggle, a teenager’s shy grin, or the soft smile between grandparents—these are the fleeting moments you’ll want to bottle up. And these photos? They’re not just for the present—they’re for the future, for generations yet to come, to look back and feel that connection to their roots.
One of my favorite things about doing regular family portraits is how each session gets easier and more fun.
Take the Anderson family, for example—I’ve been photographing them every few years, and let me tell you, each time, it feels less like a “photo session” and more like a reunion.
When you work with someone you know and trust, the camera stops feeling like a stranger, and everyone’s true selves come shining through. The smiles? Real. The laughter? Unstoppable. And the memories? Priceless.
So, why not make it a tradition? Family sessions aren’t just about capturing faces; they’re about documenting the journey.
If you’re thinking of scheduling a generational session, let’s do it! Your future self—and your family—will thank you for it, trust me.
