Fun Portrait with the Grandchildren for Nan’s 80th Birthday

I can claim credit for the execution – but not the idea – behind this portrait. Read on for the behind-the-scenes story.

Heidi lives around the corner from me, on the Kingsmere estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire. I’ve been lucky enough to work with her on a number of occasions, capturing food & product photography and this surprise shoot for a Father’s Day gift.

Heidi is a fellow business owner, who installs sumptuous, on-trend grazing tables for events. I’ve seen her creativity flow through everything she does when we’ve worked together.

So when she started telling me about an idea she had for her partner’s mum’s 80th, I couldn’t wait to make it a reality.

Heidi says, “My partner, Graham runs a painting and decorating company, and recently added the finishing touches to a stunning new kitchen at his mum’s home.

“One of the walls was really bare and we felt it needed some sort of wall art. It had been years since she had a photograph of all the grandchildren together so as her 80th birthday was approaching, I thought that a photography gift voucher would be a great idea.

“I was thinking of something kitchen-related that would work really well when the photograph was displayed and that got all the grandchildren involved. Initially, I just imagined the tea pot and tea cup but then my imagination ran away with me. The next idea was the cakes, then the flowers. I struggled with the fourth prop but figured it might be really nice to incorporate a box of chocolates with the lid half open, tempting nanny to pick one!

“We were thrilled with the photograph that Sarah created. It was just as I imagined it to be: fun, colourful and quirky. It will become a talking point in the kitchen for everyone to see, and I’m sure nan will remember the laughs they all shared on the shoot, especially the tea pouring accident!

“I may have had the idea, but Sarah, the way you interact with the children and made them all feel comfortable is a credit to you, and without that my vision would not have worked!”

Thank you, Heidi! I chose your image to enter in the February 2019 monthly competition run by the Master Photographers Association (MPA), and I’m delighted it was awarded a Highly Commended Rosette. Here’s what MPA Chairman Ray Lowe had to say:

“This one I absolutely adore. You could not have done better; the expressions are fabulous. The lady in the middle looks elegant; she looks comfortable, happy, contented. You’ve got four different presents and every single one of them is working a treat.

“Every mother and grandmother would adore this image and you’ve done it so, so well.”

Ray Lowe, Chairman of the MPA

If you’re looking for fun, creative family photography or gift ideas for mums and grandmothers (Mother’s Day is fast approaching!), please get in contact! You may have an idea already, or we can come up with something unique together 🙂

Sarah Plater LMPA is a qualified professional family photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.