I was sitting at home editing photos when I got a call from a wonderful woman named Gloria. She had just welcomed her first granddaughter, a beautiful six-month-old baby girl. For the first time, her whole family would be in New York at the same time: her mother, her grandmother, her daughter and her new granddaughter.
Five generations in one room. I had never had the chance to photograph a memory like this, and I was honored to be part of it.
Planning the wardrobe
Gloria came prepared. During our wardrobe consultation, we chose bright pinks, soft tans and florals for the main family portrait. It looked clean, bright and joyful, and I loved her vision. Clothing plays such an important role in how portraits feel, so I always make sure my clients are ready before the session.
For the second look, we went casual: white shirts and jeans for everyone, and a sweet white romper for the baby.
The session
Everyone had their hair and makeup done, and then Gloria’s son-in-law joined us. It was such a beautiful day. The baby was an angel and didn’t cry once. You could feel how much this family loves each other, and how much they adore their newest little one.
I didn’t want to capture just a few group shots. I wanted every combination that would matter to them years from now:
- The full five-generation portrait
- Gloria, her mother and her grandmother together
- Mom and Dad with the baby
- Each generation holding the baby
We photographed this session at Coastal Creative Studios in Huntington, one of my favorite spaces for larger family sessions. I also photograph families at my private studio in Farmingdale.
Their heirloom Artbook
When I finished, I was so happy with how everything came out. The family chose our Signature Artbook to display their portraits, and I designed it page by page. It came out spectacular, a keepsake they can pass down to their little girl one day.
In Gloria’s words
“When I say Mary provides a VIP experience, I truly mean it, from the very first conversation to the very end. She doesn’t just take beautiful photographs, she makes the entire experience feel special, personal, and memorable.”
Gloria
“These photos represent generations of our family and memories that we will cherish forever, and I couldn’t be more grateful that we trusted Mary to capture them.”
Gloria
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Planning a multi-generational family portrait?
If your family is getting together this year, it’s a rare moment worth keeping. I offer guided family portrait sessions across Long Island, with professional hair and makeup, wardrobe planning, and heirloom albums and wall art.
Learn more about family portrait sessions or reach out to start planning.
